Stefan Bienkowski
@sbienkowski.bsky.social
UK & Global Area Manager for Transfermarkt. Tend to write about the Bundesliga and Premier League. One half of Gegenpressing Bundesliga podcast.
https://linktr.ee/sbienkowski
https://linktr.ee/sbienkowski
Pinned
Why Bayern win more penalties than anyone else in the Bundesliga
The Bavarian giants don't need a helping hand from referees to win Bundesliga titles, but that's exactly what they get.
gegenpressing.substack.com
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
First sunny day in Scotland in what feels like three months.
Only one song for it:
youtu.be/0NFV8dHrZYM?...
Only one song for it:
youtu.be/0NFV8dHrZYM?...
Elbow - One Day Like This
YouTube video by ElbowVEVO
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 1:54 PM
First sunny day in Scotland in what feels like three months.
Only one song for it:
youtu.be/0NFV8dHrZYM?...
Only one song for it:
youtu.be/0NFV8dHrZYM?...
Reposted by Stefan Bienkowski
What's going on at Schalke 04? A deep dive into one of Germany's most popular clubs with @matt4d.bsky.social and @sbienkowski.bsky.social
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/whats-goin...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/whats-goin...
What's going on at Schalke 04? A deep dive into one of Germany's most popular clubs
On the second bonus show of the week, Manu, Stefan, and Matt link up for a deep dive into Schalke 04.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:49 AM
What's going on at Schalke 04? A deep dive into one of Germany's most popular clubs with @matt4d.bsky.social and @sbienkowski.bsky.social
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/whats-goin...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/whats-goin...
Will Schalke get promoted? Could it lead to them going broke? Are they still a complete mess?
All that and more answered on today’s bonus show:
All that and more answered on today’s bonus show:
What's going on at Schalke 04? A deep dive into one of Germany's most popular clubs
On the second bonus show of the week, Manu, Stefan, and Matt link up for a deep dive into Schalke 04.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Will Schalke get promoted? Could it lead to them going broke? Are they still a complete mess?
All that and more answered on today’s bonus show:
All that and more answered on today’s bonus show:
Reposted by Stefan Bienkowski
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
sbienkowski.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
Already heard it on the radio this morning. Led with Ratcliffe’s comments as if stating a fact and then followed up by some Labour talking head, who no one will listen to.
Perfect example of the problem with modern political reporting in the UK.
Perfect example of the problem with modern political reporting in the UK.
Ratcliffe is, quite obviously, factually, morally & intellectually wrong about immigration. But his racist comments will be 'both-sided' everywhere because people who simply don't like seeing non-white faces aren't ashamed to say so anymore.
February 12, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Already heard it on the radio this morning. Led with Ratcliffe’s comments as if stating a fact and then followed up by some Labour talking head, who no one will listen to.
Perfect example of the problem with modern political reporting in the UK.
Perfect example of the problem with modern political reporting in the UK.
Bayern take the lead against RB Leipzig through… a penalty from Harry Kane 🙄
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
Why Bayern win more penalties than anyone else in the Bundesliga
The Bavarian giants don't need a helping hand from referees to win Bundesliga titles, but that's exactly what they get.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Bayern take the lead against RB Leipzig through… a penalty from Harry Kane 🙄
Shocked and appalled to learn that billionaire who lives in a tax haven doesn’t seem to value human decency…
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Britain has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the country's richest and most influential men, has told Sky News.
news.sky.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Shocked and appalled to learn that billionaire who lives in a tax haven doesn’t seem to value human decency…
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
sbienkowski.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Tottenham don't need a saviour. They need a system
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
A new manager won't be enough to solve the North London club's major issues.
Ange Postecoglou on the Overlap:
February 11, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Ange Postecoglou on the Overlap:
Reposted by Stefan Bienkowski
🇩🇪 On the terraces this week: Hoffenheim special
🔵 Despite the 1-5 defeat in Munich on Sunday, Hoffenheim are 3rd in the #Bundesliga and having their best season in years.
🤔 So why was Director of Sport Andreas Schicker on the verge of the sack on Monday?
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
🔵 Despite the 1-5 defeat in Munich on Sunday, Hoffenheim are 3rd in the #Bundesliga and having their best season in years.
🤔 So why was Director of Sport Andreas Schicker on the verge of the sack on Monday?
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
On the terraces: 'Punch & Judy' in Hoffenheim, anti-Tönnies banners at Schalke, anti-RB protest in Köln
In a weekly Newsletter, Matt Ford keeps an eye on the action off the pitch in the Bundesliga and German football, explaining what’s going on from choreographies to fan protests to finances.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:01 PM
🇩🇪 On the terraces this week: Hoffenheim special
🔵 Despite the 1-5 defeat in Munich on Sunday, Hoffenheim are 3rd in the #Bundesliga and having their best season in years.
