Bayern Munich got a 2-2 draw with Ajax in what was a very entertaining game – as far as the pre-season friendlies go. We learn more about Julian Nagelsmann and the young players on campus throughout the week. Here are some quick hitters on what we saw in the game:
Bayern Munich struggled defensively for most of the first half. Bouna Sarr, Dayot Upamecano, Tanguy Nianzou and Josip Stanisic sometimes left holes in front of Sven Ulreich. Overall, although they were pretty solid and didn’t make any glaring mistakes. Even allowing two goals, the defenders got passing marks. Ulreich, of course, started the mess that led to the first goal with a bad pass. However, he made some excellent saves on the home stretch to preserve the draw. Omar Richards to start higher up the pitch was interesting and probably a bit of a try to see if it was a possibility if he could be considered to help fill the role of fourth winger. Richards should have buried an opportunity in the first half and not had enough power over another which should have been a goal as well. It looks like he has some good skills and talent to work with, but his finish is very rough. Bayern Munich struggled to connect offensively at first but became more comfortable working together as the game progressed. None of the issues we saw from Bayern Munich were surprising or unexpected by mixing so many new and / or young players into the mix. It was an excellent set-up from Sarr on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s goal. Michael Cuisance kept the game alive with a slot game on the ball to find Sarr. For Sarr and Cuisance, this game seemed to spur both players into better efforts from then on. Torben Rhein does not seem out of place to play at this level. His assist on Nianzou’s fantastic header was superb. This child can play. Nianzou’s head was also spectacular. Armindo Sieb had a good time, but didn’t have as much of an impact in this game as he was last week… but it’s okay. Sieb again showed a lot of skill and hunger and – with Rhein – was extremely impressive. Joshua Zirkzee’s failure just before half-time was truly inexcusable. He had no reason to be so arrogant, even in a one-on-one. Ajax defender Perr Schuurs simply played the game with sheer willpower and taking advantage of Zirkzee’s reckless decision making. The shame of this game is that Zirkzee was doing pretty well before this point and was generally okay. As our own Phillip Quinn wrote, however, this piece was all everyone will remember about Zirkzee’s performance in this game. Cooking was very good during the day and very active. He had a few games that he would surely like to resume, but it was progress for the midfielder. I loved the fearlessness of Bayern Munich’s second unit. They were fun, trying things out, and aggressive going forward. It was not always easy for them, but they made great use of their collective opportunity.
If you missed our initial analysis, match rewards, observations, or post-match podcast, check it out or listen to them:
According to a Football Insider report, they have a source that says Bayern Munich will try to bring in Timo Werner from Chelsea FC:
Bayern Munich aim to sign Chelsea striker Timo Werner, Football Insider can exclusively reveal. The Bundesliga giants are looking for a center-forward who can cover and compete with Roman Lewandowski and possibly replace him.
A German source told Football Insider that Bayern had a “concrete interest” in luring Werner, 25, from Stamford Bridge this summer. New manager Julian Nagelsmann is a big admirer of the Germany international and has known him well since their time at RB Leipzig.
Chelsea are set to offload their 2020 signing from Leipzig, as this site first revealed on March 10. A return to his homeland is a serious option for Werner and a move to Bayern would certainly please.
We thought it would be a relatively dead week for Bayern Munich news, but we were a long way off.
Not only did we see some absolutely crazy news regarding the club’s ongoing negotiations with some star players, but we received a good dose of “Robert Lewandowski is about to leave” news that made us think it was another one. times 2018. Anyway, here’s what we have at your disposal:
An overview of the Sport Bild report detailing the issues surrounding Bayern Munich’s contract negotiations with Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman. How the Leroy Sane agreement from 2020 plays into this mess. Robert Lewandowski being linked to all the big clubs with money again.
Apparently Bayern Munich and Chelsea aren’t the only clubs that have failed – allegedly – to bid for Juventus tar Federico Chiesa. Enter Liverpool:
Repubblica reports that Liverpool have dropped an offer of € 100million (£ 86million / $ 118million) for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. The Italy international played for his country in their Euro 2020 triumph and is now wanted by the Premier League heavyweights.
If you are looking to supplement your training and have always wanted to sweat a Bayern Munich, @FCBayernEN has what you need:
Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl admitted midfielder Denis Zakaria wanted to move on. Zakaria was linked with Bayern Munich last season:
Denis Zakaria (contract until 2022, NO release clause) & his agents pushing for a transfer. @Borussia Sport Director Max Eberl: “Denis has made it clear to us that he wants to make a change this summer. The 24-year-old Swiss midfielder wants to play in the Premier League. ⚫️ @ SPORT1
– Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) July 24, 2021
It looks like Manchester City are in no rush to pay too much for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane:
Manchester City would be happy to wait for Tottenham to lower their asking price for Harry Kane, as Pep Guardiola’s side chase the England skipper, according to The Sun.
Spurs are hopeful Manchester United could start a bidding war for the player’s services, although they continue to stress that he will not be leaving north London this summer.
Kane’s desire to move in search of silverware and a need for transfer money may force the move in the end, however – and City are content to wait for a price tag below £ 160million ($ 220million). dollars) currently set as its price.
If City does manage to secure the deal, they will likely still pay too much … but not as much as the insane amount Tottenham want.
As most people know by now, Welsh club Wrexham AFC is partly owned by It’s Always Sunny Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney and Deadpool himself Ryan Reynolds. To follow McElhenney’s real roots in Philadelphia, the club will showcase a Philadelphia Eagles-inspired green color for their away kit this coming season:
NEW SHIRT | Wrexham AFC delighted to reveal Philly-inspired green away jersey
#WxmAFC
– Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) 24 juillet 2021
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