Like Lahms To The Slautern - Red Devil Revival

[SixPointer]

10 hours ago, Sheriff7 said:

For me first one.His personality and reputation makes the difference in my head.. 

I was thinking that myself. Also I done abit reading and found that @BoxToBox reckons personality and determination were most key. 

[SixPointer]

After reading some material on HOYD the club opted to appoint Jonas Thern 

[SixPointer]

First round knock out in the DFB-Pokal never a good thing to go out the cup but will allow us to concentrate more on the league we don't have a huge squad so it may be a blessing in disguise. A really poor game settled in extra time in the end and I would say Bremen shaded the game and deserved it more.

[BoxToBox]

On 23/11/2018 at 10:11, SixPointer said:

I was thinking that myself. Also I done abit reading and found that @BoxToBox reckons personality and determination were most key. 

Gives a better chance of them having high professionalism and determination. A higher rep is always good, but I've never been too concerned by it.

Their preferred formation can hep too(if you want intakes to have certain positions like wingers), but it's not a major concern as you can retrain players anyway.

[SixPointer]

6 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Gives a better chance of them having high professionalism and determination. A higher rep is always good, but I've never been too concerned by it.

Their preferred formation can hep too(if you want intakes to have certain positions like wingers), but it's not a major concern as you can retrain players anyway.

Thanks boxy! 

[SixPointer]

Early Season Review

Nine games in and we have started well. Some standout results especially a three game winning run that seen us beat Greuther Furth, Bielefeld and a huge Victory against Cologne. Few tasty games as well Union Berlin we snatched a point in the last minute and we lost a point in the last minute at Sandhausen.

Very happy with the table after 9 games. Joint top scorers as well one of the main traits of Philipp Lahm's side. League is very tight a few bad results could see us spiral but a few good ones puts us right in the mix.

Mads Albaek has had some start to life in 2 Bundesliga 10 goals in 9 albeit 5 from the spot highest average rating and most man of the match.

Pick of his ten goals so far smashed into the top corner from the edge of the box.

[Sheriff7]

Very good start, interest battle for the league with many great clubs there.Only Cologne underachieving unti now.

[SixPointer]

6 hours ago, Sheriff7 said:

Very good start, interest battle for the league with many great clubs there.Only Cologne underachieving unti now.

Yes cologne have been out of sorts! I think Bremen will run away with it in the end. 

[SixPointer]

Mid Season Review

A good point away at Fortuna Dusseldorf before a late winner at home against relegation candidates Jahn Regensburg rounded off October. November started with a 4-2 defeat at Dynamo Dresden in a great advert for attacking football. A massive 1-0 win against St Pauli in battling performance against a team in and around us. We destroyed Eintracht Braunschweig our fellow promoted team 5-2 in a classic before a 1-1 draw at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion with Heidenheim that concluded November.

League leaders to start of December. Werder Bremen are heavy favourites.

Philipp Lahm throws down the gauntlet to his players and Stefan Kuntz is excited with Lahm's vibrant, attacking football.

What a performance what a result! Lukas Spalvis tore the Werder Bremen defence apart and will take the man of the match award but the defence was solid and deserved the headline.

A fantastic pass from Palko Dardai puts Lukas Spalvis in behind the defence and he finishes clinically to send Philipp lahm's side one up.

Sore loser if you ask Lahm who is delighted to get one over Hasenhuttl. He was right he would eat his words.

A late equaliser from Duisburg makes it two massive points dropped before two early Union Berlin goals at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion left to much work to do and Lahm's side finish the year with a defeat.

As the league breaks up for the winter break Kaiserslautern are sitting in a very respectable 4th place with the most goals scored in the league and very much within there target of a top half finish. The biggest shock is Cologne who are being dragged into a relegation battle.

Club captain and icon Florian Dick announces his retirement at the end of the season we offer him a coaching course straight away with the idea of offering him a role at the end of his playing days. He does have a clause in his contract that if he plays ten games he gets another year he has played 8 as it stands.

Another year another major injury for a centre back. This time Lukas Rotpuller breaks his leg last year it was Kevin Kraus who went on to retire and hasn't been permanently replaced which means Philipp lahm's hand will be forced in the January transfer window he had planned on waiting till the summer for a centre back but he will need to move fast now.

More speculation about Lahm's future as Borussia Monchengladbach look to the Kaiserslautern gaffer and Bayern Munich legend. But something is telling me he is dedicated to his plans at his current club and sees there true potential as a German giant.

[BoxToBox]

What a showing against Bremen!

[SixPointer]

8 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

What a showing against Bremen!

I would go as far to say lahm’s finest result and performance so far Kaiserslautern boss. 

[Jimbo_the_red]

Very strong start to the season, excellent work!  I see you've gone with a 4-4-1-1 tactic, are you having much success with it? Do you change tactics often?  That is some record with Mads. What are your aims for the 2nd half of the season?

[SixPointer]

10 hours ago, Jimbo_the_red said:

Very strong start to the season, excellent work!  I see you've gone with a 4-4-1-1 tactic, are you having much success with it? Do you change tactics often?  That is some record with Mads. What are your aims for the 2nd half of the season?

it works well normally start with it cautions then maybe up it to positive depending on how we are playing. I do change a lot I do flip to the attacking system we used in the first season and am currently in the middle of making another system to give us another option but it wont get properly tested till pre season.

