An Old International

Super Jews – Exhibition Review

The Jewish Museum in Vienna presents an exhibition on Jewish Identity in the football stadium, which looks at several different clubs from four European countries: Austria (Hakoah, First Vienna and Austria), Germany (Bayern Munich), England (Tottenham) and the Netherlands (Ajax).

The question this little exhibition follows is “What makes a football club, a Jewish club?” The players, the officials, or the fans? The clubs in question provide the answer.

The Austrian clubs have direct ties with the Jewish community, though their origins in different social classes; Hakoah was the club for the radical Zionists while Austria represented the Jewish middle classes which were by and large assimilated. Bayern’s inclusion is justified by Kurt Landauer, the Jewish president of the club under which they first won the German league title in 1932.

While the former two have direct links to the Jewish community in their respective cities, the cases of England and the Netherlands are different. Tottenham, have had a huge Jewish followership, which affected their identity. Ajax Amsterdam supporters simply called themselves “Super Jews”, while most fans of the Dutch club would not know where the state of Israel would be on a map.

The links between football and the Jewish communities in the respective cities are very different but no less very interesting.

It attracts a different clientele to the museum, which is a positive side effect. In times like these, with antisemitism once again spreading, highlighting the links between Jewish roots and influences on the world’s most popular pastime is vital.

One very intriguing piece is the banner reading “Partisan Rothschild” which plays with one of the key figures of the First Vienna FC 1894, Nathaniel von Rothschild. It shows an image of Rothschild printed on a red star. The script reads Partisan — a nod towards Partizan Belgrade, the arch-rival of Red Star. It marks the unifying power of football. Further, the red star, a clear communist sign, with Rothschild’s image superimposed on it, is another contrast. The connecting things are placed above those dividing; it is also a satirical way to play with fan identities’ often martial and exclusive nature in and around football.

The section on the Austrian clubs is naturally the biggest in this fine exhibition, presenting the refereeing whistle of Hugo Meisl as well as a miniature version of the Mitropa Cup which was — perversely abused by having “Heil Hitler” engraved on it. It was used to mark “the Anschluss” in 1938. The Ajax section is dominated by the screening of the film “Super Jews”.

The exhibition is still visible until January 7, at the main site of the Jewish Museum of Vienna. The fee is €15, the catalogue €23.90.

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Intel Inside! Magdeburg and Intel

The news that the American chip producer Intel would open a production site near Magdeburg was one of the best news that happened in 2022. The volume of the investment is estimated to be around 30bn Euro. That is massive and a sincere boost for the region which has seen a lot of unemployment following unification of Germany.

It was therefore only a matter of time before talk would turn towards Intel becoming a sponsor of the sports clubs in and around Magdeburg. In December 2023 the long awaited news finally came: Intel would become a technological partner for FC and SC Magdeburg.

Win-Win-Situation

For the football club this means, that the stadium will have reliable a 5G network, the training as well as the scouting will also benefit from the engagement of the chip producers. One detail is quite significant, though: the deal includes the support of a woman’s football team. This is surprising just as it is long overdue. However, FC Magdeburg benefit from already existing structures. Just weeks before the Intel deal became official, the members of the club decided by vote to integrate the women’s team of MFFC, a club established as early as 1991 (since 2003 under its current name). This presents either side with opportunities: FC Magdeburg need to have a women’s team as part of the licensing requirements while MFFC will benefit from the network, the facilities but mostly from the popularity of the name of the club.

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Eternal Bauer – Bauer Eternel

These days tickets to see Red Star at the time-honoured Stade Bauer are hard to come by. The team sit comfortably on top of the league with a five-point cushion over second-placed Niort Chamois. The game vs Nîmes was a sending-off for one the oldest stands in European football still in use: it dates back to the early 20th century and was built in the mould of Archibald Leitch who was responsible for designing the Johnny Haynes stand at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham and Ibrox Park in Glasgow – to name but two examples of his work.

A New Ground – A New Bauer?

Traditionalists may cry foul and surely they will have a point since many other monuments of times gone are kept alive at great costs, yet a football stand is easy to be dispensed with. The club, Red Star, are keen to get their new stadium after decades of continuous debate, which, at one point, saw them contemplating a move away from the Stade Bauer to the docklands of Saint-Ouen, which would have been an insult to their fans and possibly would have meant a hollowing out of the club. Given the takeover of the club by Group 777 this scenario was likely but thankfully it did not materialise. If fans are not content with Group 777 they have at least a little reason to be cheerful as the club remains where it has been at home for more than 100 years.