🤔 So why was Director of Sport Andreas Schicker on the verge of the sack on Monday?
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
🔵 Despite the 1-5 defeat in Munich on Sunday, Hoffenheim are 3rd in the #Bundesliga and having their best season in years.
🤔 So why was Director of Sport Andreas Schicker on the verge of the sack on Monday?
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
Maybe Tottenham just need to get to a point where they don't need a miracle-worker in the dugout. No point hiring in-form managers from better-run mid-table clubs if you're just going to constantly ignore why said managers worked at Brentford, Brighton & Co. in the first place.
February 11, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Maybe Tottenham just need to get to a point where they don't need a miracle-worker in the dugout. No point hiring in-form managers from better-run mid-table clubs if you're just going to constantly ignore why said managers worked at Brentford, Brighton & Co. in the first place.
Good news Tottenham fans! Only three of the 15 clubs that have been on 29 points after 26 games in the Premier League since 92/93 have been relegated.
So there's an 80% chance you'll be absolutely fine...
So there's an 80% chance you'll be absolutely fine...
February 11, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Good news Tottenham fans! Only three of the 15 clubs that have been on 29 points after 26 games in the Premier League since 92/93 have been relegated.
So there's an 80% chance you'll be absolutely fine...
So there's an 80% chance you'll be absolutely fine...
Huge win that for Newcastle. Dominated the first half and bounced back so well after the Tottenham equaliser to grab a second.
I know Spurs have their injury concerns, but those players just didn’t look like they cared. Newcastle, in stark contrast, were determined to win that game.
I know Spurs have their injury concerns, but those players just didn’t look like they cared. Newcastle, in stark contrast, were determined to win that game.
February 10, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Huge win that for Newcastle. Dominated the first half and bounced back so well after the Tottenham equaliser to grab a second.
I know Spurs have their injury concerns, but those players just didn’t look like they cared. Newcastle, in stark contrast, were determined to win that game.
I know Spurs have their injury concerns, but those players just didn’t look like they cared. Newcastle, in stark contrast, were determined to win that game.
*Dragusin shows up on the screen*
Wife: “Oh! Is that the bald one?!”
Me: “… what?”
Wife: “You know… the Welsh one?”
Me: “Gareth Bale?!”
Wife: “Yeah the one that hides his bald spot.”
Me: “No. That guy’s from Romania. And isn’t hiding a bald spot. I think…”
Wife: “Oh! Is that the bald one?!”
Me: “… what?”
Wife: “You know… the Welsh one?”
Me: “Gareth Bale?!”
Wife: “Yeah the one that hides his bald spot.”
Me: “No. That guy’s from Romania. And isn’t hiding a bald spot. I think…”
February 10, 2026 at 9:21 PM
*Dragusin shows up on the screen*
Wife: “Oh! Is that the bald one?!”
Me: “… what?”
Wife: “You know… the Welsh one?”
Me: “Gareth Bale?!”
Wife: “Yeah the one that hides his bald spot.”
Me: “No. That guy’s from Romania. And isn’t hiding a bald spot. I think…”
Wife: “Oh! Is that the bald one?!”
Me: “… what?”
Wife: “You know… the Welsh one?”
Me: “Gareth Bale?!”
Wife: “Yeah the one that hides his bald spot.”
Me: “No. That guy’s from Romania. And isn’t hiding a bald spot. I think…”
For all of Newcastle’s problems this season, I think that first half was a good example of a well-coached team against a team that either didn’t know what they were doing or simply didn’t care. Tottenham look hopeless against a very determined opponent.
February 10, 2026 at 8:30 PM
For all of Newcastle’s problems this season, I think that first half was a good example of a well-coached team against a team that either didn’t know what they were doing or simply didn’t care. Tottenham look hopeless against a very determined opponent.
Reposted by Stefan Bienkowski
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
Why Bayern win more penalties than anyone else in the Bundesliga
The Bavarian giants don't need a helping hand from referees to win Bundesliga titles, but that's exactly what they get.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
Cable becomes Youtube. YouTube becomes cable.
YouTube TV announced the creation of a sports-focused monthly subscription plan that would carry most available live sports at a $20-per-month discount to its existing one-size-fits-all plan.
The sports-specific plan will cost about $65 per month for existing YouTube TV subscribers.
The sports-specific plan will cost about $65 per month for existing YouTube TV subscribers.
February 10, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Cable becomes Youtube. YouTube becomes cable.
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
Why Bayern win more penalties than anyone else in the Bundesliga
The Bavarian giants don't need a helping hand from referees to win Bundesliga titles, but that's exactly what they get.
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Bayern Munich don't need any help winning titles... but they often get exactly that from referees in the Bundesliga
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
gegenpressing.substack.com/p/why-bayern...
