Comments on: Ribery not for sale

By: Angela

Angela — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:34:30 +0000

It has to do with his son and his girlfriend being closer to their family. I agree with you for the most part, but this is just ridiculous. There is no point in hanging onto a player that you have no intention of using. They just don’t want him playing against them right now and that’s the bottom line. I just think the whole thing is childish on Bayern’s part.

By: Luke

Luke — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:09:42 +0000

Angela: So what is it? That’s he’s just sad to be away from Cologne? Again, don’t sign a 4-year contract if you don’t want to leave home!

By: Angela

Angela — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:23:32 +0000

Luke: Re: Podolski. It’s just amusing to me that all anyone is listening to, and all the press is pumping is his lack of playing time when that is NOT the reason he wants to leave. It’s a shame that NO ONE is listening. Not the fans, not the management not anyone. It’s a shame that everyone is overlooking the REAL cause for his distress.

By: A Kap

A Kap — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:51:23 +0000

Whoops. I take that back about Ze, Luke. Didn’t read you line fully.

By: A Kap

A Kap — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:48:13 +0000

Luke, all I’ve seen is 3 Ibisevic goals myself, but from what I’ve read, the speed of the Hoffenheim counter is what is killing opponents. That and the fact that the villagers also score very early. Prevent those and Bayern will be in good shape.

I will not be surprised if Klinsi pulls out the 3-5-2. I also think van Bommel will have to stay back, for when Hoffenheim counters, he can form a virtual 3 man back line with Micho and Lucio while the others track back.

In case the regular formation is stuck with, I think Bayern should bottle up the middle and play wide, multiple overlaps by Lahm and Oddo over Ribery and Schweini, with Ze Roberto chipping in for good measure while Klose and Toni lurk around the penalty box for a pure poachers goal.

Either way, I agree with you about Lucio playing against his urges, but not with Ze Roberto staying back all the time. His hook-ups with Ribery have been game-changers over the past few weeks.

By: Luke

Luke — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:37:24 +0000

Angela: I am officially playing the little sarcastic violin for you re: Podolski. Maybe if he whines and sulks some more he can go play for Poland too. Rummenigge is always closer to the reality of a situation than the Kaiser. Remember, the Kaiser was the one who floated the idea that Bayern would be interested in bringing in Mourinho. Riiiiight.

A Kap, I agree with you generally, although I’m not sure it’s going to be as revolutionary as you suggest. But I don’t question Klinsmann’s desire to be as revolutionary as you suggest, just his ability to make it reality. Never thought you’d miss Jan Schlaudraff this much, hmm? But, he’s be very helpful to have right about now, for the exact reasons you outline. I don’t really see Donovan having much of a chance to establish himself in what amounts to 6 match weeks once the break is over.

But let’s talk about the match at hand. I have to say, that I have not seen a full Hoffenheim match. But I really think a key to this match is how much discipline Lucio can show. I really do not want to see Bayern get into a match with Hoffenheim similar to the one Bremen experienced, where all caution was thrown to the wind and basically the last team to touch the ball won. Lucio needs to stay at home, and I think it’s actually quite important that Ze Roberto stay at home to a degree, and downgrade his offensive contribution. Bayern needs to be physical in the midfield and not allow long runs through open space. If there’s anything I’ve been struck by while trying to analyze some of the data, it’s the fact that several teams have simply not been able to get back, resulting in tremendously long runs, or been unable to compact themselves when needed. Boring will be good.

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:12:08 +0000

Diana: I look all over…. and know a few people here and there.

A Kap: Rain on my parade why don’t you? I’m serious, if Mark goes, I’m going on strike.

By: A Kap

A Kap — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:14:57 +0000

Angela,
Re: van Bommel, I hope you know how conversations that start with “we need to talk” go. I don’t mean to portend, hope against, just saying

By: A Kap

A Kap — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:12:16 +0000

I think the Podolski saga also has a lot to do with personnel. Bayern has only 3 forwards. Ideally, a team in the UCL would like to have 4, regardless of the drop off in quality. Letting Podolski go right now would be disastrous, more so since other than Landon Donovan, there is no one lined up as yet. Even then, Donovan is guaranteed to stick around through March, at which point we’ll see if a full transfer is effected. Even then, without Poldi, that leaves Bayern with 3 forwards yet again, albeit with a significant drop-off in quality.

The opposite is the case with the midfield, but this is with an eye on the future. Borowski and Kroos will be fighting for a spot once Ze Roberto leaves and add Altintop to the mix in case Schweini jumps ship as well.

I honestly think Klinsi will try to bring in players that suit his system once the “old guard” leaves. Whether this works or not remains to be seen, but the revolution promised by the Board and the gaffer will happen this coming off-season. Remember, you heard it here first.

Oh, and Ribery stays. He loves it here and the players and fans love him too. Bayern should try to sew him up longer and if either side changes their mind at any point, sell him for a HUGE transfer fee…

By: shingi

shingi — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:48:58 +0000

is it just me or is Toni looking pretty terrible this year? Its like he needs 5 or 6 wide open, clear chances to score one goal. Seems like he’s one of those players with a very brief peak. Took forever to get there too, what a shame