The “end” of Stade Bauer, as we know it, signals the arrival of the 21st century in Saint-Ouen – 25 years after the Stade de France marked the same for Saint-Denis, the capital city of the Seine-Saint-Denis Department. The legacy as it was planned for this poor area was that the World Cup 1998 would bring prosperity – but that never materialised; instead, Stade de France and its immediate surroundings stand stick out like a sore thumb. It is yet indicative of the economic situation of the city of Saint-Ouen and the department, the neuf-trois, as well as the club for them to have to wait until an investor, Group 777 (not welcome!) takes over a controlling stake in the club and realises the dream for the fans: a new stadium at the traditional place.

A game of football

In the face of this situation and at that point in the club’s history, the game of football became less important. Of course, points were to be won and Red Star duly took them, yet the emphasis of this evening from the stands was anywhere but not on the pitch.

The visitors from Nîmes are locked in a relegation battle in Division Three. Their record from the last five games read: played five, lost three, drawn two. A cup win against Roannais Foot 42 provided them with a little morale boost but the ensuing league match was lost.

What a different look the hosts were! They were in a rush, scoring twice very early to make clear where the spoils were going. The first was scored by Damien Durand with less than two minutes gone and Achille Anani doubled the lead after only ten minutes.

Following that the game was over; Red Star continued to press and dominate but failed to add more goals to their accounts. Nîmes had their moments in which they were able to relieve themselves from the constant pressure but their efforts were hampered by their inability to produce an opening of the Red Star defence.

The second half was a repetition of the first. Red Star enjoyed the majority of the ball but failed to make anything accountable from it. This became somewhat of an embarrassment for them as they besieged the goal of Nîmes goalkeeper Dias who in return made some brilliant saves and deserves some special recognition for his performance on this evening. Any team with a little attacking nous would have taken advantage of Red Star’s defensive fragilities and scored at least one goal – however, this is only speculation and not part of the debate here. A third goal was ruled out for offside – it also marked the end of the match. The players made their way to the stands and celebrated another win and of course the end of the old stand. It remains questionable whether they are fully aware of the watershed moment at their current employers.

The evening was all about celebrating the stadium and its old and battered tribune and marking the end of an era. Many former players made the way to Stade Bauer to reminisce about the ground and their own experiences as players of the club.

The new era of the club is already in full view as opposite the old stand, the new stand already rises and offers a glimpse of what is to come: a concrete structure allowing a good view of the pitch but offering little in terms of uniqueness. The old building housing the dressing rooms and the offices has gone and will be replaced by a new stand as will be the tribune “Rino della Negra”.

At the end of the day, Red Star are Red Star: putting on a no-show for the old stand, making sure everybody left on time.

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Some light among the gloom

For weeks, I’ve been thinking about packing it in: this blog has had its time, it’s never been a big thing, more on the side with a particular look on football of someone who has lived and played in three countries, wrote a book about it and often felt that football is a lot of hot air (maybe) but always takes itself too seriously.

Football has become an amoral business; it has sold its soul to the highest bidder. It has been like this from the very moment, professionalism was allowed. In recent years, however, it has become worse. Fans have accepted that players move along after a few years, the scouting of young players has become a critical issue as it most often concerns children. The games very often kick off at times given by media companies in order to increase their revenue which in return will be beneficial for the top game: more money to spend on players, managers, coaches, and facilities.

The World Cup, the pinnacle of the game, alongside the Champions League, has become a farce since it has been given to countries with at least dubious human rights records. And FIFA plays along with it, making the public susceptible to think there is something hidden in their trunk that must not be published, i.e. they are being blackmailed.

The state of football, the media, and the debates have led to a feeling of disgust, yet following live updates of the European leagues is still an automatism hard to ditch.

However, there are moments, that come as a real surprise. Like the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as assistant coach of Berlin’s new hipster club, Union.

Marie-Luise #Eta von #Union #Berlin schreibt Bundesliga-Geschichte. Sie wird die erste Co-Trainerin, die ein männliches Fußballteam in der höchsten Spielklasse trainiert. Nach der Trennung von Trainer Urs #Fischer unterstützt sie damit dessen Interims-Nachfolger Marco Grote. pic.twitter.com/uTsl1Hqsvp
— rbb|24 (@rbb24) November 15, 2023

She will be the first woman in such an exposed position in the Bundesliga and maybe this is long overdue! Born in 1991 in Dresden she was part of the Turbine Potsdam team that dominated the league in the early 2000s winning three league titles in a row 2009 – 2011 and the Champions League in 2010.

