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Ah, much to discuss… I’ve finally gotten my desktop and netbook back in order, (Damn you, Windows!) so now I can finish spewing my opinions willy-nilly. Eh, it’s part of my charm… right?
Braafheid’s Switch to Celtic
Right at the transfer deadline Bayern coach, Louis van Gaal, opted to send Edson Braafheid on loan to
Celtic. Van Gaal gave an interview stating that Edson “was not rated by the fans in Bayern”. And, that, “in such a case, it is better to let the player go and leave the club.”
Can I get a “huh”?!
Since when do fans control a club? Frankly, Edson ran like he had a refrigerator on his back… and Holger Badstuber, as Braafheid’s replacement on the left-side, has done an admirable job… but, still?! I know, collectively, as fans, we think we know everything--- But, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to be in charge of decision-making at FC Bayern Muenchen. If I were, Lahm would be captain, Tymo would be starting over van Bommel and Miro would get more playing time.
So, what gives with van Gaal? Why is he pawning-off a poor decision, on his part, on to the shoulders of the Bayern faithful? Perhaps because Edson is Dutch? There was a bit of rumbling, as this season’s team was being put together, by Bavarians who weren’t exactly happy to have such a sudden influx of “so many” Dutchmen. (See: World War II, Germany / Holland.) Or, perhaps it’s because the summer signings haven’t exactly worked out so well… (See: Pranjic, Tymoschuk) …with the exception of fellow Netherlander, Arjen Robben.
Die Roten Hosen
Speaking of Arjen, and underwear… The, probably, first-and-only “long-john scandal” has come to a conclusion as someone has finally found Mr. Robben red tights to wear underneath his kit.
As a female football fan with a bit of fashion sense (bear with me, boys!), I found it hard to appreciate his game, as the ugly grey long-johns were so distracting. Apparently, the DFL did as well; threatening fines levied against the chilly Dutchman if he couldn’t find some matching drawers. Sheesh! All they had to do was call me: I’ve got a pair of red tights I would’ve been more-than-happy to let him borrow!
Strangely enough, this is the second Bayern uniform “scandal” in two years. (See: Franck Ribery’s blue boots.) I wonder what’ll be next…
Contract Extensions
Daniel van Buyten, Holger Badstuber and Thomas Mueller were all given contract extensions ‘til 2012, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A solid decision on the part of the bosses at Bayern, as all three, this season, have really come in to their own.
And now we’ll wait, breathlessly, for the enormous Ribery discussion that we know is in the works. I wonder how it’s going to pan out. I would think it will have a lot to do with how many trophies Bayern captures this season. I’m pretty sure we’re going to get the “big, ugly plate” (Bundesliga) and the “big, ugly cup” (DFB). And I, kind of, like our chances at the “be-ribboned, pretty, silver cup” (Champions League), although that will depend, a lot, on the draw.
Is two trophies enough to keep Ribery at Bayern? I will admit to being ambivalent about it, as I think Thomas Mueller will slide in, nicely, to the Frenchman’s role.
What do you think?
Comments
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Posted by Frank on 02/09/2010
I think that if Ribery leaves Kroos will be an excellent replacement. I would prefer Kroos any way. he is german and causes less drama.If Ribery should stay then I think Kroos should stay at Leverkusen and get his playing time.
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Posted by Susie on 02/09/2010
Hey Frank!
Duh. Forgot to mention Kroos coming back... :)
But, yeah... you're right.
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Posted by John on 02/09/2010
I, too, am excited to see Kroos come back. I think that Ribery will be gone, however (merely an opinion). It looks like a page right out of the playbook of Alex Ferguson (If I may borrow your method, Susie, then see Cristiano Ronaldo/Madrid) where a player is told not to shoot his mouth off about a transfer until the time is right.
Nevertheless, Bayern has a strong midfield and the prospect of millions of euros for Ribery also includes a summer transfer for a replacement if necessary.
Ribery is a terrific player, but for Bayern fans it seems this one is win-win whether he stays or goes.
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Posted by Graham on 02/09/2010
I like our chances at the double in Germany, I think the champions league is a year away or so still. I think signing Van Buyten to a new two year deal is a big part of keeping Frank, since they are BFFs or whatever.
If we keep this undefeated run in the league and handle Fürth, and Fiorentina to stay in those competitions he'll probably opt to stay. I think in the end he'll see the light and realize he might not even be a starter in Madrid.
I think what Louis Van Gaal was trying to say during that interview on Braafheid is that once the fans decide to turn on a player, it is hard for the player to gain confidence, which is essential to playing on a big stange like the bundesliga.
As far as Kroos goes, I think he will have a place in the squad no matter who stays or goes. He looks like he is ready to be a Bayern player. Speculation on where in the team he fits in and in what formation are way to far off for me. I'll speculate across that bridge when I come to it.
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Posted by Paddy on 02/09/2010
I agree. If(when) Ribery leaves Kroos can be a direct replacement for him. He actually wants to do great things with Bayerm while Ribery doesn't really care with which club he wins things, as long as he does ( and Frank don't dare to tell me this isn't just a ploy to get the highest offer possible, every player is motivated by money, muslims are known to be obsessed with it). He actually played more games with Bayern than any other previous club. Loyal? I don't think so.
