Bielefeld conceded three goals in the first 34 minutes and following their 8-1 drubbing by Werder Bremen a few weeks ago now hold the record for the most goals against (19).
Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen coupled with the fact that their strikers have only netted 13 times in 12 outings, must be of serious concern to the club owners and fans alike.
And although Sibusiso Zuma was in action, his coach replaced him after a dismal first half in which Leverkusen ran riot.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez must be puzzled as to why he hasn’t been given a chance to show his skills, when all he can do is watch in wonder as his captain Mathias Hain continues to pick the ball out from the back of his net week in and week out.
Moreover, Siyabonga Nkosi, who is still recovering from a torn knee muscle, was not in the squad.
The only solution to Middendorp’s woes at present is perhaps to sign ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star striker Jose Torrealba, who has been training with Bielefeld.
There wasn’t much joy for Delron Buckley’s Borussia Dortmund either, they lost 2-1 at Hannover 96 and are just two points ahead of Arminia Bielefeld.
The match was played on a cold, wet pitch in front of 45 087 fans and there was no score at half time.
However, Bradley Carnell’s Karlsruhe shot up to fourth position after recording a 1-0 home victory over struggling MSV Duisburg.
The winning goal came in the 29th minute and Carnell was replaced just before the final whistle.
