Der Monday Meister! Emre Can turned down Bayern return, injured players close to return

Bayern/Bundesliga News Roundup

Emre Can Turned Down Bayern

In a bit of a surprising bit of news, Emre Can announced that he actually DID have an option to rejoin Bayern and rejected it. I'm a bit conflicted about this. While I really hate to hear former players say things like this about our club, I can't help but feel that Can actually maybe did make the best decision for him as our midfield is insanely crowded.

Reus, Gundogan, Ribery, Thiago Near Return

Dortmund, who has been in a bit of a tailspin recently, got some very good news as Ilkay Gündogan and Marco Reus played 45 minutes in an Under-23 match as they get closer to a first team return. The fact that they have been able to play as well as they have in the Champions League without those two (and without Mats Hummels for a long stretch) has been pretty impressive, but it has clearly taken it's toll on their Bundesliga standing.

Bayern got some good news as well from the injury department as Franck Ribery and Thiago Alcantara began training and are nearing a return as well.

Some bad news for Stuttgart, however are not as fortunate as they lose their midfield sensation Daniel Didavi to a thigh tear. Tough break for the 24 year old as he was rounding into form with 2 goals in two league games after an injury riddled 2013/2014 campaign. This a big blow for Stuttgart if they want to climb out of 16th place in the Bundesliga. Get well soon, kiddo

DFB, Goes Hollywood, Müller Receives World Cup Awards

In a story that is sure to make most readers squeal with excitement, the German Football Association has announced that it plans to make a feature length movie about the recent world cup win. I, personally, can not wait as it will include a lot of player shot footage from behind the scenes. If it's anywhere near as good as HBO's 24/7 series, we are all in for a treat. Also mentioned in the link is that Bayern's own Tommy Mueller has received his Silver Boot and Silver Ball awards for being named 2nd best player and 2nd highest scorer in Brazil. It's a great honor for Tommy and one of several more to come as I believe he will eventually break Klose's scoring record (man that feels so much better to say than "Ronaldo's scoring record").

Lewandowski Transfer Profile

Goal.com recently did a pretty in depth look at the Robert Lewandowski transfer and how it's worked out so far for Bayern. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, it's been a hit. Pep hasn't always had the best of luck when it comes to traditional #9s on his club (*cough*, Zlatan, *cough*), but Lewa has hit his stride recently and should only get better

Roberto Di Matteo Officially Unveiled

Schalke, who recently fired manager Jens Keller, wasted no time in unveiling their new manager Roberto Di Matteo. The Swiss boss has already won the Champions League with some team in England in an event that shall not be spoken of, and now he trades in his Chelsea blue for Schalke Royal Blue. He's got his work cut out for him if that locker room is as fractured as it sounds, but there is no doubt a lot of talent on that roster and if anyone can get the most out of them, it's Bobby Di.

Hojbjerg Drops Bombshell

Apparently, Pierre Hojbjerg is not happy with his playing time and wants to be with the first team regulars, or he's gone by January. Well, Pierre, I have some news for ya. You, good sir, are under contract so unless the team wishes to sell that contract, your butt will be parked right where it is. I know riding the pine is frustrating, but dude, seriously, you're 19. You expect to be a regular starter on one of the best (nay, THE best) team in the world at 19? Have some patience, young fella, you're time will come. Also, and this is just a friendly tip Pierre, cause I love ya, but giving thinly veiled ultimatums to a Danish Newspaper is not the best way to deal with Bayern's front office or Pep, for that matter.

Karim Bellarabi Profiled

I love articles like this. Bundesliga.com just recently ran an in depth profile on DFB call up and Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi who was one of the bright spots in a tough loss by Germany to Poland. I won't comment much here, but do yourself a favor and click on the link, because it's a great piece.

Dante Interview With Bundesliga.com

Dante recently sat down with Bundesliga.com's Alex Menuge to give his take on Bayern's start to the season, his current form and his take on the newest Bayern players this season. Apparently, he wants to be the best Dante Bayern has ever seen (have there been other Dantes?)

Beer Of The Week!

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Damen and herren, the Monday Meister Beer Of The Week is (drumroll please) Lost Rhino's Rhino Chasers! As you know, I like to pick beers that are not too well known, but so much so that you can't go out and find a sixer of this in your local grocery store or beer distributer and this week's BoTW is no exception. Lost Rhino Brewing is based in Ashburn, VA, and their Rhino Chaser is a Czech style pilsner that is crisp and clear, but with a full body and a thick head and just a little boozy at 5.6% ABV but definitely not too much. I usually think of a Pilsner as a summer beer, but this one tastes like it would a hit all year round. It has a great aroma at the start and a nice citrus finish to it that doesn't linger for too long. If you can grab some (found it at Whole Foods), I highly recommend it.

Announcements

Unfortunately, next week, there will be no edition of the Meister. I know, I know, I'm sad too but if you'd just put down your torches and pitchforks for a second, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. It is my wife and I's one year anniversary, and we'll be taking a nice long trip to celebrate. If anyone wants to take over for next week, please let me know, otherwise, I'll be back up and running for the following match day.

Also, and this should go without saying, but if there are any suggestions to what you would like to hear or see more of on future Meisters, don't hesitate to say so in the comments. I started doing this a little over a month ago, and sometimes I just make it up as I go, but if you guys have any constructive criticisms or format changes to suggest, please let me know