Bundesliga 2018/19
- Thread starter uamini
- Start date
Probably because you'd be hard pressed to find a Berliner in Berlin these days.
Why's that?
People actually born in Berlin are a minority.
Hilarious blunder...
Leverkusen 1 up v Dortmund.
Great finish by Weiser.
Great finish by Weiser.
Hard to believe that Dortmund defending from a corner.
Even with a more pragmatic style they still give away such cheap goals.
2-0.
Even with a more pragmatic style they still give away such cheap goals.
2-0.
Fantastic interplay from BVB, 3-2, what a comeback.
Been great second half going forward, agree wonderful one touch passing and excellent poaching finish by Alcacer.
4-2, Alcacer, from Leverkusen's last ditch corner.
Great game. Leverkusen were great first half but they're always a club who have a soft centre under pressure as history shows.
Dortmund attacking players came alive second half, Sancho played his part in that.
Dortmund attacking players came alive second half, Sancho played his part in that.
Sancho with 2 assists. That's 1 goal and 5 assists in 6 league games (all from the bench). Very impressive, and I'm happy for him.
What a game and what a result for Dortmund, to score four - in under 30 minutes! - after being 2 down.
3 goals in about 50 minutes playing time in the Bundesliga for Paco Alcácer... good to see his flaccid spell at Barça didn't dull his obvious goalscoring instincts. 
To be fair he's not nearly as good as these stats suggest. He's great as an impact sub, when either Dortmund or their opponents have to take a lot of risks that open up some space for him, but he's not starting matches for a reason.
Fair point, but thats too be expected, still very young.
Yes, for his age he's doing remarkably well.
There is still a lot to do and not everything is working perfectly, but there is one thing I absolutely love about this team: their morale and mentatlity. They just never give up.
At one point the opposing coaches might also want to rethink their match plan against us. Pretty much every team puts tons of physical investment into disrupting our build up play. That also works farily often for about 50 or 60 minutes, but then they pay for their investment and run out of gas. This can of course be lethal against an opponent that never gives up and can throw players like Pulisiic, Dahoud or Sancho onto the pitch, who punish opposing fatigue to an extreme extent. The moment we manage to deal with the opposing pressure better than right now will make that plan even less likely to work. Right now we still depend too much on our defense to soak up that pressure and Bürki (our player of the season so far) to save our asses.
At one point the opposing coaches might also want to rethink their match plan against us. Pretty much every team puts tons of physical investment into disrupting our build up play. That also works farily often for about 50 or 60 minutes, but then they pay for their investment and run out of gas. This can of course be lethal against an opponent that never gives up and can throw players like Pulisiic, Dahoud or Sancho onto the pitch, who punish opposing fatigue to an extreme extent. The moment we manage to deal with the opposing pressure better than right now will make that plan even less likely to work. Right now we still depend too much on our defense to soak up that pressure and Bürki (our player of the season so far) to save our asses.
Around 80th minute Reus have already ran about 12kms according to the statistics provided by canal+ commentator here. An attacking player running this much, scoring, assisting, not looking for shit excuses like 'our attacking players are forced to work in defence' that are being dished out left and right for our failures, something that must be admired.
Do you think you can realistically win the title this season? I never believed that anyone except for Bayern could do it, but this matchday got me thinking.
Didn't see the first half but Burki's brilliant save of Brandt was vital, that goes in and Dortmund would not have been able to come back.
The 2nd half was fantastic to watch. Both teams playing great football and Leverkusen had chances to extend their lead as well, Kai Havertz had a couple of chances just before Dortmund's first. For the Dortmund goals, the 2nd goal was pure fantasy attacking football with the passing between Reus and Sancho; Reus was brilliant in the second half. I agree with the part about Sancho too, people may question why he doesn't start but he's able to make a huge impact late in the game when the opponent is tired and can be stretched.
While credit should go to Dortmund for the second goal, and the fourth was unavoidable, I was disappointed in Leverkusen's defending for the 1st and 3rd. Tah completely missed Paco for the third goal while for the 1st, I think both central defenders missed Paco and Brunn Larsen for the tap in. Leverkusen's attacking was A+ but defending has to be improved.
Marco Reus is basically the personification of the current spirit in the team. It has to be noted that before the last two games, Reus did struggle with his form quit a lot. He still scored here and there because he belongs to the rare breed of players, who can play poorly and still make it on the score board, but overall he was not the Marco Reus we needed.
However, this did not stop him from giving everything he had in every single minute on the pitch. There were scenes when he played as striker and sprinted 80, 90 meters back and won the ball deep in our own half.
