There is no challenging Bayern at the moment:
Felix Magath acknowledged that Bayern is on a different level currently. Results and statistics both point out that Bayern has just been extremely dominant this season. Last season’s failings prompted Jupp Heynckes to force his charges to press higher up the pitch. This has resulted in Bayern earning close to 70% possession in almost every match. Other teams don’t stand a chance.
Jupp Heynckes’ rotation policy ensures that last season’s failings due to lack of depth will not occur a second time. Bayern is set to take the title and at the moment, with Dortmund stuttering, there doesn’t seem to be a challenger for what is seemingly set to be Bayern’s Bundesliga crown.
Frankfurt’s challenge is not to be taken lightly:
Bayern might be at the top of the table currently- however the happiest side in the country is undoubtedly second placed Frankfurt. Eintracht’s attack has been flowing. They have won games by coming from behind. They held the defending champions to a 3-3 draw in a brilliant game of football after having gone 0-2 down. Frankfurt is the only side that has kept up with Bayern so far.
Surprise Bundesliga title winners are few and far between. However, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg have achieved the feat before. Newly promoted Kaiserslautern did so in 1998. This bodes well for Frankfurt. They might not win it. A top five finish though is within their sights because with their attack, they can achieve a lot.
Jürgen Klopp is finally taught a much needed lesson:
Jürgen Klopp has finally been taught a lesson about behaving himself on the touchline. He appears to be a very likeable and relaxed fellow off the pitch. However, his behaviour on the touchline sets a bad example. On Tuesday against Frankfurt, the referee refused to tolerate his constant bellowing and sent him off to the stands.
Jürgen Klopp’s attitude is not expected to change any time soon nonetheless. When he returns to the sidelines in midweek in Champions League action, he can be expected to be animated. UEFA has so far tolerated his behaviour but the Bundesliga showed that the league will not continue to do so any further. Klopp needed to be reminded that he has to know his limits and that he cannot constantly argue with officials.
Düsseldorf’s defence is extremely impressive:
The only defence to not have conceded a goal in any game so far in Europe is that of Düsseldorf’s. Fortuna’s 0-0 draws were getting on everybody’s nerves. On Tuesday, they found their shooting boots and managed to knock in two past Greuther Fürth. Tougher challengers await Düsseldorf nonetheless. Their next assignment is Schalke. Their defence will be tested endlessly. However, not many observers will be amazed if Düsseldorf passes the test with another clean sheet to their name.
The clock is ticking on Bruno Labbadia's tenure at Stuttgart:
Bruno Labbadia or ‘beautiful Bruno’ as he is referred to, has been known to be a ‘half-season manager’. His tactical brilliance allows the team he coaches to take the league by storm in the first half of the season. However, due to his poor man management skills, his sides usually fall apart in the second half of the season. Last season was supposed to be a change in his fortunes- Stuttgart had held themselves together for the whole campaign.
Unfortunately, things have already fallen apart for the former Bayern striker. His side lost to Wolfsburg 0-1 on opening day after squandering a penalty (and the rebound). Then, Bayern hammered them to pieces. A draw against Bremen last week gave them some hope. However, they were taken apart by Hoffenheim 0-3 on Wednesday. Stuttgart’s hierarchy has fired coaches easily in recent seasons and Labbadia must find a way to improve his side’s form if he is to stay in his job.
