Randall Hauk mit Sohn
Randall Hauk, US-amerikanischer effzeh-Blogger (americangeissbock.wordpress.com)
First, I will apologize for offering only English on what is otherwise a completely German-language site. I offer this apology knowing full well that you are all likely waving off the apology as unnecessary, just as you are all often quick to tell me my German is fine, even though I know it’s riddled with mistakes.
I will also point out what any of you already familiar with me through Twitter or my site already know: the word “expert” hardly applies to me as a football analyst. I only hope Philip, Daniel, Francois, and any other legitimate experts weighing in on this question do not take offense to my appearance among them!
So, shall we begin? Promotion – yes or no? As a fan, I am traditionally blind to the weaknesses of my favorite teams. For those of you who know much about American football, I will tell you that I’m a Detroit Lions fan who thinks every year is the year they’re going to succeed in the playoffs. The Lions have won exactly one playoff game in the last 50 years.
It’s the same for my beloved baseball Tigers. While they were on the verge of being the worst team through the 90’s, I was sure they were on the verge of a huge turnaround. I think people would say I’m burdened with a strong case of myopathy. I’d be a fool to deny it. Yet, when I respond here to tell you I am confident our beloved Billy Goats will be celebrating promotion this coming spring, it will not be just the myopathy writing for me.
Despite the vacancy left by Kevin McKenna’s injury, I think the defense will be far ahead of last year’s group. Miso Brecko and Dominic Maroh are unquestionably stabilizing factors along the back line, with the emergence of Jonas Hector being one of the better story lines of last season’s campaign. Both Bruno Nascimento and Roman Golobart possess the physical skills to be successful in McKenna’s stead, but both have yet to catch Peter Stöger’s eye in that regard. Of course, neither will have McKenna’s experience and knowledge of the game to help them leverage their abilities quite yet.
With the more-offensive 4-3-3 scheme advertised by Stöger in the test matches this summer, the chances for quick counter-attacking by opposition will likely increase, meaning the play of the defense and Timo Horn in goal will likely be tested a bit more than they were under Holger Stanislawski last season. It could be a “trial by fire” for whomever gets the nod each match day. Yet, I don’t find myself in grave fear of any of the 17 offensive units we’ll see attempting to take advantage of the situation this year. Is that too naive?
The new style of play has also led to a necessary rethinking of the midfield. My non-expert observations has me believing Stöger had hoped Matze Lehmann would prove himself worthy of playing the six/defensive mid in the new scheme, allowing our new coach to put Adam Matuschyk and Mato Jajalo in the remaining midfield spots, for which the talents of each is properly suited.
It appears Matze failed the test, however, which might mean Matu will start at the six, leaving another question mark at midfield. Fortunately, Fritz-Walter-medal winner Yannick Gerhardt looked very competent in his test-match appearances. The 19-year-old appears to be a possible solution, which would add more inexperience while providing a talent and energy boost, where speed and stamina will be needed.
That leaves the biggest question of them all, other than the promotion query: Can the Effzeh score enough goals? Ujah’s return, despite the financial cost, was a necessary move, as there was otherwise not a single healthy goal-scoring threat remaining in the squad, once Adil Chihi went down with his annual injury and the promising Sascha Bigalke was lost for the year, also to injury. Take away penalty shots, and Dominic Maroh is suddenly the only other Billy Goat to have scored more than once for the club.
Granted, some of the lack of punch in the offensive attack was a by-product of Stanislawski’s 4-2-3-1 approach. With the new philosophy in place, opportunities should present themselves for players other than Ujah, and guys like Daniel Halfar, Marcel Risse, Maxi Thiel, and Kacper Przybylko all possess the skill to take advantage. Again, call me overly optimistic, but I think we’re going to see more balance in scoring under Stöger and more pressure on opposing defenses in general.
So, yes, I do believe promotion is well within reach for this team. The schedule sets up that the second half of the season holds more of the tougher road trips than last year, so a successful start this year will likely be vital to the campaign. Despite the late hiring of the new coach and all the late signings creating a shortage of preparation time, I like the Effzeh’s chances of being a power in what seems like will be a slightly less powerful 2. Bundesliga than last-year’s thin group.
But maybe that’s my Stöger-esqe red-and-white glasses making it appear so.