The aim is to stay in the top half the squad is nowhere near ready for promotion so 4th place would be ideal but of course if we creep up then we will have to be bolster and be prepared for a very tough season. I cant see it though. Mads has been on fire but he hasn't hit the back of the net since. 

[SixPointer]

Winter Transfer Window

After losing Lukas Rotpuller with a broken leg Philipp Lahm's hand was forced earlier than he had liked. He had lined up two centre backs in the summer but he would now have to bring one forward. Top target Svetozar Markovic at Partizan Belgrade had a 1.5 release clause but unfortunately he opted for Atletico Madrid. So he had to look at the other targets.

Erik Tobias Sandberg joined Kaiserslautern on January the first after a fee of 1.1 million euros with a possibility of another 500 thousand euros in add ons depending on performance. A Norwegian under 21 international he is and exceptional talent for his age. Physically strong, technically good and sold mentally. He is Lahm's first big fee since he arrived at the club here is what he had to say.

"he fits all of the DNA that we are looking for in a player and already at such a young age. Great in the air, capable with the ball at his feet, reads the game well, strong as an ox, mentally focused and determined. I think he is destined for big things at the club"

With the sale of two unhappy players it left some space in the budget so Lahm turned to his trusted Scandinavian scout Patrik Andersson who uncovered Sigurd Gronli and Erik Tobias Sandberg to find him another centre back with potential for a reasonable fee.

 

After a board meeting and some finances were juggled the deal was done. Fredrik Knudsen arrives at Kaiserslautern for a modest 475 thousand euros.

"Freddy is of a similar mould of Erik I think they can compliment each other perfectly. I think Freddy is a little bit more comfortable on the ball but is slightly slower than Erik but I think we could have a great partnership for years to come with two players who fit the clubs DNA"

The Maik Hartel Saga

lets take a trip over to Germany where there is a lot of rumours and speculation surrounding a certain 15 year old talent Maik Hartel he only joined Kaiserslautern in the summer but we have been told of interest from Borussia Dortmund amongst other Bundesliga clubs.

The first offer reasonable offer for his services but I reckoned we could do better with other clubs sniffing around.

A host of top Bundesliga teams joined the chase this could get interesting.

 

Even more so when the favourites to land him rivals join in with the biggest bid to date.

The signs of a frustrated manager 

Then the big money arrived for the talented kid

We come to you live from Germany at Signal Iduna Park were we are hearing of a completed deal for 15 year old hot shot Maik Hartel he has signed on the dotted line for a reported 3.1 million euros just 6 months after signing on a free transfer for Kaiserslautern.

Meanwhile over at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion. Phillip Lahm has passed on some nice words for the young player.

"Ever since Maik arrived at the club he has shown nothing but desire to make it to the top. He is already very professional in the way he trains and goes about his business. A massive talent and he will am sure go on to great things in the game. He never once fussed to get a deal over the line and waited for the club to get a great deal in place. We wish him all the best in the future"

[john1]

Superb win over Bremen  Decent money to get for Hartel  

[SixPointer]

Just now, john1 said:

Superb win over Bremen  Decent money to get for Hartel  

Thanks man. Was a great result! Yeah just had to hold out he is some talent and had no doubt he would make the first team but couldn’t play till he was 17 and they were throwing money at it. Think the 50% will prove very worthy in the long run. 

[deltablue]

Very good deal there. 

[SixPointer]

2 hours ago, deltablue said:

Very good deal there. 

Cheers. He is definitely going to be a player but money is well needed so can’t afford to wait. 

 

Infact special mention to Andreas Müller because he brought him to the club on his own accord forgot to mention that so the plaudits go to that man!

[withnail316]

Just caught up with this, well done on the instant promotion.

In two minds on the "plastic club" debate. While Leipzig make me feel a bit ill, lots of traditional clubs have made poor decisions, stagnated and then regressed. It's a sign of the strength of German football that they've found it hard to recover.

Anyway, KUTGW!

[SixPointer]

22 hours ago, withnail316 said:

Just caught up with this, well done on the instant promotion.

In two minds on the "plastic club" debate. While Leipzig make me feel a bit ill, lots of traditional clubs have made poor decisions, stagnated and then regressed. It's a sign of the strength of German football that they've found it hard to recover.

Anyway, KUTGW!

Thanks man first season was very successful. 

Yeah german football is stacked with massive clubs in lower leagues it’s a great place to manage am enjoying the challenge. 

[ITFC_Blue]

KUTGW, loving the save and detail in your posts so far! 

[SixPointer]

44 minutes ago, ITFC_Blue said:

KUTGW, loving the save and detail in your posts so far! 

Thanks mate. I wasn’t as detailed as I wanted to be at the start but now have more time for writing. Glad your enjoying it. 

