Bayern secured the title eleven times in a row, but most recently, after a messed-up season with many construction sites on and off the field, they needed the kind help of Borussia Dortmund and Mainz. It is questionable whether the Munich team will offer the competition another opportunity like this, especially since Harry Kane, the executor who was sorely missed on the Isar in the previous season, was recently signed for 100 million euros.
“Our goals are very clear. We’re playing for the title, we want to be champions. We want to be cup winners. And we want to go far in the Champions League,” said coach Thomas Tuchel, who got more than just a shot across the bow before the start of the season with the clear 3-0 defeat in the Supercup against RB Leipzig. In recent years, the Saxons have blossomed into the third force in Germany behind Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. Bayer Leverkusen is also being traded as a secret favorite this year.
Duel of the Bayern challengers in Leverkusen
However, there was a major upheaval in Leipzig this summer. With Laimer, Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and ex-Salzburger Dominik Szoboszlai, Marco Rose’s team lost a complete axis. Nevertheless, those responsible for Max Eberl have again managed to sign a highly talented replacement and close the gap. With Christoph Baumgartner and Nicolas Seiwald, two other Austrian national players switched to the club of Xaver Schlager, who has been playing for the Saxons for a year.
APA/AFP/Christof Stache In the Supercup, Bayern newcomer Konrad Laimer (right) lost out to his ex-club Leipzig with Xaver Schlager (left).
In the Supercup, where Baumgartner was still injured, the newly formed squad already harmonized splendidly and showed Bayern the limits. At the start of the Bundesliga, Leipzig will be put to the test by Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, as the Werkself with substitute goalkeeper Patrick Pentz are considered the secret favorites and are aiming for a top spot again after a difficult season recently. It remains to be seen whether Union Berlin with captain Christopher Trimmel and Freiburg with Philipp Lienhart, Michael Gregoritsch and newcomer Junior Adamu will be able to play for the European Cup places for the third season in a row.
Dortmund takes the next attempt
Vice-champion Dortmund makes another attempt at the title after dramatically missing the championship. “We want to be there right from the start and show where the journey can go,” said coach Edin Terzic before the start on Saturday against 1. FC Köln. With the departure of Raphael Guerreiro (Bayern) and especially that of superstar Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Borussia had to accept major losses. So far, BVB has been reluctant to make purchases compared to what are probably its biggest title competitors. One of the new signings is Marcel Sabitzer, an ÖFB legionnaire who, after a mixed year and a half in Munich, has recently found better form on loan at Manchester United.
APA/AFP/Kamil Krzaczynski After last year’s title thriller without a happy ending, Dortmund made the next attempt with newcomer Marcel Sabitzer
Borussia Mönchengladbach wants to get back on track with new coach Gerardo Seoane and new signing Maximilian Wöber. The Foals finished tenth last season, just one place ahead of their rivals 1. FC Köln, where Florian Kainz was recently presented as the new captain. Other Austrians under contract with newly promoted FC Heidenheim and Darmstadt 98 are Paul Tschernuth and Nikola Dovedan and Christoph Klarer, Emir Karic, Nemanja Celic and Manuel Honsak. However, Celic is said to be on the sidelines near Darmstadt.
28 ÖFB legionnaires want to demonstrate
A total of 28 ÖFB legionnaires are starting the 61st season of the German Bundesliga, four more than at the start of last season. Behind France (30 legionnaires) and ahead of Denmark (16), the Austrians are the largest delegation. “Since I’ve been in Germany, Austrians have always been well respected in the Bundesliga. But the standing has grown again in the last two or three years. It’s really strong how many are now playing for top clubs in Germany,” said Bremen captain Marco Friedl. After Oliver Glasner’s exit from Frankfurt, there is no local coach in the coaching position for the 18 Bundesliga teams this time.
German Bundesliga, first round
Friday, August 18: Bremen Bayern Munich 0: 4 Saturday, August 19: Leverkusen Leipzig 3:30 p.m. Wolfsburg Heidenheim 3:30 p.m. Hoffenheim Freiburg 3:30 p.m. Augsburg Mönchengladbach 3:30 p.m. Stuttgart Bochum 3:30 p.m. Dortmund Cologne 6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 20: Union Berlin Mainz 3.30 p.m. Frankfurt Darmstadt 5.30 p.m
