At the very latest following the 3-2 win over FC Köln the week before last, it was absolutely undeniable just how much passion Jürgen Klopp has invested in Borussia Dortmund, VfB's upcoming opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Sunday evening.

Having been banished to the stands for his overzealous protesting, the Stuttgart born trainer saw his side score a last gasp winner through Kevin Großkreutz and, as the final whistle blew, Klopp burst from his place in the stand to celebrate with his players down on the pitch. Klopp's passion would appear to have infected the whole team and, following a stuttering start at the beginning of the season, BVB have since rocketed into fourth place in the table.

Up until the seventh match day of the season though, the situation in Dortmund looked pretty grim. The UEFA Champions League winners from 1997 had just one win to their credit and were back in 15^th place in the league standings. New signing Lucas Barrios was being branded as a mistake and the young bunch of players in the squad appeared overwhelmed by the task in the top flight. IN spite of their problems, Klopp kept fate in the likes of Mats Hummels (21), Neven Subotic (21), Nuri Sahin (21), Kevin Großkreutz (21), Marcel Schmelzer (22) or Sven Bender (20), and soon his plan paid off. The youngsters rose to the occasion and, along with the more experienced team members, began a phenomenal race up the table. Since the seventh match day, BVB have not been beaten - leading to a record of three defeats, six draws and eleven wins in the 19 Bundesliga games in the current campaign. With nine goals on his account, Barrios has developed into a top signing and the consistency of others, such as Patrick Owomoyela, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Nelson Valdez and Mohamed Zidan, has seen Borussia steadily rise.

Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller has proven a solid last man and should he be unavailable, as he is momentarily with a knee injury, former VfB man Marc Ziegler is a worthy replacement. Another vital advantage for the young team is undoubtedly the club's fateful fans, who regularly fill the 80,000 places at the Signal Iduna Park and create a stunning atmosphere. On their travels, Klopp's men have proven equally as strong as they are on their own turf. In the away table BVB are in fifth place, the home table shows Borussia in sixth.

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Yildiray Bastürk and VfB have come to a deal to transfer him to Blackburn Rovers. The deal with the English Premier League side will immediate effect.

The former Turkish international has already undergone a medical at the club, which is currently 12th in England's top flight. 

Yildiray Bastürk made a total of 31 Bundesliga appearances for VfB and scored four goals. The 31 year old, who moved to VfB in summer 2007, was also in action for Stuttgart eight times on the European stage and also played four DFB Cup games for the club. The midfielder, who was part of Turkey's squad which came third in the 2002 World Cup, is hoping to make a fresh start in England having made just one Bundesliga appearance this term. 

From everyone here at the blog, we wish Yildiray the best of luck!!

The Imtech Business Centre at the Mercedes-Benz Arena was filled to capacity on Sunday morning as partners, sponsors and friends gathered for the traditional VfB Stuttgart New Year Reception.

Among the guests were the Baden-Württemberg Minister for Justice, Ulrich Goll from the FDP, honorary president and former UEFA vice-president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder and DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach. Following a champagne greeting, the head of VfB Stuttgart Marketing GmbH, Jochen Röttgermann, said a few words before going on to guide the guests through the rest of the program. To begin the event there was a review of some of VfB Stuttgart's greatest goals from years gone by, a look back at the successful second half of last season, as well as a look ahead to the last sixteen clash in the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona - an emotional highlight for all. In his speech, club president Erwin Staudt looked back on 2009 and prepared the attendees for an eventful 2010.

Following the speech from the VfB club president, it was "Show-Time" at the Imtech Business Centre. The Swabian cabaret artist Christoph Sonntag entertained the 1,200 guests before the abundant buffet was opened. Having filled up, the attendees then entered the Games-Paradise, where the VfB players got to display their talents on computer consoles. There was certainly never any fear of boredom setting in with any of the invited guests at the VfB New Year Reception.

Below are photos from the event.

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First off, I want to say to the fans and writer(s) of a blog on here, you need to grow up and act your age. The recent activity not only from the writer but in the comments from that writer's post on their blog on here are appalling. The writers here on DVSB take pride in their writing and personal info and personal lives should not be attacked. If you want to attack us, come onto the blog and do it. Don't be a coward and hide on a certain person's blog and verbally attack others. From what it sounds, you all belong in preschool.

