The city of Berlin finds itself without a team in Germany’s top flight – the Bundesliga – but this does not mean Berliners are not supporting their top club. Indeed, Hertha Berlin are flourishing, despite life in the second tier 2.Bundesliga.
Poland have become concerned about the potential performance of their national team at Euro 2012, which they co-host with Ukraine. But, coach and squad believe things are improving.
Having pulled away from relegation worries to knocking on the door of European qualification, Slask Wroclaw could be the story of this season’s Polish Ekstraklasa. And much credit must go to wily old coach Orest Lenczyk.
Germany is the home to some spectacular derbies, but none tops the Ruhr derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. Always providing excitement aplenty, there is a real edge to this world derby.
UEFA have announced themselves satisfied that Ukraine’s politicians are no longer interfering in the country’s football affairs. Thus the path to co-host Euro 2012 is clear.
Euro 2012, though only 18 months away, is not yet a certainty for Ukraine and UEFA are unhappy with the country’s government meddling in its football association’s affairs. Germany has even been mentioned as a standby.
UEFA’s second tier club competition has evolved over the past decade, with reforms to a cup now known as the Europa League. Yet, despite the format being tinkered with, the reason for the Europa League is still far from clear.
Lech Poznan might have been pulling up trees in a very competitive Europa League group, but in the Ekstraklasa it has been a different story indeed. The Polish side must improve quickly.
Lech Poznan appear in a spin before their big Europa League meeting with Manchester City. Despite a pick up in form, this was not enough to save their coach’s job and City loom on the horizon.
Clubs and countries from Western Europe have consistently outperformed their counterparts from Eastern Europe for many decades now. But why? And can the situation change?
