by blutgraetsche Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:19 pm
Freiburg:
Sunniest city in Germany and one of the most beautiful, and that's how their football philosophy is, too, ever since legendary coach Volker Finke took over decades ago. Free flowing attacking football, which made them pretty successful considering their limited funds and size. Their current young coach Robin Dutt has a similar philosphy.
Freiburg's most promising player, Ömer Toprak, was seriously injured a while ago. His career was in question even, so he won't be able to help them this season. Generally speaking, Freiburg don't have many standout individuals, they never had. The team is the star, or the coach rather.
Mainz:
Mainz just sacked their coach before the season has even started yet! He was replaced with a new young coach who won the German U19 championship with Mainz, which was a pretty big shock actually. But nobody knows how he will do in the Bundesliga, he is a complete newbie.
Furthermore, they seem to have a lot of injuries these days, a lot of negative press.
Mainz signed Roman Polanski from Getafe, which was a very good signing for them. Polanski is a pretty good DM, at least he was for Getafe (and in some matches for the German youth teams), so there is a good chance that he might have a good season for them. Mainz also signed Austrian captain Ivanschitz on a loan, another potentially good signing. Their striker Bancé did a good job for them in the 2. Bundesliga, but he seems to be a total nutcase, a lot of off-pitch drama going on for him.
Nürnberg:
Nürnberg's young coach Michael Oenning is very fond of young players, and Nürnberg do have quite a few really promising ones in their ranks. Traditionally, Nürnberg are one of the biggest German clubs with very fanatic fans. They probably have the best chance of all promoted teams to remain in the 1. Bundesliga, where they belong.
Their captain Andreas Wolf is a solid defender, consistent and reliable. Pinola is another reliable key player, or Mintal, their most important forward. But it's their young players who could have their breakthrough this season. U19 Euro champions like Marcel Risse or Dennis Diekmeier, for example.