[WillHoward42]

Enjoying read this one. Following 

[SixPointer]

4 hours ago, WillHoward42 said:

Enjoying read this one. Following 

Thanks man glad you are enjoying it!! Thank you for following it as well 

[SixPointer]

Youth Intake Day

Jonas Thern's first intake at the club looks a good one plenty players with high determination sign that he is rubbing off on them. Jonas reckons Tim Bitzer-Hinz is the stand out talent of the intake.

Great personality outstanding determination good physicals I think he has a future at the club. Still very raw at 15 but has some key attributes already definitely has potential and will be offered a deal.

Philipp Lahm reckons that Fabio Montanari is the biggest talent that Jonas Thern has promoted into the under 19's. The half Italian has every single one of the DNA that Lahm is looking for. Accelerations, bravery, determination, stamina, teamwork and work rate his only fault is his personality.

Cagdas Tran is another player Lahm mentioned in his interview with FCK-TV at 14 he is younger of the other two but again has some key attributes already and lahm has spotted something he liked.

A new link confirmed with Sudtirol Alto Adige from Italy the main reason I chose them is after reading @ElCuriosoJr thread on the club and how he spoke about there fantastic facilities. The German national team used it in preparation for the world cup in Russia. The city also speaks German hopefully it can prove to be a fruitful partnership.

[SixPointer]

Mid Season Review

A very inconsistent spell for Kaiserslautern after the winter break. In ten games Philipp lahm's side only managed back to back wins once in fact it was the only time the same result followed each other. 16 points from a possibly 30 isn't great but it is still good considering there was some tough games for the newly promoted side.

Lahm pulled of 3 massive results away from home a point at 2nd placed Ingolstadt winning at a resurgent Cologne making that back to back wins against them also a great point at 3rd placed Darmstadt. All big results against teams that are in and around them and especially on the road. Poor losses at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion to Greuther Furth and Sandhausen over shadow some of the good work done on the road.

The League Table

The table still makes for good reading but its very tight with 6 games left. Philipp Lahm's side could creep into the promotion places if the results go there way or they could plummet into mid table madness its all to play for.

Cologne have bucked up there ideas and are making a late charge along with Dynamo Dresden who have been playing well. Darmstadt, Ingolstadt and Werder Bremen have been the front 3 for some time can they see of the challenge?

The last 6 games of the season which will decide the fate of Philipp Lahm and his Kaiserslautern side. Dynamo Dresden up first and dare I say it a SIX POINTER for Lahm's side. St Pauli only 8 points behind will be tough game before games against Braunschweig and Heidenheim that they would expect to win before Werder Bremen who will no doubt be out for revenge after Kaiserslautern demolished them at there own patch the season is then wrapped up away in Duisburg.

Philipp Lahm Interview

Philipp thanks for giving us your time here today at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion press box.

Philipp in recent weeks you have been linked with several high profile jobs are these rumours true?

"There is a lot of rumours circling right now all I can say is am committed to Kaiserslautern and the task in hand"

We were informed of interest from German giants Dortmund surely this size of a club must appeal to you?

"Sure Dortmund are a huge club not only in German football but world football. Kaiserslautern are also a huge club. Yes we have had problems in recent times but we are already bouncing back and I cant see no reason why we cant reach these heights again. we have the fanbase the board are backing the project therefore I see this as the ideal place to carry on what I have started"

Job offers from abroad Philipp we were told you were invited for a interview in the Italian capital

"Am nor able to confirm or deny this rumour like I stated previously I feel Kaiserslautern is the right place for me in this present time I was set a task and am determined to see that threw I'm still relatively inexperienced in managment and its flattering to be linked with clubs but for now I am the Kaiserslautern manager. that's all I have time for today"

[Sheriff7]

It looks (and is)  difficult but you can fight even for second place and automatical promotion. Last games will be very interest and hard task and that's why we love this game. Good luck mate! 

[SixPointer]

Thanks mate should have it played tonight and then I’ll update. Think the first 2 are must win if we are to stand a chance of sneaking up 

[SixPointer]

The Business End

The six pointer against Dynamo Dresden was a sore result for Philipp Lahm to take as his side conceded a 89th minute equaliser. St Pauli then dismantled Kaiserslautern and ended the hopes of promotion. Back to back 1-0 victories against relegated Braunschweig and relegation battlers Heidenheim before a crazy 0-0 at home to the 2 Bundesliga leaders Werder Bremen then Lahm seen his side round of a solid campaign with a resounding 2-0 win at Duisburg.

A sickening blow Lahm's side just couldn't hold on Sandberg got his first goal for the club but Kaiserslautern couldn't hold on and a late strike destroyed the promotion hopefuls. Over the 90 a point was probably fair.

Final Table

Philipp Lahm secures a 4th place finish with his newly promoted Kaiserslautern side a great season they almost sneaked into contention for another promotion which will surely be his goal next season.

Werder Bremen crawl over the line to the league title and a return to the Bundesliga with Ingolstadt and Darmstadt joining them the latter winning there playoff with Augsburg.

Unfortunately it was bad news for Jahn Regensburg, Duisburg and Braunschweig are all relegated to the Liga 3.

Maestro Mads Albaek makes it into the team of the year for the league and scoops Fans player of the year by a landslide vote. Knudsen takes the signing of the season and Foyth young player.

