Welcome To The Long Summer

Perhaps you are a “new to BVB” fan. You must be a bit confused at this point. If you are an American, you may be wondering “How is my darling Christian Pulisic going to shine in all this chaos?” If you are one of our Asian members, you may want to know if Shinji will get more or less love in the next season. Read on.

Last season we lost three great players. Ilkay was acceptable, he was mostly injured anyway. Mats was understandable. He was, in his mind, returning home. Miki? Screw him and his Manager  🙂

Speaking of Managers, we dropped a very successful Manager the day after a Pokal win. It was not a good look. One would think that Herr Watzke would have someone lined up after a stunt like that, but that was not to be. Eventually we settled on Peter Bosz, and everybody seems to be happy and looking ahead.

This Summer feels different. Zorc seems determined to buy all the young talent in Europe. Last season’s buying spree was mixed: Dembélé and Guerreiro were gems; Bartra showed great promise; Götze and Schürrle were injured; Merino, Rode and Mor never showed up. Worth it? yes!

At a time when we looked pretty set, Management has begun another buying spree. Isak came in early but never played. Dahoud and Toprak were “pre-signed” before the end of the season. Now Zagadou and Maximilian Philipp. This team looks stacked.

Some players will have to leave. Park may be out, if he likes. Subotic is back from loan and will probably be sold. Ginter looks like he needs a change of scenery. Rode could be a valuable commodity along with Bender. Mor and/or Passlack may benefit from a loan. But hey…none of those are the one you want to know about, are they?

Yes! By all indications, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is leaving. He is 27 and in his prime. He’s always indicated that he would like to play for Real Madrid one day. That does not seem likely with Benzema and Morata there, so now it seems he’ll “settle” for Paris. Bild reports (shorthand for “probably not true”) that they will get him for €70 and will double his salary.

But…it’s looking more and more like this will not happen. The more these deals are reported the more Zorc says “no offers have been made.” It would be a silly move for PSG, spending a fortune on a player they have no position for and isn’t their first choice. China seems out of the question.

Also said to be leaving is Shinji Kagawa. Don’t believe it. He’s currently in form and looking to sign a new contract. Plus, Bosz will be eager to try out his Japanese on him.

Others may go out on loan, or be sold. It happens. Believe it when you hear it from  bvb.de and believe the opposite when you hear it from Bild.

So hey, enjoy the Summer and we’ll see you for the Super Cup: August 5 at Wirtshaus. Ous, Christian, Shinji, Weigel…all your favorites will be there. This is the team of the future.

We Did It! Revierderby Meetup in Santa Monica Leads to Victory!

The biggest match of the season so far. The biggest Derby in the world. We all had to get up and out for a 6:30am meetup at The Cock ‘n’ Bull in Santa Monica. Best showing ever!

Group Photo
Front: Bill, Marion, Christine, Brian Back: Armen, Lukas, Joseph and a friendly Liverpool fan.

I told Marion that I was going for a Kloppo 2014 look lately. She brouderby_hat_editght me a hat from the BVB shop in Dortmund. Still haven’t gotten the glasses just right, but someday…

derby_car

 

Marion also arrived in the winning vehicle of all time, The most beautiful BMW I have ever seen. This car outclassed anything in the parking lot.

As for the match: more excitement than was needed. Ginter to Kagawa was magic. Ginter header was unstoppable. Auba Batman Goal came at exactly the right time. This was a Derby to remember.

Breakfast
Breakfasts going cold after Herne-West tie it up.

Also being celebrated was Armen’s birthday from Saturday. What better celebration than a morning Guinness while Auba scores the winning Goal.

Guinness
OK, we’re going to win this thing. Can concentrate on beer for a moment.

We’ll be back again in two weeks. Stay tuned. Sign up here or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.