ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - FC Bayern Munich
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FC Bayern Munich
Posted by Susie Schaaf on 09/26/2011

First, let me say that any erroneous information in my last blog I will blame wholly on Oktoberfest. Ha! No really, while I try to be perfect always, sometimes I get a little lost in German translation. Entschuldigung.

The curious case of Breno is troubling. He's currently being held in jail on suspicion of burning his villa down. German authorities consider him a possible flight risk- which would make sense if his passport hadn't burned up in the fire as well. Family troubles, knee troubles, and now in jail with nothing left here. Little wonder that the Bayern brass are trying to get him in to the Max Planck Institute. Hopefully, he gets a fair shake here and ends up peacefully back in Brazil.

Getting the sad stuff out of the way: How awesome was Saturday?! What a great day to be in the Allianz! We gave 'Kusen a 90 minute footballing lesson. Always the bridesmaid, the Werkself never really gave Bayern a match. "They enjoyed the slow pace before such an important Champions League match," wrote Sueddeutsche Zeitung about Bayern, then stating that, "Leverkusen managed to conserve a lot of energy during that 3-0 defeat in Munich."

It was a dominant performance by a Bayern team that actually played sloppier than they have all season. Missed passes and communication errors all over the place. But, three points and 90 minutes added on to Neuer's clean sheet record is nothing to really complain about, now, is it?

Now, the true test: The final match in our four game rough stretch which really hasn't been that rough at all. While we are absolutely slaughtering everything coming our way in the Bundesliga--- right now we're on pace to beat most of the superlative records held by past Bayern squads (points in a season, goals scored, +differential, goals conceded)--- How do we stack up against other European teams? Well, we find out tomorrow.

That other team from Manchester is loaded. With money. With talent. Every player on the pitch cost City a fortune, and the Munich papers have predictably printed another round of articles on fianancial fair play. But, since the fair play rules have yet to take effect, a team like City can buy whoever they wish, for as much as they wish. And they have, over the last two years picking up enviable names like Tevez, Dzeko, Clichy, Toure, Balotelli, David Silva, Lescott... and the list keeps going.

After their surprise draw to open their debut Champions League campaign, Mancini's men are handed the unenviable task of trying to come to Munich and beat what is, so far, looking like another Bayern squad-for-the-ages. And forget about those Spanish teams for just a moment. Look at the attacking menaces on both sides: Robben, Ribery, Mueller, Gomez, Kroos, Nasri, Aguerro, Dzeko, Silva, Tevez.

Key to the match? Holger Badstuber. After a horrible 2010, he is currently the highest-rated defender in Germany according to kicker's rankings. He, and either van Buyten or Boateng will be in charge of controlling Edin Dzeko. No easy task as he's scored six goals so far this term.

Apparently, what City fans are here in Munich have been behaving themselves. I haven't heard or seen anything bad--- yet. (Of course there is always tomorrow.) And as it was just "Italian Weekend" here, I can't see them being any worse than the "Spaghettis"--- who have the absolute worst rep of any of the nations represented at Oktoberfest. I haven't gone a year here without slapping at least one, this year included.

And, so it goes. I'm off like a prom dress, people. Sorry I haven't been replying to comments, but bier and boys in lederhosen are much more important to me, currently. Surely, you wouldn't want to deprive me of any fun... I am very, very much looking forward to being at the match tomorrow. If only to see the look on the City players' faces when faced with a Munich crowd, while not always the loudest, are certainly up for this match.


Auf gehts, Bayern!

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Comments

Posted by konrad on 09/26/2011

hope this is just false alarm:

raphael honigstein on twitter: Missing Badstuber with flu would be a disaster for Bayern. Van Buyten v Agüero? Jupp Heynckes better personally apply the Vicks VapoRub.

Posted by Mike on 09/26/2011

I don't understand why Van Buyten gets no love. Indeed, Diego Milito made him look like a chump in the CL Final a couple years ago, but the man doesn't quit. And how about that goal he had on Saturday?? A BLAST!!!, if I say so myself. Regardless, I look forward to what I believe is the most exciting matchup of the group stage (Milan-Barca was good, but this one should be a cracker!!). Auf gehts Bayern!!!

Posted by latibaba on 09/27/2011

All i can say for now is that i see city suffering thier highest defeat of the season,UNLESS,mancini decide to park the TRAIN.C U AFTER cracker.MIa san mia

Posted by Jorge on 09/27/2011

mike, i agree. while van buyten did have the "deer in the headlights" look a few times midway through the season last year (leading to a month or so off, i believe), i definitely think he's back. i enjoyed the pairing of van buyten and boateng in the back. i've wondered for a while why heynckes hasn't tried it out yet, but then again, if badstuber ain't broke, there's no point in fixing him. and it does seem that he's playing much better this year too. so far, i'm thoroughly enjoying this season. let's keep it up, Jungs!

Posted by kaycee on 09/28/2011

And What a match it proved to be! Bayern have great prospects this season.
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Posted by DERKYI on 09/29/2011

BAYERN is the best team in the world. i'm proud to be a BAYERN fan. mia san miaBAYERN is the best team in the world. i'm proud to be a BAYERN fan. mia san mia

Posted by Dan on 09/29/2011

This is like a dream. My team is back. When I first started being a Bayern fan, over 20 years ago, they were a powerhouse. Teams were scared to play them. Now they are back, finally. They are back in full glory. When I think how the played against City without Badstuber and Robben. I still can't believe it.

Posted by Kwamakhulu 6 days, 5 hours ago

I'll admit, I haven't seen any of these games, but it does make me wonder. Is this as much an inmdtcient of the service Donovan gets in MLS as it is a testament to his development?Or are we all just overly optimistic based on less-than-competitive friendlies?

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