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What Lewandowski's Bayern move means

for Borussia Dortmund... and Mandzukic


13 January 2014

Alima Hotakie
@https://twitter.com/@AlimaHotakie
Alima Hotakie picks up the pieces after the Pole's less-than-surprising announcement...
In April last year, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness expressed concern for the decline of
competitiveness in the Bundesliga. He feared a La Liga-style duopoly "Spanische
Verhltnisse" (Spanish conditions) after Borussia Dortmund and Bayern proved their
dominance extended beyond their starting XIs by thrashing opponents with their B and C
teams.
"One must find out if there's the need to change something," said Hoeness. "But my gut
feeling tells me that all is not in order with the way things are in the Bundesliga at the
moment."
A proactive Hoeness went on to say that he'd meet Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke
and other club chiefs to further discuss the matter, insisting it was vital for the rest of the
league to keep up with the top teams.
What no one expected was that nine months on, a two-horse race would be desirable; the
duopoly has become a monopoly. Keeping up with last year's Champions League winners has
been a real struggle even for Dortmund, who have shown that they just dont have the depth
to deal with injuries.
Losing players to their rival only makes it worse. Die Schwarzgelben coach Jrgen Klopp
surely offered a more accurate insight after Mario Gtze's transfer when he said he was wary
of a Scottish situation, where the league is dominated by a single team.
What angers fans is the contradiction in Hoeness's statements, of a situation that his club's
very own transfer policies appear to exacerbate. Even as he offered his legitimate critique in
April, club officials were pursuing Dortmund's key creator Gtze, with an official
announcement right before the Champions League final.

Gtze's departure was a bitter blow for Klopp


Furthermore, last week they signed a pre-contract with Robert Lewandowski, who will join
Bayern in the summer. Within nine months of Hoeness's concerned pluralism, Bayern have
taken Dortmund's No.9 and No.10.
Dirty tactics, or just a longstanding strategy? Since the 1980s Bayern have been notorious for
signing from direct competitors; in recent years they have plucked prime players from Werder
Bremen (Miroslav Klose, 2007), Bayer Leverkusen (Ze Roberto, 2007), Stuttgart (Mario
Gomez, 2009) and Schalke (Manuel Neuer, 2011) among others.
But Bayern insist the weakening of the opposition is incidental. Last February, when rumours
first surfaced that Bayern intended to take Lewandowski as well as Gtze, Hoeness dismissed
the accusation: "Honestly, it's never our interest to weaken others. We used to do it in the
past, but that could only have been a side effect."
Bayern claim their main focus is strengthening their own team: rather than dominating
domestically, they sign players to compete continentally. Adding Lewandowski, a player in
his prime, on a five-year contract will surely give Bayern an exceptional long-term striker
for no transfer fee. The club doesn't hide its aim to create a dynasty and undeniably has the
tools to achieve that now. So strong are Bayern that even Klopp said Lewandowski won't
make them any better.
Is the Bundesliga still blossoming?
There has been widespread speculation this season about what is happening to one of
Europe's most competitive and unpredictable leagues. Its competitiveness has come into

question, with some even pointing to the drawbacks of the popular 50+1 system which bans
majority ownership of any club by a single sugar-daddy.
The Bundesliga table may look a little lopsided this season but there's no reason to panic.
Firstly, dominance is natural when both of last season's Champions League finalists are in the
same league. Second, a treble-winning team like Bayern would dominate anywhere,
regardless of opposition: this is the same team that didn't just win, but hammered teams like
Barcelona and Juventus on their path to Champions League glory last year.

Bayern are running away with the Bundesliga this season


If this season's Bundesliga is less of a race than a procession, that's down to Dortmund's
injury woes and inconsistency. But that in turn feeds into an increasingly interesting battle for
the other European qualification spots, with Hertha Berlin, Borussia Mnchengladbach,
Wolfsburg and Augsburg surprising most German analysts and pre-season predictions. The
relegation battle is also tight.
True, the title race lacks excitement compared to this season's Premier League but then
again the last two seasons in England have also been closed shops, with 2012's two-horse
race followed by Manchester United running away with it last year.
Temporary trends should serve as reminders not to draw drastic conclusions about leagues
based on one or two seasons. Compared to its counterparts, the Bundesliga has still produced
more different winners over the last decade (five, compared to four in England, and three in