There were quite a few people, who had doubts about him being the ideal captain, especially compared to the likes of Sebastian Kehl or Michael Zorc (the standout captains in the club´s younger history), because he is a more reserved and private person and a less eloquent speaker. IMO he proved the doubters wrong. He is not the kind of player who gives grand speeches but leads by example and commitment. I think he is kinda comparable to Vidic as captain, both fully worthy to wear the batch
This is actually a tough question. Out of our own strength? Probably not. We are still a bit too volatile and can´t count on our ability to reverse scores like today every time. I fully believe that we will be able to challenge next season. We have tons of potential in the squad and our lead players will still be young enough to hold the team together.
This season will come down to how much Bayern will be punished for their mismanagement in the Summer. That is really the only word I can find for that. In my eyes their squad is paper thin and too reliant on players who like to pick up a in injury or two. If they suffer key injuries, especially in the second season half, whe they can´t react in the Winter window, I can see them dropping enough points that 70-75 points might be enough to win the league. This is a point tally I can see us manage to get.
Went to watch this game with my girlfriend and what an atmosphere in the stadium, just fantastic .
The game was very well played from Leverkusen for about 75 min and Dortmund were dire for 50-60 min . If Leverkusen had scored from the shot that hit the post it would have been more than deserved. But that said when Dortmund clicked they really clicked. Sancho was great and Paco was really good, but it was all Witsel for me he just aced this game. He just looked class today. Like my girlfriend said both teams came for the win and they really played some fantastic football while trying..
The game was very well played from Leverkusen for about 75 min and Dortmund were dire for 50-60 min . If Leverkusen had scored from the shot that hit the post it would have been more than deserved. But that said when Dortmund clicked they really clicked. Sancho was great and Paco was really good, but it was all Witsel for me he just aced this game. He just looked class today. Like my girlfriend said both teams came for the win and they really played some fantastic football while trying..
Fantastic comeback from Dortmund. Sancho looking a beast once again. What a steal that was from Dortmund.
I just don't understand Leverkusen's strategy. They threw in everything they had for like 60 minutes and then they were dead on their feet. I don't think you can expect to win games against the top teams when you basically write off the last third of the game. When momentum, too, shifted after Dortmund's first goal they were just dead on their feet, with seemingly no fight left in them.
Sure, some people will say that they were unfortunate to not score the 3-0 after half time, which might have ended things, but they were even more fortunate to be coming out of a typical 0-0 first half with a 2-0 lead.
It's the kind of stuff you sometimes see when smaller teams get overly excited in CL/cup matches, but there is no excuse for this to happen to a side that aims for a CL spot in a league match. It's unfortunate that Herrlich doesn't seem to be able to get any consistency or dominance out of Leverkusen's very talented squad.
Sure, some people will say that they were unfortunate to not score the 3-0 after half time, which might have ended things, but they were even more fortunate to be coming out of a typical 0-0 first half with a 2-0 lead.
It's the kind of stuff you sometimes see when smaller teams get overly excited in CL/cup matches, but there is no excuse for this to happen to a side that aims for a CL spot in a league match. It's unfortunate that Herrlich doesn't seem to be able to get any consistency or dominance out of Leverkusen's very talented squad.
Dortmund were magnificent yesterday. Superb comeback. They got a bit of luck when the ball hit the post, and would have made it three nil, but their attitude and attacking play thereafter took advantage of that luck.
They can win the Bundesliga this season. I expect difficulties for Kovac from the squad itself at Bayern, and Dortmund can capitalise on this.
They can win the Bundesliga this season. I expect difficulties for Kovac from the squad itself at Bayern, and Dortmund can capitalise on this.
How come Leon Bailey isn't starting anymore? Guy was getting stupidly hyped on here last season.
It was the first game he didn´t start. And he didn´t play particularly well this season so far.
As far as yesterday´s game goes: A typical bottle job on our part, after all these years you get used to it as a fan. We have to undoubtedly be the most frustrating club on the planet to support. The pain just never stops.
Hamburg-St Pauli on now in Bundesliga 2.
Attended Frankfurt-Hannover match.
The score/performance definitely flattered Eintracht with Ante Rebic being the major difference between the two sides.
I'd put Hannover down for relegation after this. Performance poor in the first half and only showed some sort of effort for the first 15 minutes of the second half.
It really amazes me how many teams I've seen turn it on for the first 15 minutes of a second half after having been abject in the first half ... Not necessarily losing teams either....
The score/performance definitely flattered Eintracht with Ante Rebic being the major difference between the two sides.
I'd put Hannover down for relegation after this. Performance poor in the first half and only showed some sort of effort for the first 15 minutes of the second half.
It really amazes me how many teams I've seen turn it on for the first 15 minutes of a second half after having been abject in the first half ... Not necessarily losing teams either....
Bayern will be Right up there once when it matters. thats what they do every year to be fair no matter which Coach is up for them
3 games without a win now for Bayern.
I'd be interested as to when that last happened.