Sigurd Gronli takes goal of the season with this absolute screamer great hit.

Bundesliga 

Bayern continue there dominance of German football Leipzig secure champions league football along with Frankfurt who are back in the big time 1960 runners up will be delighted. A remarkable return to the top flight for Hamburg sees the 1983 champions league winners back for another go. Poor season for Dortmund with a 7th place finish. Augsburg, Holstein Kiel and Freiburg will drop down to the 2 Bundesliga. 

Liga 3

1860 Munich and Karlsruhe battled it out to the end with 1860 Munich coming out on top and taking the title a massive club back on the up can only be good for the German game. Karlsruhe gain promotion Kaiserslautern will be looking forward to locking horns with there local rivals one again. Munster win there playoff to join the party.  

[Kingofcm03]

2 hours ago, SixPointer said:

The Business End

The six pointer against Dynamo Dresden was a sore result for Philipp Lahm to take as his side conceded a 89th minute equaliser. St Pauli then dismantled Kaiserslautern and ended the hopes of promotion. Back to back 1-0 victories against relegated Braunschweig and relegation battlers Heidenheim before a crazy 0-0 at home to the 2 Bundesliga leaders Werder Bremen then Lahm seen his side round of a solid campaign with a resounding 2-0 win at Duisburg.

A sickening blow Lahm's side just couldn't hold on Sandberg got his first goal for the club but Kaiserslautern couldn't hold on and a late strike destroyed the promotion hopefuls. Over the 90 a point was probably fair.

Final Table

Philipp Lahm secures a 4th place finish with his newly promoted Kaiserslautern side a great season they almost sneaked into contention for another promotion which will surely be his goal next season.

Werder Bremen crawl over the line to the league title and a return to the Bundesliga with Ingolstadt and Darmstadt joining them the latter winning there playoff with Augsburg.

Unfortunately it was bad news for Jahn Regensburg, Duisburg and Braunschweig are all relegated to the Liga 3.

Maestro Mads Albaek makes it into the team of the year for the league and scoops Fans player of the year by a landslide vote. Knudsen takes the signing of the season and Foyth young player.

Sigurd Gronli takes goal of the season with this absolute screamer great hit.

Bundesliga 

Bayern continue there dominance of German football Leipzig secure champions league football along with Frankfurt who are back in the big time 1960 runners up will be delighted. A remarkable return to the top flight for Hamburg sees the 1983 champions league winners back for another go. Poor season for Dortmund with a 7th place finish. Augsburg, Holstein Kiel and Freiburg will drop down to the 2 Bundesliga. 

Liga 3

1860 Munich and Karlsruhe battled it out to the end with 1860 Munich coming out on top and taking the title a massive club back on the up can only be good for the German game. Karlsruhe gain promotion Kaiserslautern will be looking forward to locking horns with there local rivals one again. Munster win there playoff to join the party.  

So close! but next season surely you are easily in the promotion talk. The teams coming down dont look to scary either.

[SixPointer]

9 hours ago, Kingofcm03 said:

So close! but next season surely you are easily in the promotion talk. The teams coming down dont look to scary either.

100% need to be in the hunt for promotion next season. We do require strengthening specially in the wide areas and we need more depth as we relied on loan players heavily at times. But I think 5 good additions will set us in good stead for a promotion challenge. 

[SixPointer]

couldn’t convince my wife to go for a long weekend in Kaiserslautern so I’ll have to make do with Union Berlin

[deltablue]

17 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

couldn’t convince my wife to go for a long weekend in Kaiserslautern so I’ll have to make do with Union Berlin

Which one? There are two, or at least were after the war. 

[SixPointer]

Great result for Union and the atmosphere was brilliant! Makes me want to take Kaiserslautern all the way now after experiencing German football first hand!

[Sheriff7]

Great season mate and very soon you became promotion contender.. Hamburg return to European football and Munich 1869 returning to 2nd Division are great news too!

[SixPointer]

2 hours ago, Sheriff7 said:

Great season mate and very soon you became promotion contender.. Hamburg return to European football and Munich 1869 returning to 2nd Division are great news too!

Thank mate! I’ve not even started the summer yet. Need a lot of improving if we are to make the jump up and push for the promotion. Yes was a good season for the traditional clubs of German football. 

[SixPointer]

The Long Hard Summer

The first big decision was made very early into the summer to cash in on the Maik Hartel clause. In doing so it brought 8.89m euros to the transfer kitty as the board and Philipp Lahm decided now was the time to go all out for promotion. Very much a decision to aid the short term rather than the long term but Lahm convinced the board with the funds he can achieve promotion to the Bundesliga.

The early business from Lahm proved to be very shrewd adding three high potential players capable of reaching Bundesliga standard all for under 3 million euros. All three players are well above average players at this level very shocked that there clubs let them go rather easily.

Nikolas Nartey

Lahm brought him in with a view of him being the heir to Albaek's throne he had to battle the likes of Chelsea and Dortmund to his signature. Physically brilliant, Mentally has the key components to become a great player but technically he needs add more to his game could prove to be a very important player this season for Lahm.