And he's constantly injured ( even more often than Robben). He missed almost half a season last year thanks to the injury from Euro and he missed even more this season.
I say grab the 40-60 mio€ and buy a worldclass fullback, a great GK ( not a priority), get rid of Van Bommel and Demichelis and we're set to go.
It also depends if they have any plans for Breno and Tymo, if not we need a CB and a DM too.
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Posted by Bayern Loyalty on 02/11/2010
I just fail to understand why you people never get bored of minimizing MVB's role and input. For F**K sake, can't you see how vital his presence is?
Ever since our skipper got back from injury, signs of consistency in midfield were very apparent. Come on people, MVB is a genuine crosser of the ball, a sharp tackler and a serious leader.
With all due respect to Phillip Lahm, I personally think he is amongst our top 3 players (MVB is not) though he lacks every single element a captain post requires.
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Posted by BayernUSA on 02/11/2010
i say use the money to acquire marin from bremen. Munich needs more germans.
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Posted by Jacob on 02/11/2010
Several things:
1. Did anybody notice Franck's interesting goal celebration yesterday? Hugging his agent who has pushed for him to leave for over a year? Or his disgust at getting subbed? Considering he hasn't once shown the brilliance he is capable of since returning from injury, I'd expect more humility from a play that, I thought, was indeed quite humble. Who would bet on him staying? Not I. But if we pocket 50 million euros for him, reinvest in a top keeper and another star attacker, why should we bemoan his 'ambition?' Plus, with Kroos coming back, I think our midfield is just fine. It is clear that our attack now focuses on Müller and Robben, anyway. Our team is proud to wear red and they are brilliant on the ball, without Ribéry on the pitch.
2. If yesterday showed anything, it was a. we are a gritty team that doesn't give up (hooray!) b. Schweini's absence is very noticeable in the starting 11 c. Rensing could not make it as our number one (the second goal--mein Gott!
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Posted by Effe_This on 02/11/2010
Braafheid: I wondered, why get rid of both Braafheid and Breno? Who would fill in if someone gets hurt? And who ends up playing in the cup game, Lell, who looked terrible. I understand Van Gaal wanting a smaller team, but injuries and illness do happen. I didn't think Braafheid was that terrible. He's better than Lell.
I feel bad for Tymo. He's had issues adjusting, but he's made no more mistakes than MvB. I thought their play with Tymo earlier this season was good, it's just that they didn't score goals. Bayern's scoring explosion has little to do with MvB's return and more to do with others finally stepping up. Stick either Tymo or MvB beside Schweini and they are golden.
As for Ribery: Kroos will be back next year IF Ribery leaves. If Bayern reaches the CL final or semi-final, then they have a chance to resign, but only a chance. Anything less and he'll definitely leave....... but to his detriment, IMHO.
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Posted by Susie on 02/15/2010
Bayern Loyalty---
You people? Heh. MVB is a very polarizing figure, very much like Lucio was. No one feels indifferent about either player, correct?
Personally, I think the consistncy has come from Schweini being moved to the center... but, maybe that's just me.
I get MVB being a leader, but when things were said and done, the only person who stood up publicly for his team is Lahm.
And honestly, Tymo played well when given the chance to start every week. Is he better on the field than MVB? Eh, that's TBD.
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Posted by Susie on 02/15/2010
Jacob---
I've always though that Klinsi's benching of Rensing would do him a couple years damage. (And yes, that second goal was a shocker!)
And we are gritty. I agree. And I like it!
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Posted by Susie on 02/15/2010
Effe_This:
You're right, Braafheid's much better than Lell. I can't believe Lell didn't go anywhere during the transfer. (Is that because no one would have him?)
I agree, Schweini's the key. I just ordered my Germany Away jersey with his name on the back... :)
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Posted by Markus on 04/27/2010
MVB Discussion
I realize this is an older discussion but allow me to still get in my 2 cents:
Granted, MVB is not the best footballer to ever play the game but he is the one that lifts up his teammates when things are not going well. He is one of the main reasons Bayern were able to pull off these amazing comebacks. This is not just about footballing skills but real leadership.
May I remind of the '01 team with a certain Mr. Effenberg captaining the team. He was also not the most gifted player; in fact he was (and is) an a....le. But a team studded with players that make millions year, you need someone like that; someone to keep the team a bit humble. MVB is that guy for the current team.
Any deficits in skill are being compensated by pulling Schweini back into the double 6 and getting the ball out onto the wings ("Robbery").
Trust me, we need this guy. Bayern had its greatest years with strong personalities like that - Effenberg, Breitner, etc
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About
Susie Schaaf is a footie-obsessed German-American with a Brazilian passport. She promises to be completely biased whilst eliciting as many chuckles from you as she can. When she’s not writing, you can find her pouring pints at her local or on an airplane to anywhere. If you’d like to swear at or praise her, she can be reached at susie.schaaf@gmail.com |
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