Last year was a good year for German football.  The national team won a lot of admirers for a fantastic World Cup showing, tearing apart England and Argentina. Bayern Munich reached the Champions League final, the first time for a German side in 8 years. The Bundesliga also had an average attendance of 41,802 fans per game, higher than any other league. The new season starts this Friday with Bayern Munich facing Wolfsburg, which begs the question; can anyone stop Bayern Munich?

Impressively won the German double last season, and was one match away from something incredible; winning the treble. Manager Louis Van Gaal wants his sides to play open attractive football for the entertainment of the fans which often brings success in matches too. The squad which includes wingers Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben offers more than any other German side. World Cup players who sparked the tournament up for Germany, including Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and captian Philip Lahm. Bayern are aiming for their 23rd league title, and with the squad and manager, who could possibly stop them?

The closest team to Bayern last year was Schalke 04, who finished 2nd, only 5 points behind Bayern. This position has allowed them to qualify directly into the Champions League. Schalke have made two eye catching transfers in the summer. They have brought in Real Madrid legend Raul and out of favour Metzelder from the same club, in order to try and claim the Bundesliga title. Schalke played Bayern in a pre season friendly, and Raul scored 2 goals as they defeated them. Bayer Leverkusen were on top of the league last Christmas, as they didn’t lose in 24 league games, only to falter and move down the league.

Woflsburg, now managed by Steve McLaren are another threat to Bayern’s title. They have spent 23.4million Euros, more than any other German club. More than half of it was spent on Denmark international Simon Kjaer from Palermo, who has a bright future ahead of himself. German international Arne Freidrich has joined Wolfsburg from relegated Hertha Berlin, to tighten up the defence. Freidrich had an impressive World Cup, and McLaren will be hoping for the same to come this season. Werder Bremen cannot be ruled out, having finished in the top 3 for the last 4 seasons. The loss of Mesut Ozil may knock their chances of sustaining a title challenge. The Bundesliga is back this weekend!