Florent Muslija

Hendrick Zuck failed to reproduce the same performances as his first season and needed replacing. Hannover 96 happened to accept a transfer request from Florent and Lahm acted fast although still very raw mentally he is quick and technically brilliant given the game time Lahm backs this kid to improve vastly.

Gokhan Gul

With Lukas Rotpuller handing in a transfer request due to missing out on promotion to the Bundesliga. So Lahm turned his attention to a young German power house making a name for himself for being a old fashioned centre back. it gives Lahm good balance with the two Norwegian centre backs being more modern day centre backs.

Early outgoing see two young centre backs Gottwalt and Kapp who failed to make the grade moved on. Lukas Rotpuller leaves for a Solid million euros considering he was a free transfer first season and spent the second half of last season injured. He requested a transfer after a fall out with Philipp Lahm for not gaining promotion.

Next up for Lahm was to strengthen his full back slots with Jean Zimmer who came through at Kaiserslautern's academy he decides to bring him in to add some true Kaiserslautern knowledge having spent 12 season with club. Tyrone Mings was transfer listed and will take over the grumpy Janek Sternberg who wants to leave.

Zimmer isn't technically great but he aces the DNA stats good solid right back and he loves the club. Mings on the other hand is more or less the full package.

Shortly after Mings arrival we accepted a decent bid for want away Sternberg.

Lahm went on the hunt for a Danish scout to further more increase his knowledge in the trusted Scandinavian region that has served him so well since taking the rains at Kaiserslautern. Ole Nielsen's first find was a young centre back Lahm was interested as with only 3 first team options he was looking to add another.

Emil Agerbaek arrived for 500k euros from AGF AARHUS in Denmark. 18 years old he is mentally already miles a head needs work physically but that will come in time technically he is good. With the right guidance Philipp Lahm could really have a player on his hands.

 

Blaz Vrhovec was brought in to add more steal into the middle of the park now giving Lahm two options with him and Gino Fechner both capable ball winners.

Julius Biada left the club though he was reliable Lahm cashed in as he was deemed surplus to requirements.

Lahm has searched all summer for inside forward he has Dardai on loan for another season but is sceptical he will reach the level he was hyped to. Ole Nielsen discovers bright talent Andreas Skov Olsen signed for 2.8 million euros from Midtjylland he demanded huge wages but Lahm felt he was worth it has everything except determination but still young and has lots to learn with hard work he can make the step up to the Bundesliga.

While looking at Skov Olsen a talented 20 year old caught the eye of Lahm valued only at 800k he seen this kid as the man to shape his tactical plans around I don't think he expected to pay such a obscene amount of money although the deal is built up with various clauses its still a risk from Lahm but he convinced the board that he has found a superstar.

The man who smashed the transfer record Christian Tue at 20 year old he is already one of the best players at Kaiserslautern he still can improve in particular mentally as he does have some weaknesses but his strengths out way them. Lahm is planning on building his team around him for years to come.

Hendrick Zuck is cashed in on 30 now couldn't cut it in the 2 Bundesliga a good fee and 50% of any further sale.

three late loan deals arrive to beef up the squad a little two strikers and a wide left man gives us 2/3 in every position now at the club with various options ill touch on this more in my next update. One thing lahm wasn't happy about was he couldn't secure a permanent striker two players he is still chasing are

Both strikers wouldn't join due to no champions league football lahm is hoping both can be brought in at a later date. 

[SixPointer]

Pre Season

Solid enough pre season for Philipp Lahm were he used some games to apply some new ideas of how he wants to play going forward. New players such as Nartey and Muslija waste no time in impressing both players looking for a starting berth for the upcoming league campaign with some impressive displays in the friendly games.

Early Season

What a start for Kaiserslautern 9 games played 7 wins and 2 defeats. Philipp lahm and his men have got of to a flyer. Some fantastic results and some even better displays. Two poor results on the road at Dusseldorf and Paderborn stop a perfect start to the season. Players have knitted together quickly and a slight change in style from lahm has paid dividends so far.

Christian Tue could have a goal reel all to himself but its this rocket from Andreas Skov Olsen that is the goal of choice from these 9 games

League Table

After nine games Kaiserslautern are top of the pile albeit by one point. League favourites Cologne have started better this time around but its Paderborn that are the surprise package along with St Pauli who are surprising everyone for the wrong reason.

Badisch-Pfalzisches Derby

 

The tenth game of the season happens to be against rivals Karlsruhe in front of a packed Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

Former club Captian Florian Dick has some wise words for Philipp Lahm's players.

The expecting home crowd was treated as they watched Kaiserslautern pummel there rivals denying them a shot on target in the process. A truly dominant display from Philipp Lahm's men.

Florent Muslija sent the home fans into raptures with this wonder strike after some great closing down he went on to finish well.

DFB-Pokal

Pitched against a semi pro team Kaiserslautern are heavy favourites. Lahm will have to be aware of complacency he cant afford and embarrassing defeat.

Philipp Lahm takes nothing for granted and sends a full strength side out against the German lower league minnows. Andreas Skov Olsen steals the show with a hatrick in a highly efficient Kaiserslautern performance.

