There have been yet more managerial changes and announcements ahead of matchday 29 in the Bundesliga. Bruno Labbadia has taken over at HSV, while Jürgen Klopp has revealed that he’ll leave BVB at the end of the season. In the first match of his farewell tour, Klopp will come up against Paderborn. FC Bayern will hope to take another step towards defending their title in Hoffenheim and Leverkusen will look to close in on a Champions League qualifying spot as they take on relegation-threatened Hannover.
In the relegation battle, Hertha and Köln as well as Freiburg and Mainz all want to collect an important three points (15.30 CEST). In the evening’s fixture, relegation-threatened Stuttgart travel to Europa League candidates Augsburg (18:30 CEST).
Klopp: "Something had to give and in this case, I’ve decided to make way"
Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp announced on Wednesday that he will call time on his seven-year spell at the club in summer. The 47-year-old has guided the team to two Bundesliga titles, triumphed in the DFB Cup and led them to the Champions League final during his time in charge. The news spells the end of an era for Dortmund.
Klopp’s first home match since revealing his plan to depart at the end of the season sees BVB welcome relegation-threatened SC Paderborn to Signal Iduna Park. "I have always said I would speak up when the moment arises where I feel that I am no longer the perfect manager for this outstanding club," explained Klopp at a press conference on Wednesday. "It doesn’t have anything to do with the current situation. It’s the right time for a change at Borussia Dortmund. Therefore, something had to give and in this case, I’ve decided to make way."
Following the 3-1 defeat in Gladbach last Saturday, the situation at the club has deteriorated. The team dared to dream of finishing in a Europa League qualifying spot after putting together a run of five wins and two draws, but the two recent defeats to Bayern and Gladbach have forced BVB to look over their shoulders towards the other end of the table. Dortmund only have a six-point cushion over Augsburg, who currently occupy 16th place.
Saturday’s opponents Paderborn gave themselves a boost in their relegation battle with a 2-1 victory over Augsburg last weekend. "That game gives us real courage and confidence to take into the remaining six matches," acknowledged manager Breitenreiter. He will be without Alban Meha though, who has suffered a sprain and torn ligament in his right elbow.
It will be a last-minute decision as to whether Klopp can call upon Germany international Marco Reus. The 25-year-old couldn’t play any part in either of the last two matches because he is still suffering from adductor problems. Sebastian Kehl and Neven Subotic definitely won’t be available. Former captain Kehl broke a rib in training and will be out of action for two weeks, while defender Subotic has suffered a slipped disc. Question marks remain over Jakub Blaszczykowski, Erik Durm and Sven Bender, who didn’t participate in training on Thursday.
Despite injury problems, Bayern "won’t complain"
Reigning champions and current table toppers Bayern München are hoping to take another step towards securing their 25 title as they take on 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday. Ten points separate Guardiola’s team from second-placed Wolfsburg.
Bayern are currently plagued with injury problems. Guardiola is missing six key players: Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Medhi Benatia and Javi Martinez; however, sporting director Matthias Sammer refuses to see this as putting the team at a disadvantage. "A small but high-quality group can also generate a great deal of power. The team are hungry for success," said Sammer during the week.
Pep Guardiola also doesn’t ant to make excuses. "We’re not complaining. We’re going to try to achieve the best result possible,” he commented. World Champion Thomas Müller agrees with the views of both the manager and the sporting director. " The games against Dortmund and Leverkusen brought us closer together as a group and that will obviously help us," remarked Müller. "Our focus is currently on building a strong unit on the pitch. We are feeling confident. "
It is essential for TSG, who have faltered in the past few weeks, to instil these values. Hoffenheim have lost their last three competitive games and have suffered a blow in their quest to secure a Europa League place. They have a real opportunity to secure a result against Bayern though. After losing 3-1 to Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the current table toppers are likely to be focussing on Tuesday’s return leg in the Allianz Arena.
"We have to show our strong mentality and character in Hoffenheim. That’s how we’re approaching the game. We need to work hard so that we can come out on top," announced Sammer.
In-form Bayer against weakest team in 2015
Bayer Leverkusen are also dreaming of European competition – but the Champions League. Roger Schmidt’s team are currently in fourth place and on a fantastic run in the Bundesliga. The team have won six of their last seven league matches, collecting 19 points. Bayer have scored nine goals and haven’t conceded in their last three home games.
Hannover 96 can only dream of putting together such a good run of results, having last won on the 16th December (2-0 against Augsburg). Since then they’ve drawn seven games and suffered six defeats. It’s clear to see that the team’s form has dipped. Hannover are the worst team in 2015, having only collected five points in eleven matches. Korkut’s team have also plummeted from eighth to 15th in Bundesliga table since the winter break.
Mid-table neighbours meet in the capital
1. FC Köln will travel to Berlin on Saturday to face Hertha BSC. Both teams are level on points and one more victory should see them be able to dream of safety from relegation. Nobody should already feel as though their Bundesliga status has been secured though, considering how tight it is at the bottom of the table.
