The Bundesliga Connection

The Bundesliga Connection

By Soccer Laduma PodcastSports
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The Bundesliga Connection episodes

  • Could Union Berlin Take The Lead?
    The 2022/23 Bundesliga title race is turning out to be the tightest in all of Europe. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Union Berlin make up the top 3 spots, with only goal difference separating the teams. With all 3 teams having claimed 43 points, Bayern has shown their quality in front of goal, with a goal difference of 40, whereas Dortmund and Union Berlin follow suit with 17 and 12 respectively. There is not much separating these teams. Bayern, who went down to 10 men, dropped more points against Gladbach and Union Berlin failed to claim the top spot after they drew with Schalke.

    The Bundesliga will return on the coming weekend, with a clash that has football fans salivating: 1st-placed Bayern Munich against 3rd-placed Union Berlin. Is this the match that will decide the title?

    A few Bundesliga teams will be taking part in European competitions again this week, with Eintracht Frankfurt facing Napoli and RB Leipzig taking on a dangerous Manchester City outfit. Union Berlin faces off against Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen tackles Monaco.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, DW Sports correspondent Kres Harrington breaks down the Bundesliga title race and speaks of the Bundesliga teams' chances in European competition.
    7 min
  • “We Are Looking At A 3 Horse Race”
    The Bundesliga title race is heating up with only 3 points separating first-placed Bayern Munich (43 points), and third-placed Borussia Dortmund (40 points). Shock title contenders Union Berlin are currently occupying the second spot with an impressive 42 points. The side from the capital city managed to overcome a strong RB Leipzig outfit, winning that match 2-1. Bayern looks to be back to their winning ways after thrashing VFL Bochum 3-0 and Dortmund showed their class by claiming all 3 points against SV Werder Bremen. With 20 matches completed, there really is no telling how the standings will finish.

    When asked about the competitiveness this season, DW Sports correspondent and German football expert Kres Harrington explains that Dortmund’s win was a hard-fought victory as Werder Bremen has been known to cause a few upsets. Dortmund scored 2 late goals, which was a fantastic turn of events, as they tend to concede late this season. Dortmund have a good young team and to see them get a victory on the road, as they are typically stronger at home, will most likely prove to be a much-needed moral boost - now they are within striking distance of the title.

    When you look at the standings, the league is slowly becoming a three-horse race with fourth-placed Freiburg and fifth-placed RB Leipzig looking strong too. Anything can change considering the European pitch is back. More games will shake the standings up a bit with only the best, and strongest teams maintaining their quality.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, DW Sports correspondent and German football expert Kres Harrington breaks down the title race within the league and explains that “we are looking at a 3 horse race at the moment.” Bayern is in the driving seat with Union Berlin and Dortmund following closely. With only 3 points the difference between first and third place, the last handful of matches are of vital importance for these teams.
    6 min
  • “Loose Lips Sink Ships”
    Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has found himself in hot water after some interviews aired which showed him explaining his frustration towards his club, with the firing of goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalovic. Tapalovic was a close friend of Neuer, so close that he was even the best man at the German’s wedding. Bayern’s sporting director has come out and said he is not impressed with Neuer and suggested that he rather focuses on returning to fitness. This all comes after Bayern returned to winning ways after an impressive 4-2 victory over Wolfsburg. Jamal Musiala was able to overcome his goal drought and Joshua Kimmich picked up 2 yellows.

    Borussia Dortmund is back within striking distance of Bayern Munich, after they put 5 goals past Freiburg, with 5 different scorings. Dortmund was all over Freiburg and it almost looked as though everyone was going to grab a goal. One name who was on the score sheet was Sebastien Haller. Dortmund’s record signing grabbed his first goal back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while he was fighting testicular cancer. The Ivorian netted on World cancer day. Haller could very well become e a face bigger than the game.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, Manuel Neuer finds himself in hot water after a recent interview, Bayern is back to winning ways after an impressive victory against Wolfsburg , European football returns, and mouth-water clashes are on the cards!
    8 min
  • "Bayern Look To Be In A Slump"
    Bayern Munich is still leading the Bundesliga standings, however, they have dropped 6 points in their last 3 matches, and now only lead the standings by 1 point. 3 straight draws mean that 2nd place Union Berlin is looking ever closer to regaining the lead. Bayern is in a slump right now which could be due to injuries, including their captain and first-choice goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.

    Bayern needs to pick up the pace if they want to progress in the UEFA Champions League against their opponent, PSG. The Parisian outfit is in hot form and with Senegalese superstar, Sadio Mane potentially missing the first leg, Bayern could have some serious issues moving forward.

    The German cup resumes and RB Leipzig will be wanting to retain their title. The bulls head off to Hoffenheim, who are known to be difficult to beat at home. Bayern faces off against Mainz which will be mouthwatering considering Bayern hasn’t been scoring many goals and a certain Mainz striker is coming off of a hat trick. Wolfsburg is heading into their match after having their unbeaten run ended.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, Bayern Munich has drawn 3 straight games meaning their lead at the top of the table is now only 1 point. The top 4 is as close as it gets with 3 points operating 1st and 4th, and the German cup resumes with some interesting fixtures taking place.
    8 min
  • What Sommer Can Bring To Bayern…
    With Manuel Neuer sidelined for a lengthy period, Bayern Munch needed to figure out a quick-fix plan for their goalkeeping department. A massive priority indeed. Fortunately for the Bavarian giants, they managed to acquire the signature of Swiss International Yann Sommer. Sommer is no stranger to the Bundesliga having spent close to a decade with Borussia Mönchengladbach where he made over 270 appearances, which included impressive performances against Bayern. Head coach Julien Nagelsmann stated that a new goalkeeper would only need a short period of time to fit in, and Sommer showed that he was ready to step up to the plate, securing his new club a 1-1 draw against Nagelsmann’s former team, RB Leipzig.