Fortuna Düsseldorf one of only two sides to beat Kaiserslautern so far this season are up next and with a large crowd it should be quite the spectacle.

Philipp Lahm played a fully rotated 11 in the cup game looking for an edge after losing earlier in the season. A game that was largely disappointing was lit up with a great volley from Sigurd Gronli.

Another home tie up next for Kaiserslautern.

[john1]

Good win  Can I see screenshot of Gronli?

[SixPointer]

On ‎24‎/‎12‎/‎2018 at 23:28, john1 said:

Good win  Can I see screenshot of Gronli?

when we first signed him

Now. worked hard on the physical side of his game he is still in and out the side very much

 

[SixPointer]

Mid Season Update

A late winner from Lukas Spalvis snatched all 3 points in Munster before a good first half performance meant Sandhausen left empty handed. Phillip Lahm's side then demolished Bielefeld at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion fan day. 0-0 on the road in Cologne is a great point against fellow title chasers.

 Fan Day

First fan day of Phillip lahm's tenure.

"Its a great idea if you ask me. we are trying to grow the club in every aspect so its vital we attracted the younger generations to keep this wonderful passionate fan base strong for years to come"

Boy did Lahm and his side deliver for the young fans 5 star performance. 

"I said to the boys before the game this is for the fans so lets entertain them I also took the shackles off a few players and its paid dividends I hope all the young fans out there today enjoyed that because that was for them"

A drop in form followed up from the 0-0 in Cologne. Poor draws against Greuther Furth at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion then against relegation battlers St Pauli before the wheels really came off for Lahm's men when they lost there first game all season at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion. 5-0 on the road after some tactical tweaks provided lahm with the performance and result which was much needed before the winter break.

Emphatic victory against Bochum stops the rot. Olsen fired Lahm and his men into a early lead and they never once looked back steam rolling there opponents and reclaiming top spot.

Muslija with another strike to add to his already tasty collection. He is a real asset cutting inside on that sweet right foot.

It is tight at the top with only 4 points separating 1st and 5th. Paderborn are the surprise package and are scoring for fun the only team to score more than Philipp lahm's Kaiserslautern.   

Phillip Lahm Tactical Switch

This year we have seen Lahm slightly adapt his styles. His high press is still very prominent but he has added a slightly slower build up style which has been compared to his old master Pep Guardiola. He has added a lower number 6 rather than the number 10 he used previously. A big feature in his game now is he takes the shackles of his 2 central midfielders allowing them to have a greater impact on games.

He has also used a more out and out 433 with his old more direct style. but also with a wide split on the centre backs. Albaek features heavily in this shape similar to what Busquets role was under Pep at Barcelona.

A very rare thing we have seen from lahm is the use of a back 3 typically deployed against the so called stronger forward lines in the league.

To summarise Lahm's shifts in shape has seen him move away from his well used 4231 and 4411 but he still has these in his locker. It has showing his willingness and ability to evolve.

[SixPointer]

Winter Break

Warm weather training and some tough friendlies mixed in with some low level opponents made for a solid winter break.

 

Kaiserslautern welcome fellow title chasers Cologne to the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in the DFB-Pokal. Manager Phillip Lahm has never been beaten by the Billy Goats it should prove to be quite the cup tie.

Angel Gomes who arrived on loan a matter of days before the game had a magnificent debut in a convincing win for Kaiserslautern.

Philipp Lahm again rotated his squad fully for the cup and again his boys repaid him with a superb performance in particular Gomes and Gronli in the middle of the park.

Another 2 Bundesliga title rival in the quarter final.

Very mixed 8 game spell for Kaiserslautern. 4 wins 3 draws and a loss against title rivals Augsburg which could prove costly in the long run. Lahm did however go and beat bookies favourites Freiburg on there own turf to put things right.

The title favourites couldn't handle Kaiserslautern's creative edge and sheer pace of there attacks in particular the first goal. Spalvis lead the line superbly setting up two goals but the whole team was on song.

Olsen wins the ball inside his own half before a direct pacey run opened up the cologne defence then a pass into Spalvis feet who held the ball up well then played a neat pass around the corner to the on rushing Tue who broke from midfield to finish well. the definition on a perfect counter attack.  

Lahm's side still lead the race but Cologne, Paderborn and Augsburg are hot on Kaiserslautern's heels. There is only 4 points in it and 8 games left to play its going to be some race. Freiburg have been very disappointing after all there pre season hype. 

 

[Sheriff7]

Great season mate!You look ready for Bundesliga!Good luck in cup qrt final too.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Sheriff7 said:

Great season mate!You look ready for Bundesliga!Good luck in cup qrt final too.

Thanks mate. Not sure about the depth for the Bundesliga but we aren’t fire away. If we get there i think we can survive. 

[Sheriff7]

2 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Thanks mate. Not sure about the depth for the Bundesliga but we aren’t fire away. If we get there i think we can survive. 

Well....I meant ready to get the promotion to Bundesliga...Staying there is something different...

[Kingofcm03]

52 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Thanks mate. Not sure about the depth for the Bundesliga but we aren’t fire away. If we get there i think we can survive. 