After beating Hoffenheim 3-2 and celebrating only their second victory out of the last ten games, Köln make the trip to the capital full of optimism. "Under real pressure, the team have proven themselves. It’s a quality that they’ve possessed for a long time," said general manager Jörg Schmadtke. "It wasn’t a milestone, but rather an extremely important step in the right direction," added captain Matthias Lehmann.
After a dip in form, Hertha have got back on track and are unbeaten in six matches (3W, 3D). Manager Pal Dardai has breathed new life into his team.
Relegation battle in Freiburg
When SC Freiburg and FSV Mainz 05 meet this weekend, both will be hoping to secure three important points in their battle to stave off relegation. Freiburg are currently benefitting from manager Christian Streich‘s experience in relegation battles. The team are extremely compact in defence and haven’t conceded in any of their last three Bundesliga games. Freiburg’s solid defensive performances appear to the be the key to avoiding relegation, especially considering that they aren’t a free-scoring side.
Alarm bells are ringing for Mainz. The team currently lie in 13th and this is the second lowest place they’ve occupied in the Bundesliga table this season. They were previously ranked lower after the 4-2 defeat to Dortmund on matchday 21. FSV are without a win in their last three games and in addition, Niko Bungert is still unavailable for the matchday squad. Martin Schmidt explained that the 28-year-old defender has resumed training after recovering from a calf strain but that Saturday’s clash comes too soon.
Stuttgart in Augsburg for first of six "cup finals"
The Saturday evening in Augsburg is set to be one of enormous importance with regards to the relegation battle. While FCA are dreaming of European competition, VfB Stuttgart are attempting to avoid falling the trapdoor to the 2. Bundesliga. Huub Stevens‘ team finally showed real grit, determination and fighting spirit last weekend as they secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Bremen.
"Nothing has been settled. We still have six massive games left to play," explained manager Huub Stevens, after his team secured their sixth victory of the season and moved off the bottom of the table. "I hope that we can take real confidence from this result into our next match."
Augsburg appear to have stalled as of late. They currently occupy one of the Europa League qualifying places; however, their last victory came on the 7th March against Wolfsburg. Markus Weinzierl must also manager without two of the team’s top performers. It looks like striker Caiuby’s season is over after he was forced off in the 2-1 defeat in Paderborn with a thigh injury. Former Germany U21 international Shawn Parker is also sidelined with a thigh injury but should be back in action in about two weeks.
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There have been yet more managerial changes and announcements ahead of matchday 29 in the Bundesliga. Bruno Labbadia has taken over at HSV, while Jürgen Klopp has revealed that he’ll leave BVB at the end of the season. In the first match of his farewell tour, Klopp will come up against Paderborn. FC Bayern will hope to take another step towards defending their title in Hoffenheim and Leverkusen will look to close in on a Champions League qualifying spot as they take on relegation-threatened Hannover.
In the relegation battle, Hertha and Köln as well as Freiburg and Mainz all want to collect an important three points (15.30 CEST). In the evening’s fixture, relegation-threatened Stuttgart travel to Europa League candidates Augsburg (18:30 CEST).
Klopp: "Something had to give and in this case, I’ve decided to make way"
Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp announced on Wednesday that he will call time on his seven-year spell at the club in summer. The 47-year-old has guided the team to two Bundesliga titles, triumphed in the DFB Cup and led them to the Champions League final during his time in charge. The news spells the end of an era for Dortmund.
Klopp’s first home match since revealing his plan to depart at the end of the season sees BVB welcome relegation-threatened SC Paderborn to Signal Iduna Park. "I have always said I would speak up when the moment arises where I feel that I am no longer the perfect manager for this outstanding club," explained Klopp at a press conference on Wednesday. "It doesn’t have anything to do with the current situation. It’s the right time for a change at Borussia Dortmund. Therefore, something had to give and in this case, I’ve decided to make way."
Following the 3-1 defeat in Gladbach last Saturday, the situation at the club has deteriorated. The team dared to dream of finishing in a Europa League qualifying spot after putting together a run of five wins and two draws, but the two recent defeats to Bayern and Gladbach have forced BVB to look over their shoulders towards the other end of the table. Dortmund only have a six-point cushion over Augsburg, who currently occupy 16th place.
Saturday’s opponents Paderborn gave themselves a boost in their relegation battle with a 2-1 victory over Augsburg last weekend. "That game gives us real courage and confidence to take into the remaining six matches," acknowledged manager Breitenreiter. He will be without Alban Meha though, who has suffered a sprain and torn ligament in his right elbow.
It will be a last-minute decision as to whether Klopp can call upon Germany international Marco Reus. The 25-year-old couldn’t play any part in either of the last two matches because he is still suffering from adductor problems. Sebastian Kehl and Neven Subotic definitely won’t be available. Former captain Kehl broke a rib in training and will be out of action for two weeks, while defender Subotic has suffered a slipped disc. Question marks remain over Jakub Blaszczykowski, Erik Durm and Sven Bender, who didn’t participate in training on Thursday.