This is THE ray of light needed to be a little bit more cheerful again than in the past weeks. As a Magdeburg supporter this Berlin club is of no great importance – yet the news that this particular club has appointed a woman as assistant coach – though on an interim basis – has really lightened up German football.

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Crisis? Crisis! Magdeburg in freefall

More than a third of the season have been played and Magdeburg look not convincing. The moment this began came during the match against Schalke 04 in September. The team of Christian Titz were cruising to victory and were already 2-0 up after 30 minutes when Schalke suddenly scored. It swung the momentum the other way and Magdeburg came home with a 4-3 defeat. Only a week before, they entertained the country by beating Hertha BSC 6-4. The scoring frenzy did not cover the defensive frailties. Ever since, Magdeburg have not won a single game, except the DFB cup match against Kiel, which they have also already beaten in the league. The record since then reads: played six, lost four, drawn two; two points from a possible 18. It is clear that this is relegation form and should this negative run continue, it will result in exactly that.

It is quite a remarkable development going from dark horse for promotion to relegation contender in just a few weeks. At one point, Magdeburg sat second in the table and many thought of the unimaginable: playing first division. This is a distant dream and may continue to be just that.

Form and Confidence

However, there are reasons for that. In the eyes of the supporters, some players need a rest, either because they look tired or are out of form, or both. While he has scored at will during the first games, Luca Schuler, the tall centre forward, appears to have lost his confidence and swagger in front of goal. Since September he has not scored. This is a low in terms of form, yet he plays on even though he is, frankly speaking, useless in this current condition. Others, notably Ahmed Arslan, Luc Castaignos and Xavier Amaechi have hardly gained any playing time this season. The coaching team will have their reasons but from the outside, it looks difficult to comprehend. At least since no explanations are being given.

One of the issues troubling the coaching team is the absence of Jean Hugonet. Yet, he alone cannot be the medicine required to get the team back to winning ways again. Since there are no other players injured with difficult or serious injuries, there cannnot be any talk of an injury crisis.

One possible explanation could be that Magdeburg had a good start to the season because their form from last season continued somehow during the first games of this season. What is clear is that their form is not just in the cellar, it is somewhere hidden deep down somewhere and it needs more than just a win to get them back out of this hole.

Last Season in Repeat
All this seems more like a repetition of last season: the match reports often speak of Magdeburg’s dominance with the ball, pressing high but not making any gains, i.e. scoring no or not enough goals, the most important thing in football. At the same time, commentators and fans increasingly become nervous because of the team’s performance of the lack of change as well as the lack of communication. Communication is limited to the press conferences before and after each match. Some players speak to the club’s media channels but this is soft and cannot be considered serious reporting.

How to lie to yourself with Statistics

Against Rostock Magdeburg not only lost the match but also one vital statistic – that of challenges won. Here Rostock came out on top with 114 duels won compared to Magdeburg’s 102. They were also second best in distance run: 108,8 versus 112,2 kilometres for Rostock. The week before, Hamburg laced up 122 kilometres, while Magdeburg came second best with 119. The difference is marginal, but in top sports, the margins make the difference.

Yet, we have been here before and we might see more of this downward spiral. The question is, will the club’s board be as patient as they were last season when Magdeburg sat bottom in November only to climb up thanks to a remarkable turnaround?

Only time will tell.

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Walking into a Minefield

October 7, 2023, was a dark day. Hamas attacked Israel on an unprecedented scale. The attack has drawn condemnation from all corners as it highlighted the nature of this organisation and their intentions: destroy their neighbouring country.

it’s only a tap-in

The finish by Marcus Dinanga looks easy but the movement involved more than 30 passes – 37 to be precise – and saw 10 players touching the ball at least once. Observers of football of a certain age will remember a previous instance. During the group stages of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Argentina managed to play 24 passes against Serbia & Montenegro. Gateshead in their game against Kidderminster, beat that tally by 13 passes. It shows that technical skill and slick football can be played at every level, not just at the top.

Beautiful

This goal rightfully deserves every accolade.

The full version of that Gateshead goal is even better
pic.twitter.com/VAtaYYADY8
— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) September 20, 2023

image credits: “Soccer Ball” by Jazmin Oteo via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.

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Defensive Frailties

Followers of the 2. Bundesliga know that Magdeburg are a team to watch – that is when they are allowed to play, their idea of play is breathtaking. It is positive football that puts the emphasis on playing, passing and movements of the players. It is a joy to watch. However, this joy turned into a frown as Magdeburg also have conceded eight goals in the last two games. EIGHT. Admittedly, they have also scored nine but this defensive frailty is worrying.

