Bayern 4 – 2 Wolfsburg
By: Angela | October 26th, 2008
Well, that clearly was a game meant entirely for me. I’m posting this late as I didn’t get to watch it when it aired due to a family obligation, but I recorded it and watched it this morning. I just want to make a couple of quick observations. Our defense is still very, very weak. Actually, let me correct that, Lucio is very, very weak. There were a lot of mistakes on his part. Demichelis is still the anchor in defense, but the more I watch Lucio play, this season especially, the more I can’t understand why he is a starting defender.
Christian Lell is awful. I don’t understand why management allows such a player to be part of their team. He is dirty. There is no excuse for his actions. If they’ve got van Bommel seeing the team shrink for his ‘anger’ then Lell should be triple booking sessions. I do not like this guy. He should’ve been sent off after that body check. A lot of his behavior is absolutely uncalled for.
Which brings me to van Bommel. Whether Klose should’ve finished that shot is no longer a point. The follow up header which resulted in van Bommel’s equalizer was absolutely brilliant. It’s good to see him scoring goals for both his National Team and his club as well. This was the highlight for me. Which I’m sure you all cheered loudly in my honor when you seen the goal knowing that your faithful Bayern blogger would’ve been completely ecstatic and believe me, I was. I am very happy for my Captain. 
The more I watch him play, the more I enjoy Oddo. I think he was a good choice by Bayern. He was subbed early for Borowski, but I’m really starting to enjoy watching him play. Borowski is now the leading scorer for Bayern this season. He is becoming an asset to have on the team as well.
The team looked a little bit better for this game. They still have some improvements to make, but this was a step in the right direction. I think that as long as they keep pushing forward there will be improvements and the team will continue to take strides in the right direction.
Age hasn’t got a thing on Ze Roberto. He is just amazing. I swear he seems to get younger and younger every year. His play amazes me. And the penalty shot that resulted in Wolfsburg’s first goal can’t go unmentioned. It was completely the WRONG call to make. Demichelis didn’t even touch the other player and the ref definitely made the wrong call here. I don’t think I’ve seen a call this bad yet. It was clearly the wrong call.
Klose’s form is a bit sporadic, but he’s getting there. Podolski had the opportunity to seize the moment and he failed miserably. There was again no shining moment or a reason for him to be given a shot at the starting line. He will have a couple more opportunities, but unless he seizes the moment during one of those opportunities, I see no reason for him not to be warming the bench. I just wish Lucio would join him.
So now Bayern have 3 in a row and things are looking better. They’re not out of reach in the table and if things continue to improve they’ll advance. And the Champions League is providing great opportunities as well. For Bayern, goals came from Ribery, van Bommel, Borowksi and Schweinsteiger. Ribery is starting to look more and more like his old self. Things are looking up for this team.
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What? No comments on MY favorite player Schweinsteiger? His play improves with every game and I no longer see the “hot head” that initially drew me to watch him while on the pitch. I think this last goal makes 3 for him so far, right?
Posted from
United States
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Just the way they drew it up, right?
Thoughts on the match, in no particular order:*If you had to start Breno in place of Lucio for the rest of the season, I don’t believe he would do any worse, and one would at least be able to use his age and relative inexperience as an excuse. I hope to see Breno Wednesday, and frequently thereafter.
*Rather quietly, I think Rensing had his best match of the season. He never looked particularly flustered or out of his element, and he had absolutely no chance on either goal. Let’s also give him some credit for the clean sheet in mid-week, even if Fiorentina’s strikers deserve more. We’re seeing some growth from him, and that’s a good sign.
*Just like last week, the chances were there early on, but no goals. One adjustment might be to start Borowski, especially in home matches. For whatever reason, which I confess to not having figured out yet, the goals come when Borowski is on the field. However, I would resist the suggestion above–mainly, the slow starts are a product of an out of form or in this case out of match Luca Toni. It’s easy to forget, but I would bet that at least half his goals last season were the 1-0 goals.
The penalty was clearly BS, but if you’re going to get a BS penalty called against you, it’s better when it can be early in a match, at home, and not be a straight red. So, you know, it happens. Demichelis made some nice plays yesterday, but I think we are starting to see that last season was a bit of an aberration with regards to him. I think the Demichelis we saw in years prior to last season is back, and for whatever reason, last season was really an “up” season for him. He’s a solid player, but perhaps it’s too much to expect for him to be as good as he was last season in *every* season.
*It would have been classic van Bommel for him to have actually headed that ball over the bar by 6 inches. It seemed to float long enough that I had my exasperated body language response already planned out. But alas, it went in and we’re all happy. Ok, some of us more than others
*Podolski is maddening, because I wouldn’t say he plays badly; but he really doesn’t play well either. There were two clear chances that National Team Podolski would have converted on yesterday. At this point, I fully expect to see Podolski leading the Tottenham resurgence at Uli’s earliest convenience.