Secondly, I want to thank everyone who voted for me and the blog for the Soccerlens awards and on the Ole Ole Blog of the Year. It is great to have readers who vote based on QUALITY and not QUANTITY of the posts and readers because in the end, you could have 700 posts on a blog and all could be rubbish.

Anyway, to the match. I want to apologize for lack of writing in the last week or so. Things have been so hectic for me here. But since there is a blizzard outside my window, I thought it would be best to write the review. :)

Stuttgart manager Christian Gross made no changed to the starting eleven that began in the team's 3-1 against Wolfsburg last week. There was no real action in the first ten minutes or so in the match. Stuttgart then got into the groove and had several chances to take the lead. Most notably in the 14th and 28th minutes.

The clearest chance fell to Pavel Pogrebnyak in the 28th minute. Aliksandr Hleb laid the ball back from the by-line into the path of Sami Khedira, who blasted a shot off from about 16 meters out. Freiburg 'keeper Pouplin parried the shot directly to Pogrebnyak who took the opportunity and sliced the ball over the crossbar. In the 41st minute, Ciprian Marica made an even better use of the next opening that came his way to give VfB the 1-0 lead. Hleb received a Cristian Molinaro throw-in and dribbled along the edge of the box before passing to Pogrebnyak. David Williams managed to get the ball away from the Russian, only to put it in the path of Marica, who left Pouplin no chance from about six meters out. VfB took the lead into the halftime break.

After the restart, Roberto Hilbert had a fantastic chance to increase VfB's lead. Hleb attempted to drive a pass across the face of the goal, which Pouplin could only redirect into the center, where Hilbert was perfectly placed to take on the ball and shoot. The Freiburg 'keeper was beaten, but Ömer Toprak was on the line and able to clear the danger. Shortly after the attempt, Sven Ulreich was forced to fling himself at the feet of Banovic to prevent the equalizer.

Freiburg increased the pressure and in the 63rd minute, the Freiburg fans thought their side was going to get the equalizer when Papiss Cisse took a cross from Jackson Mendy and found the net with his shot, but the ball was deflected by Butscher, who eventually was flagged for being offside. VfB had to take a late burst from Freiburg, but held on to bring all three points back to the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

In the post match presser, Gross said:

"We deserved to take the lead and we put on a good performance. It was clear to us that things would be difficult away from home. It was a wonderful derby with a fantastic atmosphere. In the end it was clear that we would have a lot of defensive work to do. In general we need to be more decisive with our finishing."

Sven Ulreich added:

"I'm delighted that I had the chance to cover for Jens Lehmann. I would consider myself successful after three wins. I'm happy things went the way they did tonight. In the first half we were very convincing, compact and let little through. In the second half it was clear that SC would attack."

Finally, goal scorer Marica said:

"The trainer has instilled a lot of confidence in Pavel Pogrebnyak and myself, which naturally helps us. That was a difficult derby game tonight but we were the better side and deserved to win. We are playing more attacking football, and with more confidence, than in the first half of the season. Now we want to get a win against Dortmund."

Another One Leaves

On Tuesday, it had been confirmed that midfielder Jan Simak would be leaving VfB to go to Mainz.

Executive Representative for Sport Horst Heldt commented on the deal: "Jan always conducted himself very professionally during his time at VfB and scored a couple of important goals for the club too. In recent times, due to the competition for places, he hasn't been involved often and wished to switch clubs because of that. We opted to fulfil his wish."

Since moving to VfB Stuttgart in summer 2008, Jan Simak has made a total of 22 Bundesliga appearances for the club and scored two goals. In addition, he also made four DFB Cup appearances and represented VfB in European competition on four occasions.

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Well, the wait is finally over!! Bundesliga is back in action. For their opening game in the second half of the season, VfB play host to the Bundesliga's eighth placed side, VfL Wolfsburg, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

The first half of the season proved something of a rollercoaster ride for the current German title holders - whose record this term reads six wins, six draws and five defeats. Once again, last season's stunningly impressive ‘Wolves' strike-force of Edin Dzeko, Grafite and Zvjezdan Misimovic have proven potent again, notching up 32 goals in 17 games.