But you're right. . . Bayern will get back winning ways shortly but a defeat or two along the way and things can get more interesting than was expected.
I can see us going trophyless this season. Not saying it's already very likely, but I wouldn't be surprised. The last few matches have exposed so many flaws and weaknesses that we can't simply go on like this and expect to somehow win stuff.
I agree.
This could be Dortmund's time, we will likely not get a better chance for a while. Time to capitalise.
There are cracks in Bayern's armour for sure. They have allowed their squad to become stale. The players that are new to the team this season are just squad players. Really in 2 years the only significant pieces they brought in where Tolisso and James, maybe Sule too. And of course, Tolisso is out for a long time. Just 3 or 4 injuries, and their squad depth gets exposed. The squad seems to be unispired and slow in it's play. And it remains to be seen if Kovac has it in him to coach them to raise their level and to coach good football. I don't think he has.
And honestly, there are no excuses for Dortmund now, we've spent a lot of money the last 3 seasons (yes, taking in a lot of money too in transfers), and we have now got the coach we wanted a year ago, things are in place. Witsel has made a huge positive impact on our midfield - which was insipid last season. Finally we have a defensive pair we are settled on, for the first time in about 3 years, we can defend as a team again. And if (and yes big if sadly) Reus stays fit, and Pulisic, Phlipp, Sancho and Alcacer contribute throughout, we can score goals by comittee. It will be fun to see how it works out.
How is our squad depth exposed if there are still players like James, Goretzka, Süle, Gnabry and so on kept on the bench? It's funny to see how 2 or 3 games lead to such huge changes in perception. Where were those claims just 10 days ago?
Dortmund so far had very lucky outcomes in their games while it has been the opposite for us in the recent games but that will change soon enough and as soon as some Bayern players feel the pressure we will start to perform differently, just like last year.
Dortmund so far had very lucky outcomes in their games while it has been the opposite for us in the recent games but that will change soon enough and as soon as some Bayern players feel the pressure we will start to perform differently, just like last year.
Squad depth is fine in midfield and central defence. The problem is at the flanks, where Robben and Ribery are playing in every match and contribute very little. Coman is your best winger, but he is injured and Kovac seems reluctant to start Gnabry over the old guys in big games. Also you sold 2 players who could play fullback in the summer (Bernat and Rudy), now you have very little cover if one of Alaba or Kimmich gets a sudden long-term injury.
it's alrady getting exposed with having lost Tolisso, Coman and Rafinha. You are lucky Lewa is a robot and hardly ever gets hurt, but he's likely close to burnout at this rate, he's played so much. You have little cover for him if the unthinkable happens and he's missing for a run of games.
And as Don said above - it'll only take 1 injury to one of your fullbacks to cause a problem. Your coaches never seem to rotate much either these days. Which will only add to the staleness of a squad that already looks stale.
Anyway, just my opinion. It's just a chance for other teams to catch up a bit, especially as Kovac has much to prove. But of course Bayern have the captabilities to go big in the next transfer windows and freshen things up a lot. And of course, poach one or two other teams better players
For a start I don't rate James at all and, above all, great individual players don't make a great team.
I could be wrong but I just suspect that this Bayern squad is not at the races. Last night Ajax could have won 3-1, 4-1 at the Allianz had they taken their chances. When has that last time that has been stated about a Dutch side playing away to Bayern in the Champions League? In the same match itself Ribery provided nothing and Robben is still trying the cut inside on the left foot that just doesn't work as well now that he's nearly 35 years old playing against 20 somethings.
Ribery made it clear he doesn't want to be on the bench and is off at the end of the season to China. Robben is nearing the end. On Muller. . . Good God there's a player who is well passed his best before reaching 30. Süle is no great defender.
There appears to be a staleness there that the new coach may find difficult to rout out. How do you motivate players who maybe have reached a level of complacency that is difficult to shrug off?
Now, of course, Bayern may go on and win 5-nil at the weekend but I just suspect that there is a real chance that others will compete in the Bundesliga with them this season.
Having stated that, I don't think that Kovac will be Bayern's Moyes.
The squad has one large weakness and that's the offense. Ribery and Robben are a bit past it, Müller needs to play centrally to be useful, Coman is injured a lot and no idea if Gnabry will ever be good enough. Otherwise the squad is completely fine, we could do with one more left back but those are hard to find.
Not buying someone for the wings during the summer was an incredible daft decision though. Bayern was part of the absolute elite of European football for the last 6 years or so, the board should do everything for it to stay this way. Once you're falling behind, it's incredibly hard to get back to the top.
Not buying someone for the wings during the summer was an incredible daft decision though. Bayern was part of the absolute elite of European football for the last 6 years or so, the board should do everything for it to stay this way. Once you're falling behind, it's incredibly hard to get back to the top.