    Sebastien Haller finally made his return to the Bundesliga after a hefty stint on the sidelines, receiving treatment for testicular cancer. Dortmund faces Augsburg, who gave them a real run for their money. A match of constant back and forth, which was closed off by USA National Gio Reyna’s wonder strike. A fitting return for the Ivorian international.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, Sebastien Haller made his long-awaited return to the league with a win, Bayern Munich draw 1-1 with their new keeper in Yann Sommer and this past match day was an impressive run for the home team!
    8 min
  • Mane’s Return Date Revealed?
    Sadio Mane has been out injured for quite some time, which included him missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar late last year. The Senegalese super-star has already been told that he is set to return when the Bavarian Giants take on Paris-Saint Germain in a mouth-watering UEFA Champions League Clash.

    Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has rejoined the first team after spending the last few months going through cancer treatment. The Ivorian netted a hat trick during a friendly against Basel FC. Dortmund is also getting close with Youssoufa Moukoko and his new deal with the club

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, DW Sports Correspondent Kres Harrington discussed Bayern's need for a goalkeeper and Sadio Mane's return date. Kres also talks about Borrusia Dortmund's strikeforce.
    8 min
  • Dortmund and Bayern's Concerns Revealed…
    After a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to cancer treatment, Ivorian striker and Dortmund forward Sebastien Haller has rejoined his club in a 'mini camp' ahead of the season restart. The 28-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June 2022 and is setting his sights on a return, in January 2023. With Haller's return, another Dortmund striker, in Youssoufa Moukoko, has yet to renew his contract which should bring some concerns to BVB as he is a talent most wanted.

    Bayern Munich has done some interesting business with their latest signing. After concerns around Neuer's, Sane's, and L.Hernandez's absence, the Bavarian Giants urgently need to sign a player, and ageing Daley Blind was top on their list. The former Manchester United and Ajax Amsterdam defender signs for Bayern until the summer of 2023 with an option for one additional season. Is this the right move for Bayern?

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, concerns are emerging for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich alike. Sebastien Haller rejoins Dortmund and Bayern are YET to find a goalkeeper...
    8 min
  • Who Should Bayern Prioritise?
    The New Year has ticked over, opening the Winter transfer window with some big business and money moves being predicted. Bayern is currently without club captain and first-team goalkeeper Manual Neuer, Senegalese superstar Sadio Mane' and French left-back Lucas Hernandez. This leaves head coach Julian Nagelsmann stuck between a rock and a hard place during this transfer window - what should the priority be for Bayern?

    British youngster Jude Bellingham had a sensational World cup and is in fine form. Bellingham currently plies his trade for Borussia Dortmund and since joining the club, his market value has skyrocketed to over €100 million! The 19-year-old is on the radars of some of Europe's biggest clubs, and if he is to leave Dortmund, who would be a suitable replacement?

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, DW Sports correspondent and German football expert Kres Harrington discusses Bayern's troubles and the way forward, and elaborates on why Jude Bellingham is the man to watch in the Bundesliga!
    8 min
  • Are Germany The Flops Of Qatar?
    The 2022 FIFA World Cup has flown by with Argentina lifting the trophy after a scintillating final against France. Although Bayern Munich produced the most players in the world cup from a single club, yet it was not to be! Bayern center-back Dayot Upamecano could only do so much for France. Argentine showed grit and determination, ultimately being crowned Champions of the world.

    The German Football Association has created a task force, in hopes of healing the scars from Qatar, and to stand a chance at the 2024 EUROs. Coach Hansi Flick will be itching to get a national trophy under his belt.

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, the footballing world has labeled Germany as the flop of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a task force has been created for the 2024 EUROs, and more!
    7 min
  • Germany Keep Flick!
    Bayern Munich is showing its national dominance, still having 6 players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup - with a few for France, one for Croatia, and even one star in Morocco in Mazraoui. The chances are good for Bayern Munich to have a World Cup winner in the locker room.

    Manuel Neuer, after Germany got knocked out of the World Cup, went on a skiing trip that ended in disaster for the Bayern Goalkeeper. The 36-year-old shot-stopper posted on his social media that he had an accident that ended in a broken leg. This now means he will be out for the rest of the season and now the big question is, how does Bayern feel about this? The Bavarian giants are said to have rules which stipulate dangerous sports/action sports are not allowed to be played but this I also on a case-by-case basis. So who will now be between the sticks for Bayern?

    On the latest episode of the Bundesliga Connection, the German Football Association has decided to keep Hansi Flick as head coach, Manuel Neuer is out with a broken leg and 6 Bayer stars are still present in Qatar!
    7 min

About The Bundesliga Connection

From the publisher's feed

The Bundesliga Connection with Kres Harrington, in partnership with DW Berlin, is your opportunity to connect with Germany's top-flight. Join Sloo Phaho and Kres as they keep you up to date on the…