After dismissing Ottmar Hitzfeld, Bayern Munich appointed former Stuttgart boss Felix Magath as their new head coach for the 2004-05 season.
The former midfielder had not won any major honours at Stuttgart, but was an immediate success in Munich, winning the league and cup double in his first season.
Bayern’s nearest challengers in the league were also under the guidance of a new coach, as Ralf Rangnick was appointed at Schalke just a few weeks into the season following the departure of Jupp Heynckes.
Borussia Dortmund’s new boss Bert van Marwijk was less impressive, finishing the season in seventh place. Holders Werder Bremen continued to impress and finished third under Thomas Schaaf, with Hertha Berlin, Stuttgart, and Bayer Leverkusen qualifying for the UEFA Cup.
CHANGES
The 2004-05 season was a transitional one for many of Germany’s top teams, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Schalke all appointing new head coaches.
With many other clubs suffering from financial problems, new Bayern boss Felix Magath was given money to spend, and brought in Bayer Leverkusen’s outstanding centre-back Lucio for €12 million, as well as Dortmund’s defensive midfielder Torsten Frings for €9.5m. Both proved to be pivotal players in the title race, with only striker Roy Makaay featuring in more games.
Despite receiving a big sum for Frings, Dortmund were not in a position to spend with the club looking to be heading towards bankruptcy by 2005. The biggest addition during the summer was the loan arrival of Ebi Smolarek from Feyenoord.
Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen had no major signings despite selling Lucio to Bayern Munich. Bochum midfielder Paul Freier arrived for €3.5m, and Swiss attacker Tranquillo Barnetta for €250k, who was then loaned out. Hannover’s total summer outlay was less than €2m, but included the signings of Barnetta, Ricardo Sousa, and Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke.
Werder Bremen capitalised on their league win in the previous season by…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/magath-completes-debut-double-with-bayern-munich-the-bundesliga-in-2004-05/128
Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Martin Macdonald)
Publish date : 2024-07-25 14:00:00
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