German Football 
/ Kevin Hatchard / 11 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Insubordination. Wolfsburg's Diego slams his penalty against the crossbar after being told not to take it.
"McClaren was left to furiously reflect on the latest insult delivered by a squad he’d lost control of. Like a supply teacher desperately imploring unruly children to behave, McClaren failed to win the respect and the loyalty of a notoriously mutinous set of players."
Steve McClaren left Wolsburg this week amid talk of mutiny in the camp, not to mention poor results. The Wolves have a tricky match against Hamburg first up whereas elsewhere Cologne should grab another three points.
Wolfsburg [2.62] vs Hamburg [2.94], the draw [3.5]
After winning just five of his 21 Bundesliga games in charge of Wolfsburg, Steve McClaren was finally put out of his misery this week, as he was sacked by exasperated chief executive Dieter Hoeness. Former England boss McClaren can hardly complain, with the Wolves just a point above the relegation zone.
Saturday's pitiful 1-0 defeat at local rivals Hannover proved to be the final straw. Not only was the team performance abject, but the game also showcased the poor attitude of individual players towards their coach. Wolfsburg won a penalty at 1-0 down, and McClaren had previously ordered that new signing Patrick Helmes should take any spot-kicks that were awarded. Instead, enigmatic Brazilian Diego grabbed the ball, and promptly smacked it against the crossbar.
McClaren was left to furiously reflect on the latest insult delivered by a squad he'd lost control of. Like a supply teacher desperately imploring unruly children to behave, McClaren failed to win the respect and the loyalty of a notoriously mutinous set of players. One could argue his experience of the England set-up was similar.
Curiously, Wolfsburg have placed McClaren's assistant Pierre Littbarski in charge until the end of the season. Littbarski has somehow managed to distance himself from McClaren, and convince Hoeness he can save the 2009 champions from the drop. Hoeness has tried to help by reprimanding the squad, and banning Diego for one match.
That match is Saturday's home clash with Hamburg, who are finding life much more serene. Ironically Hamburg are coached by Armin Veh, who was sacked by Wolfsburg last season after experiencing similar problems to McClaren.
Hamburg are eighth, seven points off a Champions League place. They've won three of the last four matches, including an eye-catching 1-0 victory at Schalke. HSV seem to finally be addressing their poor away form, with wins in two of their last three road games. It's worth considering Hamburg will be fresh after last week's derby against St Pauli was postponed.
RECOMMENDED BETS: Wolfsburg are a mess, and I'm not convinced Littbarski can make a difference. Back Hamburg to win at [2.94]. Three of Wolfsburg's last four games have been under 2.5 goals, as have Hamburg's last three. Back under 2.5 goals at [2.02]
Cologne [2.52] vs Mainz [3.05], the draw [3.5]
Last weekend these sides experienced the extremes of emotion that football can produce. Cologne came back from 2-0 down to beat Bayern Munich 3-2, while Mainz dominated Werder Bremen but conceded from the last kick of the game to draw 1-1.
Cologne's revival against the Bavarians was truly extraordinary. Bayern dominated the first half, and would have been three or four up but for some excellent last-ditch defending from centre-back Geromel. Coach Frank Schafer must have said something inspirational at the break, as the team were transformed. Two-goal hero Mile Novakovic was particularly impressive - if only he could play so well every week.
Cologne are only in the bottom three on goal difference, and have now won five of their ten home matches, including the last three. Keeper Michael Rensing appears to be a good addition, while Lukas Podolski is showing glimpses of his best form.
Mainz are third, which is a miracle considering they've won just five of their last 14 matches. In those games Mainz have suffered eight defeats, and have scored more than one goal on just three occasions.
RECOMMENDED BET: Cologne have finally learned to perform in front of their own fans, and Mainz are wobbling badly. Back Cologne to win at [2.52]
Eintracht Frankfurt [3.85] vs Bayer Leverkusen [2.12], the draw [3.6]
With leaders Borussia Dortmund dropping points last week, second-placed Bayer chose an inopportune time to produce one of their worst displays of the season. Jupp Heynckes' side were toothless in their 1-0 loss at Nurnberg, their first away defeat.
Speaking of toothless teams, mid-table Eintracht haven't scored in any of their four matches since the winter break, and they've lost their last two home games.
RECOMMENDED BETS: Bayer can't be as bad as they were last week, and Frankfurt are in cow's arse/banjo territory. Back Bayer to win at [2.12], and back under 2.5 goals at [2.0]
Steve McClaren left Wolsburg this week amid talk of mutiny in the camp, not to mention poor results. The Wolves have a tricky match against Hamburg first up whereas elsewhere Cologne should grab another three points....
Kevin Hatchard is on some run of form with 11 winning bets from his last 19 recommendations showing a 31 point profit (before commission). He may be a good guy to carry on following this week......
The return to fitness of Arjen Robben may well prove to be the most significant factor in this year's title race and an inspired performance from the fleet-footed Dutchman this weekend may help Louis Van Gaal's team reduce the deficit...
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