New VfL head-coach Armin Veh, who took the German crown as VfB trainer in 2007, watched his side crash out of the Champions League after a 1-3 home defeat to Manchester United and the ‘Wolves' will now face FC Villarreal in the Europa League. VfL Wolfsburg, who have as yet made no new signings during the winter transfer window, failed to win any of their last five Bundesliga games. Although no new players have been signed, the club have strengthened their standing, bringing in the experienced Dieter Hoeness as chairman of the club's board of management. On the whole, the ‘Wolves' certainly have room for improvement and, following the 0-2 defeat in the opening game of the season, VfB have a score to settle.

VfB manager Christian Gross (almost wrote Markus Babbel...seriously!) said:

"Preparations went according to plan, we are ready. We want to pick up where we left off just before the winter break. I expect to see my men work hard and determinedly, to see a unified attitude in the defence and a purposeful approach up forward."

The 55 year old coach will have to make do without the services of captain Matthieu Delpierre (broken toe) and Sebastian Rudy (torn knee ligament). A question also hangs over the availability of Thomas Hitzlsperger. Following a challenge in training yesterday, the midfielder has also been suffering with knee pain. Sven Ulreich will replace the suspended Jens Lehmann between the posts. Additionally, the trainer announced that new signing Cristian Molinaro will start on the left side of the defence. The Zurich born coach was playing his cards close to his chest though as to who will join Serdar Tasci at the centre of defence.

Either way, this weekend proves to be exciting!!

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.:Nominate Kristen for Best Team Writer:.

Well everyone, it is that time of year again...that's right, I am talking about submitting your nominations in for the annual SoccerLens awards!! There are a total of 17 categories:

Best Writer
Best Podcast
Best Community
Best News Site
Best Team Site
Best Competition Site
Best Team Writer
The Expert
Best Gossip Site
Funniest Site
Best Mobile Application
Best Online Game
Best Babes Site
Best Betting Site
Best Online Store
Best Videos Site
Best Stats Site

We are eligible for the ones in yellow. And by we, I mean not only me (Kristen), but Ole Ole as a whole.

I am asking you as a faithful reader of mine and of the blog to vote me for Best Team Writer. It would mean the whole entire world to me if I got something like this. :D

Anyway, for more info on the categories and where you can send your nominations to, please click here.

Thanks and let the nominating begin!!

First off, I want to apologize for lack of communication this week. I have been facing an illness and finals, so I have not been a happy azzu. :S Anyway, onto the story.

I blogged on here over the weekend about how promising midfielder Sebastian Rudy had been injured. Well, we have some more insight on how severe it is.

Rudy visited the hospital to undergo further examination and the promising youngster was diagnosed with a torn inner ligament in his left knee.

It will be determined after a further MRI scan on the precise grade of the injury and wether or not the Germany under-21 star will have to get surgery.

Rudy was however, particpating in light jogging sessions during the last two Stuttgart training sessions since his injury in La Manga.

It is for sure though that Rudy will be out for Stuttgart's first match of the second half of the 2009-10 season against reigning Bundesliga champions VfL Wolfsburg.

Rudy made his full debut for the Schwaben last season, and this term has been a real breakthrough campaign for the midfielder.

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On the last day of their winter break camp in La Manga, midfielder Sebastian Rudy got something that no player having a wonderful season as he has wants to hear.

Laying in a painful heap on the training lawn, the 19-year-old got treated from team physican Dr. Raymond Best. It was clear that Rudy could not continue, so he and Best drove back to the team hotel.

Initial scans reveal issues with the left knee. When the team lands back in Stuttgart, the U-21 international will have further scans and will get the prognosis on how long he will need to be out.

From everyone here at the blog, get well soon Sebii!!

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Midfielder Christian Gentner will move to VfB Stuttgart from German champions VfL Wolfsburg on a free transfer in summer 2010. The 24 year old will sign a three year deal with VfB, taking the player back to Stuttgart after three years in Wolfsburg. Christian Gentner came through the VfB youth sides, winning the German ‘A-Jugend' (Under 18) youth championship with VfB in 2003, before making his full professional debut under then trainer Matthias Sammer in a 1-0 win over Hertha BSC Berlin on February 20^th, 2005. The midfielder made 39 Bundesliga appearances for VfB, winning the title with the club in 2007, before following former coach Felix Magath to Wolfsburg on a loan deal that same summer. In 2008 Gentner signed a full contract in Wolfsburg.