Spain and Italy). What should serve as a worry, however, is if the current situation develops
into a long-term trend as is the case in La Liga or Scotland.
Dortmund's boots to fill
But what does this mean for a club like Dortmund, whose charismatic coach is working on
what he dubbed the "most exciting project in European football"?
One positive is that they have plenty of time to find a replacement for Lewandowski.
Although few will argue that BVB should have sold the Polish striker last summer for
financial reasons, the move would have likely been more detrimental at that time. They had
already lost Gtze and were scrambling to find replacements, bringing in Henrikh
Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer. To lose another nucleus player
and expect to find a quick replacement would have only added a sense of instability and rash
decision making the club might later regret.
The 'no' gesture to Bayern also sent out the message that it's not always about money, and that
the club is confident success in the Champions League will compensate for the loss. In the
end it was the right decision given Lewandowski's continued role in helping the team win
important games. While he's not as clinical as last season, he's still tied as the league's top
scorer with 11 goals. There are several players already linked to the club. Edin Dzeko would
be an ideal replacement, but his price tag will surely exceed BVB's budget limits. Other
possibilities include Kevin Volland, Mame Diouf, Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke,
Adrian Ramos, Diego Costa and Jackson Martinez.
Lewandowski is the type of player that is hard to replace. He has scored 65 goals in 115
league games as well as 15 goals in 25 Champions League matches. He fits Klopp's system,
style and counter-attacking football magically, and finding a replacement of his level won't be
easy. While Die Schwarzgelben remain confident 'Lewy' will give it his all - the player has
also promised that commitment - to outsiders his performances have been questionable. With
some feeling the sharpness and concentration from last season is absent.

Is Diego Costa on Dortmund's shopping list?


Ultimately now that the most anticipated non-surprise is over, it's vital for Dortmund to focus
on their long-term future. That starts by convincing Ilkay Gundogan to extend his contract, as
well as Marco Reus in the near future. How the exiting of Gtze and Lewandowski will
influence these two players decisions remains unknown. One hopes the examples of Nuri
Sahin and Shinji Kagawa will illustrate that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
Judging from Watzke and general manager Michael Zorc's recent comments, Dortmund aren't
seeking short-term glory but long-term success. The club say they offer everything, but can't
always compete financially. They're aware Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester
United weren't built overnight. It comes as no surprise that the club's new direction places a
heavier emphasis on the future and growing into a regular contender.
But what does the signing mean for Bayern's current goal-getter, Mario Mandzukic? At the
moment, it is unclear. The club were quick to acknowledge the player's significance and
hinted at a contract extension - but the Croatian has since been linked with a string of moves
away from the Allianz Arena. Pep Guardiola, out of respect to his team, Dortmund and
Klopp, has made it clear he won't comment on Lewandowski until next season.
We already know the former Barcelona coach prefers strikerless formations. It's far-fetched
that he'll play the two together and use both strikers up front as Antonio Conte, Manuel
Pellegrini or Brendan Rodgers have done at their respective clubs. Neither deserves a place
on the bench, and with Claudio Pizarro likely to leave, it's obvious Bayern needed depth in
that position. But as was the case with Mario Gomez, it's highly unlikely Mandzukic will stay
long enough if he becomes Guardiola's second-choice striker.

The worst-kept secret of Lewandowski's move may now be out in the open, but the
implications that accompany it are still very much unknown.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/what-lewandowskis-bayern-movemeans-borussia-dortmund-and-mandzukic#qYxihRvhiPfvI5zq.99

Five Bundesliga youngsters fit for Premier


League stardom
15 January 2014

Joe Brewin
Joe Brewin picks out a handful of Germany's brightest hopes who could be heading to a club
near you...
Germany's embarrassment of riches in the youth department is plain to see - just imagine
FFT's plight as we attempted to whittle down a huge shortlist to pick out five of the
Bundesliga's most prized assets.
We eventually did, though, without the likes of Mario Gtze, Julian Draxler, David Alaba,
Ilkay Gndogan, Kevin Volland, Heung Min-Son (well, duh). The list goes on.
So read on and find out more about the ones who did make the cut. You'll be hearing much
more about them soon enough...
Timo Werner
Who is he?
Stuttgarts 17-year-old forward has been nothing short of a revelation in the first half of his
debut Bundesliga campaign. With four goals and as many assists in his cluster of appearances
for the southern side (14 in the league), so far theres been much to admire about the local
boy come good.
Although having learned his trade centrally, Werners impact from the left wing this season
has made him an integral part of Thomas Schneiders plans at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Effective trickery and pace helps too, of course. Without being built like a proverbial brick
structure hes also surprisingly strong, as he demonstrated in his brace-netting display against
Freiburg.

