Bayer Leverkusen
After an extremely positive start to last season, Leverkusen were unable to keep the momentum going, and went from top of the table in December to fourth spot at the end of the season. They will be looking to better that achievement this time around.
Bayern Munich
After securing the Bundesliga title for a record 22nd time, Bayern Munich will be looking to extend their domination of Germany’s top division this season under coach Louis van Gaal. Bayern will also be buoyed by their appearance in the Champions League final, and will be hoping to repeat that feat once again.
Borussia Dortmund
Once Bayern’s only realistic competitors, Dortmund’s decline and financial problems over the past few years have been well-documented, and though they qualified for the Europa League, finishing fifth last season, they will be hoping to improve on that and start challenging for trophies once again.
Borussia M'gladbach
Traditionally one of Germany’s largest clubs, Borussia Monchengladbach have struggled to maintain their spot in the Bundesliga in recent years. After being relegated in 2007, they won promotion a year later, but have stayed in mid-table for the past few seasons, finishing 12th last time around.
Cologne
After spending much of the last decade bouncing between the Bundesliga and Germany’s 2nd division, Cologne seem to have settled into mid-table mediocrity in the last couple of years, following their 12th place finish in 2008-09 with a 13th spot last year.
FC Kaiserslautern
After 5 seasons in the 2.Bundesliga, Germany’s second divison, Kaiserslautern finished as champions last season to secure promotion to the top league, and will be hoping to maintain this and avoid the drop this time around.
Hamburg
The only team to have played in the Bundesliga since its inception in 1963, Hamburg have been one of the most successful teams in Germany. By their high standards, the fifth place finish they secured last time around is less than satisfactory, and they will be aiming to improve upon this in the coming season.
Hannover 96
After eight seasons in Bundesliga, Hannover almost ended their run last time around, narrowly avoiding the drop after finishing 15th, two points above Nuremberg. The Northern German side will be aiming to improve on that performance and return to the top half of the table next season.
Mainz
After securing promotion to the Bundesliga just last season, Mainz had an excellent first spell at the top, finishing in 9th place, just 3 points behind the reigning champions Wolfsburg. The key now will be for them to maintain this form and not suffer a sophomore slump or be drawn into the relegation battle again.
SC Freiburg
After securing promotion in 2008-09, Freiburg faced a tough battle to avoid the drop last season, but managed to finish in 14th place. This time around, they will hope to avoid any scrapes with relegation, but that is much easier said than done.
Schalke 04
Runners-up in last year’s Bundesliga and one of the two German Champions League qualifiers, Schalke will be aiming to continue their success and push for a title this time around. Under coach Felix Magath, who guided Wolfsburg to success two years ago, they will certainly be considered serious contenders.
TSG Hoffenheim
Under the ownership of Dietmar Hopp, a software mogul, Hoffenheim have gone from being an unknown third-division team to one of the Bundesliga’s most competitive sides over the past few years. Finishing in 11th place after a strong start to last season, they will be aiming for a Europa League place this time around.
VfB Stuttgart
After an awful run that saw them in 16th spot in November of last season because they were stretched by Champions League competition, the appointment of Christian Gross saw Stuttgart go on a long unbeaten run during the 2nd half of the season, and they managed to finish in 6th place. After that run, the side will be hoping to continue their form and push for a Champions League spot this season.
Werder Bremen
One of Germany’s largest and most popular clubs, Werder Bremen followed a disappointing 10th place finish in 2008-09 by coming 3rd last season, and will be looking to improve on that this time around. With playmaker Mesut Ozil pledging his immediate future to the club, and rumours of more signings, they could well challenge for the title.
Wolfsburg
After finishing as champions in 2008-09 under Felix Magath, much was expected of Wolfsburg last season, but they failed to repeat the form that saw them rise to the top. After an 8th place finish, fans will hope that the appointment of Steve McClaren takes them back to the summit of German football.