At VfL, Gentner became a German international and was a vital element in the Lower Saxony side's championship win in 2008/2009, making 34 league appearances and scoring four goals. To add to the 15 appearances made for Stuttgart in the UEFA Cup, the young midfielder gathered further international experience with Wolfsburg, making six Champions League appearances for the ‘Wolves'. In total Gentner has 121 games under his belt in the Bundesliga and has scored ten goals. With the national team the dynamic midfield engine has won four caps so far.

"Christian Gentner is a valuable new signing for the summer. He is a German international and knows VfB very well," said trainer Christian Gross. Executive Representative for Sport Horst Heldt added: "Christian is looking forward to Stuttgart and we are looking forward to having him. Right now though, our complete focus is avoiding relegation after the winter break." Gentner himself remarked: "I had, and am still having, a wonderful time at VfL, but my heart and my wits have told me that I should return to VfB."

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Julian Schieber and Sebastian Rudy at their training camp in La Manga, Spain

In a botched first round, they were the two bright spots: The two young talents Julian Schieber (20) and Sebastian Rudy (19). In BILD, the two talk about hairstyles, women and role models.

BILD: Sebastian Rudy, how do you find the new hairdo by Julian?

RUDY: It looks really great. 

BILD: How did the new look, Julian?

SCHIEBER: My friend is a hairdresser, who had suggested me to try the new year something new.

BILD: Instead platnium blonde now ...

SCHIEBER: No, the color goes into more greyish. As with George Clooney. As has been already often voted "Sexiest Man Alive", I thought to myself, I now try this hair color as well.

BILD: You emulate Clooney?

SCHIEBER: No, I would never presume to compare myself with him. But he is such a thing as the boss of Hollywood, for his age, he makes a good impression, and the women are on him. 

BILD: What type of women are on you?

SCHIEBER: Unlike Sebastian, I have not found my dream woman. I have no precise idea of their appearance. I like brunettes and blondes. It must fit easily. Only this one from the U.S., even as we call it the crazy woman who always takes drugs ...

RUDY: Amy Winehouse.

SCHIEBER: Yes, exactly. That's not really my case.

BILD: Return to hairstyles: Mr. Rudy, you used to have dreadlocks.

RUDY: Yes, that was about a year ago. I wanted to try something, but not very noticeable at the same time. Therefore, I have used my injury time to let me turn to dreadlocks undetected.

SCHIEBER: I would you recommend a short haircut. Just like me. The care is the most easiest.

BILD: In the last winter training camp belonged to the jungle camp evening program.

SCHIEBER: No television.

RUDY: I always play playstation games in the evening, more precisely,"Pro Evolution Soccer."

BILD: Which team you have chosen on Playstation?

RUDY: Liverpool. An outstanding team with outstanding players: Steven Gerrard.

BILD: Is he your idol?

RUDY: No. Bernd Schneider was always my role model, I had posters of him in the room and slept in Leverkusen bedding.

BILD: Mr. Schieber, your model was Jürgen Klinsmann. The football became a globetrotter. Is that your goal?

SCHIEBER: No, I feel very home-bound, still live at home with my family. Therefore, VfB is the best place for me. I can imagine at the moment nothing else.

BILD: Your parents have a tree nursery. Tell me please, have you grown up like them?

SCHIEBER: I'm so grown up that I know what work is. My parents own toil when our nursery is closed for holidays times. Although I was never so interested in hard work in the nursery, but I always helped."  

BILD: Just before Christmas, your parents came with the big truck to VfB training. Did all the players celebrate Christmas eve with a slide-fir?

SCHIEBER (laughs): No, I couldn't convince all of them. I sold the team successfully five Nordmann fir, of course it is not done with this quality tree with 20 euros. "

BILD: And Mr. Rudy, what was your childhood like?

RUDY: I grew up with four siblings, there was always something to do. Rinsing and drying was not as my case. I've always liked mowing the lawn. In order to play football it was pretty short.