Despite all the ups and downs Bayern Munich have had so far this season, things are at least going well in the locker room. According to Bild, the team chemistry is great for the Bavarians:
Even if some players are unhappy with their playing time, the chemistry within the team (between the players is good). The players take a rather critical look at Nagelsmann – which is a first warning signal for the coach.
The only somewhat troubling part of the Bild report (if true) is that it’s never a good sign if sections of the dressing room start directing anger – collectively – at the coach. The relationship between players and coaches can be tricky and hugs and pats on the back don’t have to be enough, but finger pointing and an “us versus them” mentality will eventually crack the foundations of the team.
I don’t think things are that bad at Bayern Munich at this stage, but it would be nice to see less stories about players being unhappy with the manager for one reason or another.
FC Barcelona Frenkie de Jong has insisted he never considered a move to Chelsea FC or Manchester United this summer.
“Interested in Chelsea and Man United? I already decided in May that I wanted to stay in Barcelona. I did not change this decision during the summer and I always remained calm. I can’t give too many details,” De Jong said. “The club has its own ideas and I have my own ideas, sometimes they clash. But at the end of the day, everything went well.
De Jong’s main problem with Barca (apart from the club’s bosses wanting to offload his substantial salary) is that he may no longer be a regular in Xavi’s starting XI.
De Jong has started just three of six La Liga games and one of two Champions League games.
Bayern Munich, of course, are also said to be interested in De Jong as manager Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Frenkie de Jong are said to be fans of the Dutchman.
WhoScored.com have compiled their best XI for the European season so far and Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Joshua Kimmich are both in the squad:
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and FC Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski leading the attack would be scary (only if it could have worked this season for Bayern Munich). Either way, it was also good to see Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer and Ramy Bensebaini get some recognition.
Bayern Munich suffered their first defeat of the season against a struggling Augsburg side. With players unable to capitalize on chances and unwilling to turn back at times, it seems like trouble is cropping up everywhere at FC Bayern. Tom and Samrin try to make sense of the issues and discuss the following points:
- What Tom thinks the main problem with Bayern is right now.
- Is Julian Nagelsmann’s job really in danger?
- Are there any signs of trouble in the locker room?
- What’s going on with the leading quartet at Bayern?
- That Robert Lewandowski we miss.
- If Bayern should sign a striker in January.
- Can Bayern function without a real number nine?
- Will Bayern’s poor frontline finish have an impact on the German national team?
- How player performances with Hansi Flick could impact Julian Nagelsmann.
Talking about Robert Lewandowski, the Pole said what he thinks maybe – it will be easier to win a Ballon d’Or playing for FC Barcelona than saying… Bayern Munich.
“Maybe Barcelona players have won it more often, but this trophy doesn’t keep me up at night. My approach is that from Barca there is a shorter path to the Ballon d’Or than from Bayern,” said Lewandowski.
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala has been named to WhoScored.com’s U-21 squad for Europe’s top five leagues:
Jude Bellingham is one of the highest rated youngsters in Europe this season
So now it’s time to release him for England. Where is it? Click the image for our take on the talented 19-year-old
—WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 20, 2022
As seen above, Benjamin Pavard has been one of – if not the – best right-back in Europe so far this season. Still, Bayern Munich are playing a ‘waiting game’ when it comes to working on a contract extension with the Frenchman:
New #Pavard: The club are happy with his performance but no concrete discussions on a possible contract extension are planned at this stage. The club want to wait and see. The player is also in no hurry. The contract runs until 2024. @SkySportDE
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) September 22, 2022
Pavard has made it clear that he wants to play at centre-back which could prove difficult with Matthijs de Ligt, Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano all currently in the fold. Which factor plays into his decision-making could be key when the two sides finally enter into talks.
With Noussair Mazraoui and Josip Stanišić already in-house as potential starting options at right-back, Bayern Munich are at least on course to fill this position quite easily if Pavard leaves.
Manchester United, Chelsea FC and Juventus are among the teams reportedly interested in Pavard.
Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann might be relieved to have a break; many of his team members are on international assignment. In this podcast, we look forward to Germany’s UEFA Nations League games against Hungary and England. In this podcast, we cover:
- Germany national team selections by Hansi Flick.
- Covid cases and injuries impacting the national part.
- How Germany could line up in matches against Hungary and England.
- A look back at Germany’s previous Nations League games against the two aforementioned opponents.
- How can the style of Germany differ from Hungary to England.
- Who could play as a striker.
- What Julian Nagelsmann could learn from watching his players work under Flick.
- Some bonuses concerning the Bundesliga.