One moment of sloppiness

Schalke can play, that much is clear and if a team gives them a lifeline as Magdeburg have done, then it is only a question of time before the inevitable happens. Magdeburg gifted them a goal to make it 2-1 before half-time and it was just what Schalke needed. Within a few minutes after the restart, Schalke were level. Though Magdeburg added a third, Schalke scented blood and got what they were looking for and what they needed: a win. The final score of 4-3 mirrors the game, yet there is a sour note if you look at the game from Magdeburg’s perspective. Schalke simply did not happen during the first half hour, then the goal came and it was game on again. Magdeburg played superb football during this period and should hone three up. Yet, one error proved costly and swung the game the other way. Add in a substitution and suddenly Schalke appeared to be a different team altogether.

Shipping goals at the back while entertaining upfront

There is an overarching trend at Magdeburg that is worrying: it’s the fact that they ship goals like no other team in this division. Only Schalke and Magdeburg have conceded 12 goals after six matches this season, only Osnabrück is worse with 17 conceded. Yet, Magdeburg sit in fifth place while Osnabrück are bottom and Schalke are only beginning to find their feet in this division. While upfront they entertain, at the back, Magdeburg scare their supporters. To be fair, it has improved when compared to last season. There were three games, in which they conceded 11 goals, a 3-0 defeat away at St. Pauli, at home a desolate 4-0 thrashing against Hanover 96 and a spectacular 4-4 draw away at Kaiserslautern.

It is there and will possibly remain. As much as Jamie Lawrence reigned supreme against Sevilla, he is culpable for a few goals this season, yet it would be unfair to single him out. Football is a team sport and as such, all eleven are responsible to prevent Magdeburg from conceding as few goals as possible.

Moreover, not many teams will be as open at the back as Hertha or Schalke were but rather have the capacity to park the bus and thus deny Magdeburg the possibility to roam freely and score almost as they please. This will lead to painful and unnecessary defeats and may impact on this season’s outcome. Those teams also tend not to play a lot of positive football, i.e. they prefer to sit back out of necessity and focus on defending.

Magdeburg on the other side need space when going forward, and when that’s not there, it is going to be tricky for them. Therefore, any means to stop them conceding will be welcome.

As much as football is entertainment – Magdeburg shipping goals on the current scale is not much longer bearable.

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Club Culture

Manchester United once was a club feared for their on-pitch resilience and ability to turn around matches late, i.e., in injury time. The departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 was a landmark moment in the club’s recent history. In the ten years since he left the managerial role, United have won four trophies; in the last ten years with Ferguson, there were 18 titles! Of course, not all this is related to Ferguson, but for most of the transfers he got it right.

What a difference a decade makes! Within a year, the club has to deal with two players who are alleged to have attacked their partners/girlfriends. And although the case against Mason Greenwood was dropped, there will always be a residue remaining – on both sides. The latest are accusations against Anthony, a Brazilian player whom United signed in 2022. He faces allegations of physical attacks by his girlfriend.

It is indicative of the culture at the club, one is inclined to say. A culture of scouting that seems to give little attention to the personal development of future players. Of course, there is never a guarantee that nothing ever happens – it is, however, an unfortunate coincidence that two players in a relatively short time span at the same club have problems of this sort.

The club have to look after themselves, first and foremost, of course. That is why Greenwood’s contract was terminated. The same scenario is likely to happen in the case of Anthony. His national team, Brazil, have dropped him over the issue and United are once more under pressure for all the wrong reasons.

a few words to think about

England may not have won the World Cup at the Women’s World Cup this year but their coach, Sarina Wiegman was named coach of the year in Monaco at a ceremony held in late August 2023.

After receiving the award she politely asked if she could say a few words. And those words were remarkable.

She dedicated the award to the Spanish team all the while, the UEFA president stood next to her and said NOTHING but grinned. UEFA is the organisation that has not taken action over the sexually harassing moment during the trophy ceremony after the World Cup Final. This man is still in office and refuses to step down. UEFA refused to accept the request from the Spanish FA to expulse the RFEF in order to save Rubiales.

Overall, the state of the game of football is a sad one. A coach decided to dedicate her award to a team who have won the World Cup but are subject to sexual harassment and had to face attempts at being silenced by their national association in the aftermath.

Wiegman’s words are a well deserved slap in the face of UEFA

The praise for Sarina Wiegman is well deserved, even more so with those few words of support she offered at the ceremony.

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