Why you need to know him


The lad born just a mile-and-a-half away from Stuttgarts home is the most exciting attacking
prospect to emerge from the club since Mario Gomez. Hes been at the club since he was six,
soared through the various age groups with ease and last season left behind youth football
with 24 goals in 23 appearances in the Under-19 Bundesliga.
No surprise, then, that Chelsea have already come sniffing if youre to believe reports. Most
worrying for Stuttgart is that youngsters dont turn professional in Germany until 18,
meaning the prospect of a worrying premature exit.
Thankfully for the Bundesliga side, though, Werner isnt concerned about the riches of
Roman & Co. just yet. I cannot envisage playing anywhere else, ever, he revealed, echoing
the declarations of sporting director and former Germany hitman Fredi Bobic: We've had
some good talks and we're already at quite an advanced stage.
Therell be no exit clause either, meaning potential suitors will have to cough up or sit back
down if theyre to get anywhere near this prodigious prize.
Who does he remind you of?
At 5ft 11in hes somewhat taller than your conventional winger not surprising given his
upbringing as a striker and in time it wouldnt be too surprising to see him move centrally
for good. Looks-wise, you cant help but scream Andrey Arshavin! but for now, though,
think a slightly quicker Thomas Mller.
Would be perfect for

Chelsea, Arsenal.
Roberto Firmino
Who is he?
The flamboyant Brazilian with an ever-changing appearance has shone in a free-scoring
Hoffenheim side this season.
With eight goals and six assists from attacking midfield, the 22-year-old has run defences
ragged and proved himself as one of the Bundesligas brightest talents. Indeed, he is one of
the main reasons why his team are the leagues third-highest scorers.
Dont be surprised to see his dodgy celebrations, bad hair bleach-blonde at the moment
tattoos and utterly horrendous fashion choices (I like to try something new, he admitted)
transferred from German to English screens soon. We want it to happen.

Why you need to know him


Firmino still harbours hopes of making Brazils World Cup squad, such are the quality of his
performances this season. I hope that I can still slide into the squad, he told Bild. It would
be a dream if I could play with Luiz Gustavo (a former team-mate who owns the house
Firmino currently rents) at the World Cup. That's extra motivation for the second half.
Although he doesnt appear to have any immediate plans to leave Sinsheim (I feel at ease
here), it seems only a matter of time before his talents force him elsewhere. But beware

clubs looking to snap up the young Samba star would have to part with around 9m to prise
him away from the contract that still has a year-and-a-half left to run.
Who does he remind you of?
Being given something of a free role in the hole makes him something of a Philippe Coutinho
and potentially perfect competition for his even younger Liverpool compatriot. Firmino has
proved effective drifting from wide areas to central ones, as shown by his ever-increasing
heap of goals and assists.
Would be perfect for
Liverpool, Tottenham.
Max Meyer
Who is he?
He missed out on Maxi Arnolds newcomer of the season award by half a per cent, but in
truth the Schalke star looks an even more intriguing prospect.
A central attacking midfielder with an exquisite touch and confidence to dribble at will,
Meyer has taken advantage of injuries to become an established member of Jens Kellers first
team set-up this season.
Already linked with Chelsea after an eye-catching Champions League display against the
Blues (what you buy cant hurt you, right?), Meyers breakthrough displays are helping
Schalke deal with the uncertain future of boy wonder Draxler.
The player with God-given abilities, according to sporting director Horst Heldt, is one of
the few positives in an otherwise dreary season for the Gelsenkirchen club.

