Saw the following in a CNN/SI article about looming financial problems in Bundesliga. Anyone know how this afects Berhalter? Is he one of the six? What's his status/outlook? "As a result, the clubs have been cutting costs, rosters and salaries. Energie Cottbus, struggling at the bottom, released six players during the break. Munich 1860 has reduced its budget by 25 percent." Here is the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2003/01/22/german_rdp/
According to www.kicker.de, Berhalter played stopper for Cottbus in a 1-1 draw with Donetsk Shaktor on the 15th. Coach Geyer said the defense played well in that game, and I gather the winter break training sessions have focussed on a change in tactics that may provide more of an opportunity for the U.S. international. However, he wasn't listed in the side for a game played on the 21st, so I'm not sure what the current situation is -- just that he was with Cottbus in Dubai last week.
Berhalter is still in Cottbus and he's got very good chances to be in the starting formation as central defender after the break. He started in all important friendly games and left a good impression. As all other players (except one) in Cottbus, Berhalter agreed to earn 5% less due to the financial problems. They did not release players in the winter break though, that's wrong. They terminated contracts with some players already before, but the main reason was to reduce the big roster. And don't take the numbers too seriously. 1860 President Wildmoser is just drawing horror scenarios. For this season they can't reduce the budget, absolutely impossible. He announced that for the next season, but it won't be that dramatic. Also, with the 600 M debts of the league, the people don't realise that there are positions on the other side of the balance sheet compensating this; e.g. Schalke currently is in debts as they built the new stadium, but they made a long term deal to repay it - the debts are in these 600 M calculation, but the stadium is not.
Per kicker, Berhalter is projected to start on Sunday for Cottbus against Bayer Leverkusen. Per FoxSportsWorld, its Sunday Bundesliga game is Cottbus at Leverkusen (11:30 a.m. EST).
Olafgb, would you say, in general, that most Bundesliga coaches trying to force players to play "their" system, or that most design their systems based on the strengths/weaknesses of particular players? As a few have echoed here, Gregg can play regularly at this level IF he is in the right system/position....that playes to his strengths...sounds like he has his chance to shine now- we all hope he takes it....
At one point the coach did say that Berhalter was struggling mainly because he missed pre-season and that he envisioned a bigger role for him after the winter break.
Regarding Gregg it is as Dark Knight said. Regarding the coaches it differs. Coaches like Hitzfeld, Sammer, Stevens or Rangnick play their system and 'press' the players into it. Most other coaches rather see what's available and form a tactics depending on the strength of their team and also depending on what they expect the opponent to play.
The coaches you listed ("players must play within THEIR system") have years exp/success, big reputations as player and/or coach...and generally bigger clubs..makes sense..success breeds familarity.. Sounds like Yanks (especially younger ones) are better off seeking clubs in which the coach is more flexible to their talents....instead of the "big names"...lower profile....I've always thought this to be a good solution....Yanks can get more responsibility sooner, and as far as developing your game, you are probably better off playing AGAINST Bayern Munich (starting, big role) vs. being a bench player/fringe on BM with a specific system (Claudio Reyna better than in Wolfsburg vs. time in Leverkusen).... I'm starting to think that the Leverkusen connection is no longer the one for Yanks in Germany to exploit..clubs like Cottbus/Hannover (if they stay up) maybe better shots.. Sounds like Cannon has "found one" in Lens vs. Feynnood...