Uli Hesse: Bayern Dominant, Dortmund Determined, End for Hoffenheim




Beyond The Pitch show

Summary: German football correspondent and historian Uli Hesse arrives to give us his verdict on the Bundesliga this season as a rampant Bayern Munich has polished off another domestic title with ruthless precision while Dortmund has found itself in the elite semi-final stage of Europe and we also ponder a rumoured future for striker Robert Lewandowski. We examine the draw, the crushing economic influence that Bayern holds over the German game and whether the sporting context will be tilted in the coming years as this commercial revenue might has been put fully to use. Another key focus area has been the performance for Borussia Dortmund throughout the season in Europe and whether cover and depth are now becoming a serious concern. Also on the agenda is the future for Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp who has become something of the top rising star in international coaching circles after overcoming Malaga in pure, storybook fashion at midweek in front of the home crowd. We also explore the relegation battle in Germany as well including the suddenly tragic end for not only Greuther Furth who have struggled to score 20 goals in nearly 30 matches and look to be going down, but also whether the end of a productive period for Hoffenheim could be in the cards after a couple of years of poor execution, aggressive player sales and terrible decisions throughout the football club.