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Posts tagged ‘Germany’

Oct 7

Kloppite

Cheesy but no doubt similarities to headlines in the ‘Red Tops’ as soon as the deal is done. It shouldn’t need translating but a play on words with incoming manager, Jurgen and the famous Anfield Kop.

I’ve put forward my opinion that Ancelotti might be a safer bet, with his track record in Europe and knowing the EPL, but that’s from an armchair EPL follower – and fan of none in that League.

Did I see Klopp in Manchester today? I think not but it’s amazing what that bright yellow of BVB and a hairy chin symbolizes. Maybe there’s a Klopp Minion on the way?

I listened today to Dietmar Hamann on TalkSport. I find his pitch somewhat akin to Jimmy Cranky with a Deutsch twang. Is it just me or is his tone as motivational as a lettuce. Supposed I’m scarred, not by Germans, with many a good friend and colleague from that Country – and lessons to be learned from the fatherland. But, because as Wiki states: “On 5 July 2011, Hamann was appointed as the new manager of newly relegated Conference Premier club Stockport County, replacing Ray Mathias. His appointment was made after businessman Tony Evans headed a consortium proposing taking over the Club. Hamann resigned as Stockport County boss on 7 November 2011, citing the failure of the proposed takeover by Tony Evans to materialise; his team were languishing in 17th place having taken only three wins from his nineteen league games in charge.” A tangled web.

Is Dietmar hoping for a recall to the background coaching staff at Liverpool or is he sitting comfortably in the media room these days. If the former, maybe ‘Clumsy Klott’ would be more appropriate headline?

Sep 5

Get in…….migration, refugees and football

There are certain images from Worldwide media that are ‘game changers’ or more accurately memories of life changing or major events.  This could include such as 9/11, Lady Diana’s fatal car crash, the hanging of Saddam Hussein etc.  Of lesser prominence but a momentous media coverage is the photos of Aylan Kurdi, a Syrian Kurd from Kobani, who was washed up in Bodrum, Turkey.  There are a minority of journalists or z-rated celebs that seek to make mileage out of an association with that story – but I challenge anyone to not me emotionally moved by that lasting picture of the deceased boy R.I.P.

I didn’t expect such a swift response – if one at all from the beautiful game, but here are a few anecdotes of actions.

Germany must take credit for its swift call to action and rallying behind the refugee debacle.  Bundesliga club Bayern Munich announced it will donate US$1.1M to projects supporting some of the refugees that are rapidly entering its homeland.  A Country renown for its immigrant Turkish population in wards of major cities.  I believe already Germany has more than 4 x the numbers permitted that we have realised in the UK though the Prime Minster will increase our quota shortly. Shalke and Borussia Dortmund have been swift to follow suit also. At Bayern Munich’s next home game the players will enter the pitch with a German child and a refugee child in each hand.  Emotive stuff!

Closer to home, Irish Independent Bohemians has unveilled a heart-warming mural outside Dalymount Park in the League of Ireland. It has done its bit to highlight the humanitarian crisis engulfing Europe by unveiling a mural welcoming refugees outside the Stadium (pictured here).

Supporters’ groups in England are looking to follow such example with as a minimum “Refugees Welcome” banners at matches in response to the epidemic.  Just looked on the Supporters’ Direct website and not seen any collegiate dictate but it must be on the agenda somewhere I feel?

Aston Villa and Swindon Town fans were publicized as planning awareness raising on the crisis in this weekend’s fixtures.  Holding banners seems the minimum call to action. Maybe Stockport County can link to the Britannia Hotel in Offerton which is allegedly holding asylum seekers bused up from Dover after arrivals via Calais. Free tickets, warm welcome, mascots, a meal – surely our Town can show its “Friendly Football Club” motto from previous campaigns.  At non-league grounds, Kingstonian, Dulwich Hamlet and FC United have plans a foot.

The organisers of a campaign on Facebook and Twitter (@RefugeesEFL) was founded by motivation from our German counterparts in European football.  My companies ACROBAT and FCSM has made a gesture in solidarity.  We have donated and tweeted to a Manchester Appeal for this subject. “Great idea from 🙂 We’ve made donation – we all should!”

 

 

May 24

German pointer

It was after all my first ever dog! The ‘huns’ as former generations might have referred – but I prefer our German counterparts in Europe, are destined to battle out for the Champions League trophy at Wembley.  The issue I want to highlight is not the more common debate contrasting our Country and Deutschland of standing for spectators, club ownership and balanced finances – but that of ticket prices.

Talk Sport broadcast today a Season Ticket at Tottenham for £800+ for 2013/14 whilst Dortmund’s equivalent is an alleged £100. Okay so the German market is not one I’ve analysed but this significant variation – with the greater financial viability of that Country’s game does suggest there is something we might learn – and indeed others including Spain.

Uli Hoeness, President of Bayern Munich, Dortmund’s opposition in the Final, said when asked:  “why the Club didn’t have higher ticket prices, like they do in England”  he replied “We do not think the fans are like cows to be milked. Football has got to be for everybody. That’s the biggest difference between us and England.”