Table of Contents
- Which channels can you watch the Bundesliga live on TV?
- What changes are there in the regulations?
- What are the unique aspects in the schedule?
- What's new with the teams?
- Who might become the season's standout player?
- Who will clinch the German title?
- Understanding the new season's release dates, modifications, and unique aspects is crucial for information.
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning champions, commence the Bundesliga season this Friday (20:30 CET/DAZN and Sat.1) against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Typically, Bayern Munich starts on Sunday in Wolfsburg. Fans can anticipate an exciting season filled with innovations and special dates.
Which channels can you watch the Bundesliga live on TV?
To catch all games live on screen, fans require multiple streaming subscriptions. The pay-TV channel Sky transmits the games on Saturday (15:30 and 18:30) and also airs the afternoon matches in a combined broadcast.
The games on Friday (20:30) and Sunday (15:30, 17:30, and up to ten times per season at 19:30) are streamed by DAZN. The free-to-air channel Sat.1 screens the opening game, one game each on the 15th and 16th matchdays, and the relegation playoffs.
What changes are there in the regulations?
The most prominent modification will be the so-called captain's rule, which was successfully introduced during the summer EURO: Only the team captain can speak to the referee in case of a dispute. The era of multiple players arguing with the referee is supposed to end. Referees prefer not to be referred to this rule as the "complaining rule." A chip in the ball with an EKG for ball contact, as seen in EURO games, hasn't been implemented yet.
What are the unique aspects in the schedule?
Before Christmas, 15 matchdays will be played, with the final one ending two days before Christmas Eve. Following a short winter break, it resumes on January 10, followed by the only midweek round of the season on January 14 and 15. However, midweek football still remains abundant: Due to the overhaul of European competitions, there are significantly more international matches scheduled. On January 29, a Wednesday, 18 matches will be played simultaneously in the Champions League at 21:00 CET. The five German representatives are Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund.
What's new with the teams?
Two of the top five teams from the previous season have new coaches in charge. At Bayern, the Belgian Vincent Kompany aims to turn last season's titleless campaign under Thomas Tuchel into a thing of the past. At Borussia Dortmund, former player Nuri Sahin has taken over the head coaching role. Transfer activity has also been significant.
Bayern spent over 100 million euros on players like Michael Olise and João Palhinha. Borussia Dortmund signed Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton from VfB Stuttgart, so the Swabians also had to invest. RB Leipzig must cope with the departure of Dani Olmo to FC Barcelona. The promoted teams Holstein Kiel and FC St. Pauli will be closely watched in the Bundesliga.
Who might become the season's standout player?
Last season, Jamal Musiala (21/FC Bayern) and Florian Wirtz (21/Bayer Leverkusen) garnered a lot of attention as young German national team players. Both remained with their clubs and enter the new season without major injury concerns. Can the 22-year-old Frenchman Michael Olise also shine at Bayern after winning the silver medal at the Olympics? Spanish player Aleix García (27) moved to Leverkusen after a strong season with FC Girona in Spain. Deniz Undav (28/VfB Stuttgart), Harry Kane (31/FC Bayern) and Serhou Guirassy (28/Borussia Dortmund) know where the goal is. The fans of RB Leipzig were pleased that Xavi Simons (21) could be loaned again.
Who will clinch the German title?
German record national player Lothar Matthäus recently stated that there's no way past title defender Leverkusen – and Matthäus isn't alone in this belief. After years of the response always being "FC Bayern will", the title race in this season appears more open. Behind Leverkusen and Munich, Dortmund and Leipzig are prepared to seize their opportunity. Despite key player departures, VfB Stuttgart can still pull off a surprise.
In the upcoming Bundesliga season, FC Bayern, one of the top teams, will be led by their new coach Vincent Kompany, aiming to improve upon their titleless campaign under Thomas Tuchel. During the international breaks, fans can expect to see FC Bayern, along with other German clubs, in action, as there are significantly more international matches scheduled.
