Its definitely going to be interesting to see how Bayern play this season, losing Kroos and adding Lewandowski changes things somewhat, but even Lewa isnt exactly what Pep likes.
After winning the World Cup hopefully Pep wakes up and realizes that Lahm is probably the best wing-back in the world and he plays him there and leaves him there.
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How come Frankfurt and Koln are never competitive? Those are big, wealthy markets.
I think a lot of it has to do with the restrictions in place in the Bundesliga. With the exceptions of Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Red Bull Leipzig in 2.Bundesliga, all teams must operate under the 50+1 rule. This means that teams must be majority owned by German club members and discourages clubs from being owned by a single person or company. Not to mention the restrictions on using debt for acquisitions. Because of this teams are required to rely on a good youth program and astute buys. Köln especially has suffered because of this. This is the reason why teams from smaller city's like Bremen and Stuttgart have been able to be successful in the past.
Having to be responsible with money and developing youth is something the premier league could learn from.
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With the exceptions of Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Red Bull Leipzig in 2.Bundesliga, all teams must operate under the 50+1 rule. This means that teams must be majority owned by German club members and discourages clubs from being owned by a single person or company.
Interesting. Could you explain why these particular teams have an exception?
Interesting. Could you explain why these particular teams have an exception?
In Leverkusen and Wolfsburg's case, both were formed as factory teams with pharmaceutical giant Bayer owning Leverkusen and Volkswagon owning Wolfsburg. Thus they were given an exception.
For Hoffenhem, they were a small club from a 3,000 person village until they were backed by Dietmar Hopp, the co-founder of SAP. Hopp was a youth player with Hoffenheim before making his fortune at which point he came back, bought shares in the club in 2000 and brought them up through the ranks. Although he only technically owns 49% of the club, which is allowed, it is rumoured that he owns much more. Thanks to him, the club was able to bring in better players, improve facilities and build a new stadium. However the stadium itself is not in Hoffenheim but Sinsheim which is a bigger town near Hoffenheim.
RB Leipzig was formed in 2009 by Red Bull who bought a 5th division licence off another team. They have been promoted a few times over the past five years, including last year when they were promoted to the 2.Bundesliga. However they were denied entrance until they changed certain aspects of the club. First teams in Germany are not allowed a sponsors name in the club or badge of the team. And also they had to comply with the 50+1 rule. Currently RB Leipzig only has 9 members all employees of Red Bull. They changed the logo slightly and have found some loopholes in the 50+1 rule and thus are allowed to compete.
I would say though, the most hated clubs in Germany would be these four teams as they are all looked down on.
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologised after a video of him singing a derogatory song about Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund was published on the internet.
Although he won the World Cup alongside Dortmund stars such as Mats Hummels and Kevin Grosskreutz, Schweinsteiger, 29, was captured on film joining in with a fans' chant that refers to Bayern's rivals as "sons of bitches."
"I have broken off my holiday because it has come to my attention that a video with me in it has been spread around the internet," the Bayern midfielder wrote on Facebook. "I would like to apologise to the fans, officials and players of Borussia Dortmund.
"I don't want to gloss over anything. It is a well-known supporters' chant, but I didn't want to offend anyone with that swear word."
Grosskreutz wrote: "Hey Schweini! That wasn't cool, but I understand your explanation with regard to this and I will never forget everything that you have done for me! Everyone makes mistakes, and that should be the end of this!"
Dortmund later added a post on their Facebook page, which read: "Dear Bastian Schweinsteiger,
"That you, after clinching the World Cup (for which we send our heartfelt congratulations!), have an odd Weissbier, let your emotions out and you sing one or two rash remarks -- that's fair enough, not a problem! We have always regarded you as a fair sportsman and would never have made a meal out of your songs, while we -- of course -- accept your video apologies. We wish you a nice holiday still in Croatia!
"Borussia Dortmund
"PS: You can put bent things straight. If you ever need any singing lessons, just let us know. We'd be happy to help you."
Bayern looking to land Khedira, and for cheap too!
Quote:
Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has denied Spanish media reports the German champions are seeking to sign Sami Khedira.
Khedira, 27, has been linked to both Arsenal and Chelsea, but according to Marca, the World Cup winner has been advised by Bayern to see out the remaining year of his contract in the Spanish capital before moving to the Allianz Arena.
However, Rummenigge, who has been unable to join Bayern's preseason tour of the USA due to a visa problem, denied any move was being made for the Germany international.
"That is pure speculation," Rummenigge told the dpa press agency.
At red bull arena Right now. There's a solid group in from Montreal and it looked outside that it may be pretty packed. Pictures to come. Auf gehts Bayern!
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Bayern Munich have confirmed that Javi Martinez is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the club's 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Martinez, 25, will not play for Bayern again in 2014 and could face up to seven months out of action.
Bayern beating Preußen Münster 3-0 72nd min. Make it 4-0
Pokal
Müller
Götze
Pizarro
Alaba
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Thank you for everything CP. Good memories and thankful for everything that has been done to help me out. I will no longer take part on these boards. Take care, Go Flames Go.