*Shall we all take a collection for Lell’s girlfriend (or ex-girlfriend I hope?) Still, I don’t think he’s smart enough to really be so calculating in his clumsiness.
*Ribery is about 2 matches away from rejoining the creme de la creme. Watch out Bielefeld.
*To overcome an 0-2 like that shows a confidence we weren’t really sure this team had. I would submit to you that it is the product of *gasp* good coaching. Of course the mitigating factor is that even at 0-2, Wolfsburg is a team that still doesn’t know how to react. However, I did come away with more respect for them–they played some beautiful balls in, should have had at least one more goal, and there’s no question they are a worthy representative of the Bundesliga in the UEFA Cup.
*There’s really no reason we shouldn’t take 6 points from the next 2 matches. In fact, it’s rather imperative, because after that, we visit Schalke, and Schalke may be Schalke, but it’s rare indeed to take more than a point from there. I may be falling into the minority, but I do not take Hoffenheim seriously as a title contender (say what you will about today’s result, but I don’t feel Hamburg is one either!) To me, the teams that will be there at the end are Bayern, Bremen, Leverkusen and Schalke and so racking up these next 6 points would put us in a very strong position relative to these squads.
Posted from
United States -
“I may be falling into the minority, but I do not take Hoffenheim seriously as a title contender (say what you will about today’s result, but I don’t feel Hamburg is one either!) To me, the teams that will be there at the end are Bayern, Bremen, Leverkusen and Schalke and so racking up these next 6 points would put us in a very strong position relative to these squads.”
Since I followed Cologne in the second division last season, I also saw how Hoffenheim was developing. So, I was already certain this team wouldn’t really have to worry about relegation. But I’m still impressed by their start in the Bundesliga. They have a very good coach and some very good or at least promising young players. I currently don’t see them as a title contender either though. They have been spared of an injury crisis so far, but this is alway a possibility and they don’t have a very deep squad yet to compensate injuries. And then it is also a simple matter of “getting to know each other”. Bayern came storming out of the gates last season and it seemed like no team had an answer to Toni and Ribery. But as the season progressed it became more difficult for Bayern and they eventually ended the year level on points with Bremen. I think the same will happen with Hoffenheim. They won’t always have it as easy as in the match against Hamburg. Especially since Martin Jol gifted 50% of the victory to them with his reorganised defense.
I still think Hamburg have a good chance to be up there with Bayern though. On paper, I see their squad to be only marginally weaker than the ones of Bremen and Schalke and slightly stronger and deeper than Leverkusen’s. Wolfsburg aren’t that far behind Leverkusen either. And based on potential of some of their players, I can see Hamburg even eclipsing Bremen and Schalke.
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United States -
“It would have been classic van Bommel for him to have actually headed that ball over the bar by 6 inches. It seemed to float long enough that I had my exasperated body language response already planned out. But alas, it went in and we’re all happy. Ok, some of us more than others
”Luke: Are you aiming that at me?
Of course I was superbly delighted and even squealed like a girl. 
I’m not ashamed to admit that. I think that his National play is helping his confidence and his game a lot. He’s scoring and providing a lot of chances for his teammates on a rather consistent basis in the NT and you can’t help but bring that air of confidence to the club level. Unless you’re Podolski.Posted from
United States -
Luke: A little PS: I do hope she’s his ex girlfriend as well. I don’t follow him enough to really know, but with my history, I am not a fan of people who behave like he does off the pitch.
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United States -
Angela:
I really really disagree on Lucio. I know he was the defender, who was late for the header which lead to the 2nd goal of Wolfsburg, but in the 2nd half he was great. As I watched the match I thought that you would complain about that header, but admit that the second half performance was good. You surprised me
As for Demichelis, I think he touched the second (or back) foot of the striker. I agree that it was a wrong call, because he reached the ball as well, but the ref doesn’t see the replay as we do
I admit I would be upset if Bayern had lost because of that penalty, though Posted from
Hungary -
I said last week that Klinnsman had to unshackle Ribery and by extension Bayern’s offense and use start using counters to exploit numerical mismatches to get Bayern’s offense back on track and thats exactly what he has done. Klinnsman must be given props for changing things that don’t work and his mechanical disciplined offensive scheme had clearly failed and it was good to see the coach swallow his pride and change it.
this game was much closer than the score line reflected. Wolfsburg had enough scoring chances to have had this game end 4-4 Bayern won the game on offensive efficiency and if they keep up that level of offensive efficiency then they will beat most bundesliga teams. That said it now time for Klinnsman to fix the defensive scheme Bayern need to win the ball back quickly after they loose possession, the defensive midfielders have to be more aggressive and the whole midfield has to make an effort to defend. Bayern cant win the champions league if they allow teams the level of possession ion their defensive third third as they allowed wolfsburg.
