Cologne (AP) – FC Schalke 04 descends from bottom of the table in the Bundesliga. And FC Bayern Munich will be champions again. These are only two of Christoph Daum’s 18 back-round theses.
Before the start of the second half of the season, the former master coach wrote down his view of things for the German press agency for each club. It will also be tight for one of his ex-clubs.
FC Bayern Munich: Bayern are by far the most dangerous team and should get the coordination problems in the defense under control. Despite the busy schedule, key players like Kimmich, Gnabry, Pavard and Davies will find their best form again. Bayern are favorites both in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League. Tip: 1st place
RB Leipzig: Player failures like Konrad Laimer’s can not be easily compensated. But coach Julian Nagelsmann knows how to adapt his offensive concept to the respective challenge. The team with the strongest duels in the league will play for the title until the end. Tip: 2nd place
Borussia Dortmund: BVB is stagnating at a high level and still has to make the tactical shift away from the ball circulation game in the width, from attack pressing without the necessary defensive stability. If the team finds their balance, they will land at the top nationally and internationally. BVB have a strong squad, but seem too dependent on striker Haaland. Players like Sancho or Reus have to constantly find their form. Tip: 3rd place
Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Coach Peter Bosz has further developed the team. Nevertheless, it occasionally falls back into patterns that aim more at attractiveness than at the necessary result behavior. Unnecessary losses of points are the result and put qualification for the premier class at risk. The squad is not yet well enough for title claims, especially defensively. Tip: 4th place
VfL Wolfsburg: VfL has confidently resolved its internal disagreements and is heading for the international positions. The only drawback seems to be the exploitation of opportunities. In addition to Wout Weghorst, other players should be more accurate in the back series in order to be able to aim for higher goals. Tip: 5th place
Borussia Mönchengladbach: Borussia always has to go to the limit in order to leave the field as a winner. Player losses cannot be easily compensated for, and the permanent changes lead to a lack of consistency. However, the strong solidarity and serenity of the environment enable the Gladbachers to achieve exceptional achievements time and again. You should definitely not write them off in the race for the Champions League places. Tip: 6th place
Eintracht Frankfurt: The return of Luka Jovic makes Eintracht even more unpredictable. If you manage to maintain your playful dominance over the entire season, the eagles are on course for Europe. The departure of Abraham should be compensated by Tuta and other defenders. Eintracht can end up way ahead because they only have to concentrate on the Bundesliga. Tip: 7th place
1. FC Union Berlin: The best-running team in the Bundesliga has developed enormously in terms of play. A well-considered transfer policy meant that in addition to defensive stability, coach Urs Fischer was able to develop a ball-safe development game with the team. In addition, there is a dangerous offensive. With the will of the Iron, an international starting point is within the realm of the possible. Tip: 8th place
VfB Stuttgart: The team of coach Matarazzo convinces with tactical flexibility and refreshing offensive football. Even disturbing noises from the management floor do not seem to be able to stop VfB. These young savages will have nothing to do with the descent. Tip: 9th place
SC Freiburg: It’s admirable how Christian Streich succeeds year after year in forming a team that delivers impressive and successful football. Unconditional commitment paired with playful penetration are Breisgau’s trademarks. It remains to be seen how long they will hold up the intense style. Tip: 10th place
Hertha BSC: Hertha lags far behind its possibilities and demands. In terms of player potential, the Berliners are an aspirant for the EL qualification. But it remains a mystery how these extreme fluctuations in performance come about. If all players put their egos behind them, a safe midfield position will emerge. Otherwise a struggle for survival threatens – and the Berliners are not prepared for that. Tip: 11th place
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Sebastian Hoeneß had to struggle with extreme personnel problems. Hoffenheim has suffered the most of all Bundesliga clubs from Corona, injuries and player bans. Only when – with the exception of the long-term injured Bicakcic – all players are fit again, Hoeneß can fix the problems. Then the Kraichgauer will be able to show their true colors and get the necessary points to stay in the league. Tip: 12th place
Werder Bremen: Bremen has drawn the right lessons from last year’s relegation battle. Every point gained is seen as a special achievement. You have learned to realistically assess the sporting feasibility due to the financial limitations. Coach Florian Kohfeldt is constantly forced to experiment in order to send a competitive team onto the field on match day. More than the expected relegation is currently not possible for Bremen. Tip: 13th place
FC Augsburg: Although Augsburg are on target, they will have to look down in the back series. Coach Heiko Herrlich managed to stabilize the defensive, but the FCA treads on the spot in the offensive game. Players like Niederlechner, Vargas or Richter are stuck in form, and a dangerous Finnbogason is missing at every nook and cranny. Those responsible must succeed in stopping the downward trend. Tip: 14th place
1. FC Köln: The achievement of relegation would be celebrated again like a championship in Cologne. However, the facts speak for themselves: deficiencies in the opening of the game, in the attack structure and in the conclusion. As a result, the FC trembles until the last game day. The audience was often the twelfth man for the billy goats. Without this support it is seldom possible to arouse unconditional assertiveness and team unity. Tip: 15th place
FSV Mainz 05: Mainz can surprise positively in the back series. You have set the course for a better future in many areas. The new coach Bo Svensson can tackle the mission to stay relegated in relative calm with the Bundesliga suitable squad. That is why I trust the Mainz team to avert the threatened decline on their own. Tip: 16th place
Arminia Bielefeld: Arminia will stay hungry until the end, but a lack of attack strength cannot be compensated for by team unity. Bielefeld tries to play constructive football, but the power of a Fabian Klos is not enough to stay in the league. Tip: 17th place
FC Schalke 04: What gives cause for optimism at Schalke? Winter transfers like Kolasinac or Huntelaar? Relegation would be like a royal blue miracle. Schalke will foot the bill for past bad planning with the relegation. What dies last at Schalke, however, is hope – and hardly anyone wishes the miners relegation. Tip: 18th place
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