Despite injury problems, Bayern "won’t complain"
Reigning champions and current table toppers Bayern München are hoping to take another step towards securing their 25 title as they take on 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday. Ten points separate Guardiola’s team from second-placed Wolfsburg.
Bayern are currently plagued with injury problems. Guardiola is missing six key players: Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Medhi Benatia and Javi Martinez; however, sporting director Matthias Sammer refuses to see this as putting the team at a disadvantage. "A small but high-quality group can also generate a great deal of power. The team are hungry for success," said Sammer during the week.
Pep Guardiola also doesn’t ant to make excuses. "We’re not complaining. We’re going to try to achieve the best result possible,” he commented. World Champion Thomas Müller agrees with the views of both the manager and the sporting director. " The games against Dortmund and Leverkusen brought us closer together as a group and that will obviously help us," remarked Müller. "Our focus is currently on building a strong unit on the pitch. We are feeling confident. "
It is essential for TSG, who have faltered in the past few weeks, to instil these values. Hoffenheim have lost their last three competitive games and have suffered a blow in their quest to secure a Europa League place. They have a real opportunity to secure a result against Bayern though. After losing 3-1 to Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the current table toppers are likely to be focussing on Tuesday’s return leg in the Allianz Arena.
"We have to show our strong mentality and character in Hoffenheim. That’s how we’re approaching the game. We need to work hard so that we can come out on top," announced Sammer.
In-form Bayer against weakest team in 2015
Bayer Leverkusen are also dreaming of European competition – but the Champions League. Roger Schmidt’s team are currently in fourth place and on a fantastic run in the Bundesliga. The team have won six of their last seven league matches, collecting 19 points. Bayer have scored nine goals and haven’t conceded in their last three home games.
Hannover 96 can only dream of putting together such a good run of results, having last won on the 16th December (2-0 against Augsburg). Since then they’ve drawn seven games and suffered six defeats. It’s clear to see that the team’s form has dipped. Hannover are the worst team in 2015, having only collected five points in eleven matches. Korkut’s team have also plummeted from eighth to 15th in Bundesliga table since the winter break.
Mid-table neighbours meet in the capital
1. FC Köln will travel to Berlin on Saturday to face Hertha BSC. Both teams are level on points and one more victory should see them be able to dream of safety from relegation. Nobody should already feel as though their Bundesliga status has been secured though, considering how tight it is at the bottom of the table.
After beating Hoffenheim 3-2 and celebrating only their second victory out of the last ten games, Köln make the trip to the capital full of optimism. "Under real pressure, the team have proven themselves. It’s a quality that they’ve possessed for a long time," said general manager Jörg Schmadtke. "It wasn’t a milestone, but rather an extremely important step in the right direction," added captain Matthias Lehmann.
After a dip in form, Hertha have got back on track and are unbeaten in six matches (3W, 3D). Manager Pal Dardai has breathed new life into his team.
Relegation battle in Freiburg
When SC Freiburg and FSV Mainz 05 meet this weekend, both will be hoping to secure three important points in their battle to stave off relegation. Freiburg are currently benefitting from manager Christian Streich‘s experience in relegation battles. The team are extremely compact in defence and haven’t conceded in any of their last three Bundesliga games. Freiburg’s solid defensive performances appear to the be the key to avoiding relegation, especially considering that they aren’t a free-scoring side.
Alarm bells are ringing for Mainz. The team currently lie in 13th and this is the second lowest place they’ve occupied in the Bundesliga table this season. They were previously ranked lower after the 4-2 defeat to Dortmund on matchday 21. FSV are without a win in their last three games and in addition, Niko Bungert is still unavailable for the matchday squad. Martin Schmidt explained that the 28-year-old defender has resumed training after recovering from a calf strain but that Saturday’s clash comes too soon.
Stuttgart in Augsburg for first of six "cup finals"
The Saturday evening in Augsburg is set to be one of enormous importance with regards to the relegation battle. While FCA are dreaming of European competition, VfB Stuttgart are attempting to avoid falling the trapdoor to the 2. Bundesliga. Huub Stevens‘ team finally showed real grit, determination and fighting spirit last weekend as they secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Bremen.
"Nothing has been settled. We still have six massive games left to play," explained manager Huub Stevens, after his team secured their sixth victory of the season and moved off the bottom of the table. "I hope that we can take real confidence from this result into our next match."
Augsburg appear to have stalled as of late. They currently occupy one of the Europa League qualifying places; however, their last victory came on the 7th March against Wolfsburg. Markus Weinzierl must also manager without two of the team’s top performers. It looks like striker Caiuby’s season is over after he was forced off in the 2-1 defeat in Paderborn with a thigh injury. Former Germany U21 international Shawn Parker is also sidelined with a thigh injury but should be back in action in about two weeks.
