One team normally seen nearer the bottom of the league than the top is Nuremberg but they achieved much more than expected in 2010-11. Needing a playoff to secure their first division status in 2009-10, this was a much improved season. Hecking´s team had their eye on a place in the leading group, and with Mainz struggling at one stage, it looked on the cards. However, it wasn’t to be, as Mainz came up with a strong finish to their campaign while Nuremberg most certainly didn’t. Although not scoring too many goals, Christian Eigler was their top performer consistently playing his heart out week after week. Nuremberg were one of those teams that were least welcome as visitors. Indeed, they were a handful home and away throughout the season, as would doubtless be confirmed by their eminent neighbours Bayern Munich following the two Bavarian derbies. Nuremberg may not dispose of top world stars as do their classier neighbours from Munich but they do have some useful players. Once Bundesliga top scorer Marek Mintal retired recently and he will be almost impossible to replace. Team captain Andreas Wolf marshals a disciplined and well-organized defence, while they have one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Raphael Schäfer, who didn’t miss a game all season.
