Bayern Munich weren’t at their best against Schalke 04, but the Bavarians still dived over the Royal Blues for a 2-0 victory.
Here are some quick shots at what was the last Bayern Munich game we’re going to have for quite a while:
- The range definitely had a surprise look:
- Joshua Kimmich at right-back, Lucas Hernandez at left-back, as well as Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala as double attacking midfielders in what was listed as a 4-1-4-1. This is how the ESPN show presented him and how he looked most of the time.
- I don’t think Kimmich had a bad game as a right-back, but he was really rusty early on. Adapting to the angles you need to play and the way outside players (even on Schalke 04) can accelerate took Kimmich a bit of time to adapt.
- Defensively, Bayern Munich were just very solid overall. Hernandez was probably the weakest defender in the game and he wasn’t bad either. Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano managed the central defense very well.
- Like Nagelsmann, I like the concept of having a fluid formation where players change positions frequently and on the fly. Unlike Nagelsmann (I think), I am very suspicious of this application of this concept. I think that was a problem in the second half of last season for Bayern Munich and I’m afraid it creates unruly play and creates a bit too much risk with this group of Bayern Munich players. Collectively, there are times when the game goes from cheeky to reckless in the blink of an eye. Against Schalke 04, a team like Bayern Munich won’t usually be injured in these situations, but when facing better teams later in the season, things could get dicey.
- Offensively, the performance was jerky – and perhaps a bit uninspired. Bayern Munich were probably looking a bit past this game as the World Cup looms. It’s natural (although we still hate to see it).
- Gnabry’s 39th-minute goal was a terrific interaction between Gnabry, Kimmich and Musiala. Kimmich’s run caught the eye from the baseline and Musiala’s back heel to Gnabry was soft. even though Musiala’s pass wasn’t fair on the money, it was close enough for Gnabry to make a play.
- Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s goal in the 52nd minute was a nice neat finish. The fast counter-attack was brilliant to watch and Musiala did everything to draw the defenders in before slipping a pass to Choupo-Moting.
- I was cool to see Sidi Sané from Schalke 04 against his brother’s team.
- It was good to see Paul Wanner save some time too.
- There is perhaps no one happier than Hansi Flick to see Gnabry’s current form.
- All in all, it was another case of Bayern Munich doing what it took to grab three points. Grab that and run to the bank before the World Cup break.
If you missed our initial analysis, match rewards, observations or post-match podcast, check it out or listen to it:
As expected, Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard’s recent statement that he is open to seeking new countries after spending seven years in Germany has created transfer buzz.
Juventus, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid could all be interested in Pavard:
Logically, his remarks did not go unnoticed. Indeed, information published by CalcioMercato.it took advantage of the situation to put on the table the names of the teams which, after listening to the defender, would be delighted to open their doors to him.
The portal includes two big Serie A clubs, AC Milan and Juventus, among its suitors, but it also points out that teams of the stature of Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain would welcome the idea of reaching out. to a footballer. his experience (he has 139 games for Bayern) and his versatility (although he usually plays as a right-back, he can also play at an optimal level as a centre-back).
If he listens to his pupil’s wishes and finally studies his departure, it remains to be seen how much money Bayern are asking to give the green light to the farewell of a player whose contract runs until June 2024. At the time , the Munich players paid around €30m, but given the situation, they might have to settle for a bit less.
Chelsea FC, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are rumored to want Pavard, who has had a fantastic season so far.
Would Bayern Munich have one more weapon to worry about against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League? Maybe.
According to Le Parisien, PSG want Atlético Madrid striker Joao Felix on loan in France during the winter transfer window:
PSG are also keen on Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, with a loan offer in January set to arrive.
I don’t think that move will happen, but if it does somehow happen, the nightmare scenario of Felix scoring a ‘dagger in the heart’ goal to bounce Bayern Munich back from the competition could be involved.
Ex-Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has named his squad for the World Cup in Qatar and, boy, has that got people reacting.
There were obvious choices, surprises, and puzzles, but that’s exactly why we’re here — reacting and figuring out where we thought Flick got it right and where he might have gone wrong. Here’s what we have on hand:
- An overview of the groups of positions and who could be the starters.
- Where the Bayern Munich boys fit into the mix.
- What options does Flick need to consider in his attack.
- Why Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka should get the call as starters.
- Why does it seem that Flick valued versatility?
- The surprising return of Mario Götze and the astonishing – and perhaps regrettable – omission of Mats Hummels.
- We also talk about Bayern Munich’s recent form, the team’s impressive run, why it might take a while to get back to this level after the World Cup, and MORE!
Despite reports to the contrary, Manchester United are still very interested in FC Barcelona midfielder and Dutch international Frenkie de Jong:
Frenkie De Jong has changed roles at FC Barcelona, which declared him transferable last summer as the ideal candidate for this important sale which could help clean up the coffers of the Catalan entity. With Manchester United as the big contender and the player clearly refusing a change of scenery, maintaining a firm stance.
The Sunday Times now reports that in the team coached by Erik Ten Hag, they have returned to the fray for the player. And it is that he has budgeted the Old Trafford team no less than 100 M€ of investment to improve his midfield in the winter market. Among other things with this player as a big goal.
He has already shown his desire to stay and now it doesn’t look like Xavi Hernández’s side, where he has earned a place as a starter, are ready to let him go. But this marked improvement in his performance has also attracted interest from the Red Devils.
How much do Arsenal FC love Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk? Well… a lot it seems:
Arsenal have made a firm offer to Shakhtar Donetsk to sign winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. An offer of €60m is on the table and has not yet been rejected. (Mirko Di Natale)
Thomas Müller can do it all on the football pitch (apparently):