Why you need to know him


Thrown in at the deep end but unfazed by it all. Meyer, dubbed Mini-Max by his teammates, featured in five of Schalkes six Champions League group stage matches as they
reached the knockout stage and should be rewarded with the opportunity to pit himself
against Real Madrid in the last 16.
The 2012 Under-17 European Championships top goalscorer and best player is living up to
his early promise. Hes currently tied down to a contract until 2018, and while Schalke are
still a force to be reckoned with off the pitch it seems inevitable that the big clubs will come
calling later down the line.
Who does he remind you of?
In addition to the three training sessions I had, there was an extra futsal session, he once
revealed. Its evident. With the boldness to run at opponents and a handy knack of executing
eye-of-the-needle passes, its not too surprising to hear about the second coming of Gtze in
German youth ranks. Whether he eventually ups sticks like his three-year senior remains to
be seen.
Would be perfect for
Arsenal, Manchester City.
Jonathan Tah

Who is he?
A glimmer of hope in the Bundesligas leakiest defence. At just 17 years old the Hamburg
teenager is already a regular for Bert van Marwijks side, who have endured the third-worst
first half of a season in the clubs history.
That Tah has emerged from the rubble with immense credit, despite being part of a defence
that has shipped a joint league-high 38 goals in the league so far this season, is a great
testament. Mind you, he does have former Arsenal stopper Johan Djourou for company.
The Hamburg local has been capped 13 times at U17 level for Germany, but is also eligible
for the Ivory Coast.

Why you need to know him


Scan through Europes top five leagues and you wont find too many 17-year-olds holding
their own at the heart of defence on a weekly basis.
When the Hamburger Morgenpost ran an online poll to determine the teams player of the
season so far, it wasnt 10-goal Pierre-Michel Lasogga who came out trumps. Nor was it
Arsenal-linked 19-year-old Hakan Calhanoglu, or the in-form Raphael van der Vaart. Instead
Tah took the fans plaudits with 34% of the votes.
Unsurprisingly Hamburg have moved quickly to secure the services of their youngest-ever
player. Although he doesnt turn 18 until mid-February, Tah has agreed a new deal which will
keep him at the Imtech Arena for another five years. The exact numbers arent known, but his
release clause will be in the double-digit millions, according to reports. But when has that

ever stopped the big boys from dipping into those deep pockets?
Who does he remind you of?
At 6ft 3in and as stocky as the grown men he plays against, Tah isnt your average 17-yearold. Comparisons will naturally be drawn with Bayern Munichs Jerome Boateng, who
became a Hertha Berlin first-team regular at a slightly older age before moving to Hamburg
for a bargain 1m in August 2007. Tah wouldnt be going too far wrong by following his
lead.
Would be perfect for
Manchester City, Manchester United.
Maxi Arnold
Who is he?
Only the player named the Bundesligas best newcomer by his peers this season. The 19-yearold scooped the leagues prize on the back of a super first half of the campaign in which he
nailed down a regular first-team place in Dieter Heckings exciting Wolfsburg side.
It takes a talented individual to play behind the lone striker, but Arnolds five goals in just 11
appearances in that position have made him impossible to oust. Just ask former Brazil
international Diego, shoved out wide to accommodate his young team-mate and who could
yet leave this month despite declaring hell stay put until the end of the season.
Its been going this way since the back end of last season, in fact, when the goal-getting
midfielder penned a four-year contract shortly after his 18th birthday. Wolfsburgs youngestever player and goalscorer has plenty more to offer.

Why you need to know him


Theres a good reason Wolfsburg arent too fussed about tying down Diego to a new deal. A
gigantic ego doesnt help, but its Arnolds emergence that is really helping the club deal with
the talented Brazilians contract situation (his deal expires at the seasons end).
Hecking is building a youthful team in Lower Saxony, and Arnold is an integral part of it. The
capture of Kevin De Bruyne from Chelsea only adds more quality, and if they play their cards
right they could yet end up in next seasons Champions League with a strong run after the
winter break.
Who does he remind you of?
Hes already been painfully dubbed The New zil, but in an interview with German
magazine Kicker, Arnold revealed that a move to Manchester United would fulfil his
boyhood dreams. Its not like David Moyes couldnt find a place for him now, is it?
Hes not like zil, though, instead providing more of a goal threat than a creative one. If he
can start asserting himself more in the Bundesliga, most notably chipping in with a few
assists, Wolfsburg will find it difficult to hang on to their highly rated hotshot.
Would be perfect for
Manchester United, Arsenal.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/five-bundesliga-youngsters-fit-premierleague-stardom#wdogqQ4cCXXDTLi3.99

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