Going off my save, most of the teams who are AI managed and come up are just plain terrible and bounce down pretty much straight away but your squad has far better quality than those. I think you will easily survive. You just need a good first season to get some good cash rolling in.

[SixPointer]

4 minutes ago, Kingofcm03 said:

Going off my save, most of the teams who are AI managed and come up are just plain terrible and bounce down pretty much straight away but your squad has far better quality than those. I think you will easily survive. You just need a good first season to get some good cash rolling in.

Yeah hopefully that’s the case. I have a great squad for the 2 Bundesliga not sure about the Bundesliga. I do have talent but still needs a few years to reach Bundesliga. I don’t want to loose my attacking threat so I may get caught out of the big guns. Time will tell. The money makes a massive difference specially when I want to buy German players as they have mostly been out my market range hence why I’ve went to Norway and Denmark. 

[SixPointer]

Bundesliga 2 title rivals go head to head in the DFB-Pokal quarter final. Lahm has used the tournament to give fringe players a chance but he may now see this as a real chance to go for the trophy. it will be interesting to see how he approaches it.

Lahm goes full strength and crushes Augsburg cup dreams with a highly efficient performance full marks across the pitch.

Nice passing play down the right hand side from Zimmer, Olsen and Tue which unlocks the left side for Muslija to smash home to take the lead.

A tie at Borussia-Park is the reward they haven't had the best season. if Lahm can get the best out of his Kaiserslautern side he could trouble the Bundesliga side.

Badisch-Pfalzisches Derby

On the road to the rivals Karlsruhe and being heavy favourites adds pressure for Philipp Lahm who will know only to well that anything can happen in a derby. He cant afford a slip up and he knows how much this means to the fans.

A dominant win in the end for the table toppers. After several missed chances early on mostly from Spalvis it took a mistake to let Lahm's side take the lead. The next 3 goals had a bit of class about them to the delight of the loyal travelling support.

Nice team move smashed in at the end by Christian Tue he is dynamite from range this is his 9th of the season as well justifying his price stag. So far Lahm's gamble has paid off. 

 

Youth Intake

At a glance its not great work from Jonas Thern a lack of determination in the top 3 rated players is a concern but nonetheless they are all 14 year olds. Plus the standard of the youth and first team right now is pretty high. The youth team is second in the 19's league only 5 points of Bayern. This year most of the under 18 side becomes available to the first team as they pass the age cut off for the league so it will give these lads a chance to grow with game time in the 19's. 

Eugen Leithmann he is Jonas Thern's first choice. Good pace but still needs a lot off work but will sign him and get to work on him right away.

Roman Waack is lahm's standout of the intake best of a average bunch has some key attributes and will be trained in the number 6 role in front of the back 4.

[SixPointer]

The Business End

Lahm's side follow up the 4-0 derby win at Karlsruhe with a 4-0 win at home to relegation strugglers Munster. Disaster then struck for Lahm after a 1-0 defeat on the road to Sandhausen to hand the lead in the title race to Cologne. A tough win against Bielefeld with Lahm resting all of his top players for the semi final against Borussia Monchengladbach. The title race as it stands is advantage Cologne who are a point in front of Kaiserslautern.

 

The Bundesliga club come into this one in poor form but the gulf in class is still there for all to see it should be a great cup tie.

What a classic it had everything wonder goals, tactical battle and a little bit of controversy. BMG lined up in a deep 343 and took the early spoils before Lahm flipped to a 3 man striker system and went after the Bundesliga team in the second half. Christian Tue struck two wonder goals to level twice for Kaiserslautern before Villalba on loan from BMG struck the winner for Lahm's side.

Ladies and gentleman Christian Tue he really has been worth his fee that 12 goals from midfield in his first season and they all tend to be screamers left and right foot as well.

A repeat of the 1972 final were Schalke 04 came out on top. Kaiserslautern were runners up as recent as 2003 they do have a up hill task to win the DFB-Pokal for the first time since 1996.

Its a big one first against second both sides in good form. If Cologne win it you would think 4 points is to much for Kaiserslautern to make up at this stage. Philipp Lahm is unbeaten against the Billy Goats. The fans are out in force as expected especially the 9000 travelling fans.

The home side come out on top after a sensational display from both centre backs. Sandberg and Knudsen both scored and assisted. They saved the goalkeepers blushes as a Hadzikic error lead to Cologne's equaliser. in fair it was a great match and but its back in Kaiserslautern's hands.

Spalvis double to come from behind and win promotion to the Bundesliga in doing so. A poor game but Lahm's side showed there metal and fought there way back into the game.

"its a proud moment for me to lead this huge club back to where it belongs. The players the staff and the board have been phenomenal this year and all played there part. Am delighted for our loyal fans who have been with us through the dark days of relegation today we repaid there faith by returning them to the top today" 

Phillip lahm

Last home game of the season with a chance to win the league title oh how Phillip Lahm would love to win it here. St Pauli have enjoyed a better second half of the season and the side from Hamburg will be looking to come and spoil the party.

Kaiserslautern lift the Bundesliga 2 title for the 3rd time in there history they made light work of St Pauli and showed there winning mentality that has been ever present this season.