Posted from
United States -
Angela: “…even squealed like a girl” – couple of words missing there or is it something that should not be brought up altogether?
You are welcome to disregard that.A couple of things I noticed about Rensing – he still seems a little vulnerable with crosses, but that might just be because he’s still developing that 6th sense with the defense.
When he gathered the ball for a goal kick, his walk sorta showed a nervous energy in that he used short quick steps. An older (and experienced) player would probably take his time (not so much if the team were down, and I don’t remember the score at that point but even so). It would be an interesting experiment to compare that footage versus some a year or so down, to see if there is any change – and I think there will be.
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A Kap: Well you know how that goes… I was just sparing you all the dirty details.
I agree on Rensing. He’s coming into his own, but it’s clear he’s still a little uncertain on things, but I think he has the ability to get there. His last two performances alone have been a step in the right direction.
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United States -
A Kap:
Interesting observation on Rensing–it was not something I noticed, despite the fact that I do try to psychoanalyze him via body language each match!
I may not have done enough reading, but does anyone know how Ribery got his black eye? Picked the right time of year for it anyway, and he could now step into the German horror family picture with Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu and fit in nicely.
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United States -
Thanks Luke. Ribery got the eye from the Fiorentina match. He was sandwiched while going up for an aerial ball. I think that’s what it was but there is a slight chance it could have been for another hit.
What I do remember for sure is that he had to come out briefly for treatment because he was bleeding from the hit, and also got his yellow soon after for kicking a ball whistled dead into the stands since he was still incensed.
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And there we have it, as I was on the ol’ UEFA matchcast for the Fiorentina match, and didn’t end up seeing any video beyond the goals. Thanks.
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Jan,
I have to respectfully disagree with you on Hoffenheim. They have a very good young team who plays a very team oriented game. They counterattack very quickly in numbers and barring significant injury, will be playing with the big boys in Europe next year, UEFA Cup or Champions League. If you have not seen them play yet, once you do, I think you’ll agree, they are a good club.Now in saying that, I fully expect we will win the Bundesliga title in Bayern, but Hoffenheim has the quality to play with the rest of the contenders. The style they play could give us fits if Lucio hasn’t found his game by the time we play them.
I really think Bayern is ready to go on one of those long streaks and move to the top of the table. Ribery looks ready to dominate.
Prediction: Poldi will score versus Frankfurt. I’m probably the only one here who still supports him, but i expect to see a really good game from him Wednesday. Schweinie is going to make him think he is playing for the national team, he will not play so tight and the goal will come.
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United States -
what’s wrong with willy sagnol, about how much time will he recover?
Posted from
Netherlands -
FCB vs AB yesterday was good. too many missed chances, it should have been 5 to 1. I think Oddo was being rested for the CL match.
Lell is a douche bag. Breno has played well with the few chances he’s had.
Me says that Poldi’s leaving during the X-mas pause. I hate to see him go, but he just keeps getting dissed almost to a personal level. I mean for Hoeness to say that he has never played any hard teams for the Mannschaft. Kinda foul if you ask me. I say let him go where he can be appreciated, I mean he’s on his 3d season with no real love except from the fans.
Posted from
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That’s right, I’m home from Iraq! Tried to get the CL home tickets but can’t get my whole family seated together. What’s the point if I can’t share it with my wife and kids? Looking at going after the new year.
Posted from
Germany -
Jocamryn: Welcome home!!!!!!
And I would just like to say that Luke might have stiff competition from you now… you just won me over completely with the ‘Lell is a douche bag’ comment.
Posted from
United States -
You should see the Bild today, Lell has been served a restraining order by his ex.
Let him go, he may be a continuous distraction.
Schweini is having his own legal troubles, he owe EURO 28,000 for an unpaid liability.
I just ordered my FCB license frame for my BMW that I take delivery on early next month. Yeah, we use long ones here, even for “US tags”.
DO you all get the Fan catalogue mailed to you in the states? If you can learn some German (if not, the mag itself is worth it) I highly recommend joing the fan club. The Official Mag each week covering matches rocks.
Posted from
Germany -
Jocamryn: Lell is a horrible person and I wish he were gone. I can not stand him.
I get the catalogue mailed to me. I know some vague German, but it’s getting better I hope. I’m trying! I might have to consider doing that though. Posted from
United States
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