No Oktoberfest = No Title
As this Interlull mercifully ends and league action resumes this weekend (apologies to MLS, Npowership, and others that played with scant notice), Bayern Munich face a daunting task to repeat as Bundesliga champions.
Currently 12th in the table, Bayern are 13 points behind league leaders Mainz 05 and face a determined Hannover side this weekend that is currently 3rd in the table.
Die Roten are also three points behind the pace of last season’s dreadfully slow start.
Foregoing standard analysis that points to Bayern missing injured players or noting that Bayern’s players are tired after a summer of World Cup play, is there another possible reason why FC Hollywood are performing poorly?
Why, yes!
You see, Mainz 05 are known as the “Carnival Club” and have partied their way to the top by participating annually in Mainzer Fastnacht, a fall/winter celebration that begins in November.
It is an occasion for the players and their supporters to connect and unwind during what can be a sometimes stressful Bundesliga term. With the club enjoying a perfect start to its season in 2010, this year’s festival will likely be even more lively than usual.
Hey, Schweini stole my coat!
As for Bayern, party-pooper Louis van Gaal cancelled the club’s annual trip to Munich’s Oktoberfest. So you see, last season–slow start, Oktoberfest, league champions. This season though–slow start, no Oktoberfest, likely no title.
League success in Germany, then, really doesn’t come down to TACTICS!, player injuries, or squad depth. It really comes down to lederhosen and partying with your supporters. Oh, and lots of beer.
Analysis I understand – thanks Mid!
I would imagine that sanctioned participation in these fall beer festivals is another reason American college soccer players are so easily recruited to join Bundesliga sides.
@BG, that and the German bewbz