Lahm has masterminded not only the return to the top his brought two league titles in 3 seasons its easy to see why people are complimenting the former German captain it would seem he has brought his winning mentality from his playing days into managment.

The last league game against Holstein Kiel finished 1-0 and provided us with probably the goal of the season as Vrhovec smashed in a volley from 30 yards.

D Day is here for Philipp Lahm and Kaiserslautern. The Bundesliga 2 was always the priority but at this stage surely Lahm and the Kaiserslautern faithful can dream of lifting the cup.

It wasn't to be for Philipp Lahm as his side fall to a stubborn Schalke 04 side. The game was poor in truth Kaiserslautern had a go but the Schalke 04 defence stood strong.

 

 

[SixPointer]

Awards, Stats And Standings

Final league table. Kaiserslautern in the end ran out deserved winners scoring more goals than anyone showing testament to Phillip Lahm and his attacking style. Cologne finally head back to the Bundesliga after 3 seasons in the Bundesliga 2. Augsburg failed to bounce back through the playoffs as Nuremberg beat them. Paderborn are the overachievers playing attacking football as well.

Team Stats

Philipp Lahm's change in style is all to see as Kaiserslautern cement themselves as one of the best passing sides in the league. Average possession 55% pass completion 84% 16024 passes completed great stats in terms of passing and holding onto the ball.

69 chances created and 237 Crosses Completed shows that Lahm isn't just knocking the ball about for the sake of it there is a purpose when we get into the final 3rd to create chances.

Most goals scored in the league 71 shots on target 263 most in the league 12% conversion rate. Kaiserslautern aren't just creating an abundance of chances there taking them or at least making the goalkeeper work. 10 goals from corners combination of lahm's good ideas, players capable of delivering the ball and two powerful centre backs.

Its not all attacking positives for Kaiserslautern they were defensively solid as well. only 24 goals conceded 2nd best in the league 15 clean sheets and only 2 goals conceded from corners. all round a solid defence.

Player Stats

Attacking Players

Fantastic first season for Florent Muslija proved a great bit of business he is still only 22 years old. 11 goals and 13 assists 41% shots on target 86% pass completion and also 72% of tackles won a big part of what Philipp lahm expects of him initiating that press.

Productive season for Lukas Spalvis 20 goals from 31 starts 6 assists and 5 players of the match. 59% shots on target could be better for that reason Philipp Lahm will be looking for competition for him in the summer as its a big step up.

A fine first season for Andreas Skov Olsen scored 8 goals and 11 assists from the inside right forward. still can improve with his final ball but I think that is because he is more direct than Muslija. Still only 21 and more than capable of stepping up to the Bundesliga.

Record signing Christian Tue smashed in 12 goals from the middle of the park he also tackled more than any other midfielder his passing was 85% completion also. certainly a good first season and will only get better. RB Leipzig are already chasing him.

Midfield Players

The Maestro Mads Albaek has another superb season. He dropped back in front of the back 4 to conduct the game from deep and he done it perfectly. Pass completion of 93% and 2806 completed passes. He is 31 now and his physicals have started to decline but technically he is still immense will play a massive part in keeping the club up next season.

Bargain of the season Nikolas Nartey who arrived on a free transfer slotted nicely into midfield and pitched in with 5 goals and 5 assists another 2014 passed completed as well could prove to be a natural replacement for Albaek but for the time being he is doing a fine job in the mezzala.

Finally Sigurd Gronli starts to live up to his potential 6 goals and 7 assists. He was the main man in the DFB-Pokal cup run often controlling games. He is now found his feet in the mezzala role Lahm is looking forward to seeing him develop even more next season.

Defensive Players

A stellar season from Freddy Knudsen 0 mistakes leading to goals 101 interceptions and 5 key tackles. His passing was impressive as well 1643 completed passes nice coming from the ball player at the back. He isn't rated by the coaching staff but Lahm sees him as a very reliable player and will give him his chance in the Bundesliga.

Solid first season in German football for Tyrone Mings applied himself well defensively and attacked well on the left hand side. 91 interceptions and 53 completed crosses isn't bad when coming from deep. Big Part to play next season.

Rolls Royce of a defender Toby Sandberg had a great season 1 mistake all season with 83 interceptions often playing cover behind Knudsen he sweeps well against 1 man striker systems. He can also pass the ball as well and works wonderfully well with Knudsen.

Academy graduate Jean Zimmer returned to the club and had a solid season. Won 47 tackles and provided great passing from deep on the right hand side. A big season next for him as Lahm has concerns about him at this level.

The ever reliable Ozzy Hadzikic in goals had another solid season 16 clean sheets 76% shots saved that were hit at him only conceded 25 goals. Next season he will expect to be busy but Lahm has every faith that he is going to make the step up.

Awards

Muslija cleans up on the award front at the club and rightly so. His goal is a sublime finish to win goal of the season he has done that all season.

Christian Tue, Florent Muslija and Skov Olsen all jump straight into the best 11 in there debut season. Great business from Philipp lahm in the summer.

Lukas Spalvis hit 18 league goals and takes the top goal scorer award a nice end to a superb season.