Reposted by Stefan Bienkowski
The latest #Bundesliga Monday Bulletin is out! @sbienkowski.bsky.social, @matt4d.bsky.social, @danwighton.bsky.social and I on:
⚔️Union Berlin stadium renovations
🤡Mainz under Urs Fischer
🦅Riera makes Frankfurt debut
🐺Wolfsburg turnaround imminent
🇧🇦Dzeko not enough for Schalke?
🇩🇪…and more!
⚔️Union Berlin stadium renovations
🤡Mainz under Urs Fischer
🦅Riera makes Frankfurt debut
🐺Wolfsburg turnaround imminent
🇧🇦Dzeko not enough for Schalke?
🇩🇪…and more!
Monday Bulletin: Union Berlin get a new stadium, Wolfsburg ready to bounce back, Riera debut, Džeko not enough and more!
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Gegenpressing Monday Bulletin. This newsletter hopes to provide a vital source of information for any serious Bundesliga fan, as we round up some of the ...
gegenpressing.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:07 PM
The latest #Bundesliga Monday Bulletin is out! @sbienkowski.bsky.social, @matt4d.bsky.social, @danwighton.bsky.social and I on:
⚔️Union Berlin stadium renovations
🤡Mainz under Urs Fischer
🦅Riera makes Frankfurt debut
🐺Wolfsburg turnaround imminent
🇧🇦Dzeko not enough for Schalke?
🇩🇪…and more!
⚔️Union Berlin stadium renovations
🤡Mainz under Urs Fischer
🦅Riera makes Frankfurt debut
🐺Wolfsburg turnaround imminent
🇧🇦Dzeko not enough for Schalke?
🇩🇪…and more!
New Gegenpressing podcast!
* Fischer’s Mainz causing chaos at the bottom of the table
* Controversy in Bayern’s win over Hoffenheim
* Dortmund somehow find a way to win (again) against Wolfsburg
With @manuelveth.bsky.social
youtu.be/JI3WPVP_K6s?...
* Fischer’s Mainz causing chaos at the bottom of the table
* Controversy in Bayern’s win over Hoffenheim
* Dortmund somehow find a way to win (again) against Wolfsburg
With @manuelveth.bsky.social
youtu.be/JI3WPVP_K6s?...
Controversy in Bayern win over Hoffenheim, Dortmund somehow squeeze past Wolfsburg
YouTube video by The Gegenpressing Podcast
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 7:52 PM
New Gegenpressing podcast!
* Fischer’s Mainz causing chaos at the bottom of the table
* Controversy in Bayern’s win over Hoffenheim
* Dortmund somehow find a way to win (again) against Wolfsburg
With @manuelveth.bsky.social
youtu.be/JI3WPVP_K6s?...
* Fischer’s Mainz causing chaos at the bottom of the table
* Controversy in Bayern’s win over Hoffenheim
* Dortmund somehow find a way to win (again) against Wolfsburg
With @manuelveth.bsky.social
youtu.be/JI3WPVP_K6s?...
A little concerning how close I am to the British cricket community but not at all surprised to see a notable overlap between Arsenal fans and the football analytics community 😂
February 9, 2026 at 1:33 PM
A little concerning how close I am to the British cricket community but not at all surprised to see a notable overlap between Arsenal fans and the football analytics community 😂
Harry Kane has now scored 20 penalties in two and a half seasons in the Bundesliga. More than he scored in his last five seasons in the Premier League.
He’s averaging 0.26 penalties per 90 in the Bundesliga. More than twice what he averaged in the Premier League (0.11).
He’s averaging 0.26 penalties per 90 in the Bundesliga. More than twice what he averaged in the Premier League (0.11).
February 8, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Harry Kane has now scored 20 penalties in two and a half seasons in the Bundesliga. More than he scored in his last five seasons in the Premier League.
He’s averaging 0.26 penalties per 90 in the Bundesliga. More than twice what he averaged in the Premier League (0.11).
He’s averaging 0.26 penalties per 90 in the Bundesliga. More than twice what he averaged in the Premier League (0.11).
Remarkable capitulation from Liverpool. Crap defending for the first Man City goal, slopping from Alisson for the second. They’ve only got themselves to blame.
February 8, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Remarkable capitulation from Liverpool. Crap defending for the first Man City goal, slopping from Alisson for the second. They’ve only got themselves to blame.
Incredible strike from Szoboszlai.
February 8, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Incredible strike from Szoboszlai.
Extremely questionable call from the referee gifts Bayern a penalty and Hoffenheim a red card. Game over after 20 minutes.
February 8, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Extremely questionable call from the referee gifts Bayern a penalty and Hoffenheim a red card. Game over after 20 minutes.