Sorry for the really late response…I had read your comment awhile ago…and told myself I’d respond the next couple days, but then my internet went out for about a week.

So, anyway…basically I try not to pay too much attention to Champions league or UEFA cup until things get a little tigher and tenser. I think Wolfsburg actually showed that they have a decent shot as they like to perform at high levels when challenged. That said, no team, however, can perform at the level of a healthy and efficient Bayern Munich. Its just they dont seem to be able to put together all the peices when they need to. I’ll probably be writing a CL or UEFA cup entry in a few weeks about how all the German clubs are doing…I hope they do start getting a little more European respect. For those who don’t know, the Bundesliga spends less than many of the other leagues in Europe…and yet still has the highest fan attendence…pretty cool if you ask me.

Second…as for my beloved 1. FCN. That is something I think one is just born with. Nürnberg is like a child with a face only a mother could love…they have been relegated more, and promoted more, than any other team in the league. They have won the German league nine times…and used to be the most feared team out of Baveria.

Times have changed…but one thing remains the same about FCN…when I go to games, when I interract with fans…they just live their lives through these players. There is only one other club where I feel this is close…and that is FC Köln. The one player on FCN I would tell you to watch is the “Phantom” himself, mr. Marek Mintel. He is a national team player for slovak…tied for the most goals in the bundesliga one year…and yet remains with his club the entire time, refusing many offers from big time clubs. that is a true soccer player.

Im off…look for my next entry soon!!

I would be very interested in getting your assessment of the Champions and Europa League games. I was just checking the UEFA coefficients the other day, and it was interesting to see thatLa Liga and the Premier were very close at 1/2 (actually La liga slightly behind) and Serie A and 1. bundesliga were very close at 3/4. If the German clubs do well this year, they can pass the Italians and get an extra spot in europe.

The other thing I would be interested in learning is more about the personalities of the players and clubs. What makes Nurnberg so special? Any noteworthy characters you can describe?

Keep up the good work!