Die Folgen: Bayern’s 2-1 win over Grasshopper (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich ended its preseason slate undefeated with a nice 2-1 win over Grasshopper Club Zurich where the club’s youngsters once again stole the show.
There is a a lot to unpack from the match, which might have revealed where some players are falling in Vincent Kompany’s pecking order as the Beckenbauer Cup inches closer. Let’s get into it — here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- It was unclear on exactly what Kompany would do heading into this match, but the lineup was mostly youth players, some vets who need to shake off some rust, and some other first teamers, who might not have massive roles moving forward.
- Serge Gnabry and Raphaël Guerreiro were a part of the front four with Jonah Kusi-Asare and Lennart Karl. Tom Bischof and Felipe Chavez patrolled the central midfield, and Magnus Dalpiaz, Kim Min-jae, David Daiber, and Sacha Boey formed a makeshift backline.
- Needless to say that it was very choppy early on with this lineup, which resulted in a lot of scrambling.
- Karl is a big talent, but the key will be how to balance his insane fearlessness on the ball with making the smart play. Right now, Karl does have reckless phases, but that is to be expected. He just needs to keep that same mentality through any criticism.
- In the 15th minute, Gnabry found Karl with a diagonal, lofted ball in the box, but the youngster pounded his attempt right into Grasshopper goalkeeper Justin Hammel. The youngster probably regretted not scoring that one, but he would get more chances.
- What we are finding out more and more is that Bischof is a tackling machine, who reads the game very well from his position in the central midfield. Chavez handled himself well, too.
- In the 20th minute, Bischof slid a pass to Karl, who was sitting in a central position. The kid took a touch and unfurled another awesome goal. Karl has “it” — there is no denying it. The club and the fans will have to let him play through his learning experiences because the kid just produces.
- In the first half, Bayern Munich had several breakdowns, which led to breaks headed toward Jonas Urbig, but the goalkeeper handled them with aplomb.
- In the 26th minute, Karl was at it again as he fed a pass to Kusi-Asare, who took a touch to his right, and ripped a shot for a 2-0 lead. Sure, he might have benefitted from a Grasshopper defender’s slip, but it was a great finish nonetheless.
- Bayern Munich loanees Jonathan Asp Jensen and Lovro Zvonarek started for Grasshopper, but were just a part of the group trying to deal with a very spirited effort from the Bavarians.
- After Gnabry showed he was in good enough form, Wisdom Mike came in for the rare first half substitution to add even more intrigue to the match. Mike was terrific upon entering the match. For the first time in a long time, it seems like help is on the way from the academy.
- Bischof plays with a real edge and attitude. He could easily become a fan favorite.
- For what it is worth, Urbig looked great.
- Grasshopper would pull one back early in the second half behind a goal from Loris Giandomenico in the 51st minute.
- Kompany opted to engage in “wholesale”changes and brought in his stars for the final 30 minutes.
- Upon entering the game, Dayot Upamecano unveiled his new style — he’s shaved his head bald. Upamecano would hit the crossbar with an attempt in the 71st minute.
- Bayern Munich’s first teamers were dominant, as expected, but could not score and did get a little sloppy at the very end of the game.
- In the 83rd minute, Luis Díaz almost went end-to-end for a goal, but it was saved. It would have been a spectacular first goal with Bayern Munich for the Colombian star.
- Urbig saved Bayern Munich’s behind in the second minute of extra time with a dynamic save. The kid is good.
- Overall, it was another positive performance and another match where Bayern Munich’s young players were able to assert themselves. There is a LONG way to go for this season, but the Beckenbauer Cup will be the official kickoff for the season. The exhibition matches are over and progress has been made. How ready is Bayern Munich for the big time? We will find out on Saturday but the Bavarians are looking good…and confident…and that is not a bad place to start.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listed:
Bayern offered Højlund (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg via @iMiaSanMia)
As predicted on a recent edition of Bavarian Podcast Works, Bayern Munich is being connected with Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund. The arrival of Benjamin Šeško has made Højlund expendable and the Bavarians were interested in the Dane at one point. That said, AC Milan has been rumored to be the leader in the clubhouse:
Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund (22) has been offered to FC Bayern in the past few days. The club, however, has so far not activated this option. United would let the Dane go and are open to a loan with an option to buy. Milan are interested.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 5 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich woke up this weekend and chose violence — at least toward everyone’s respective social media feeds.
In reality, though, it is just Bayern Munich’s name being tied to all of the rumors because most of the dirty work has been done between Kingsley Coman and Al Nassr. Let’s talk about that evolving issue and more on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show! This is what we have on tap:
- Catching up on all of the latest news and rumors regarding the potential sale of Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman to Al Nassr.
- Why selling Coman will cause discomfort, but also should represent the next step in the club’s transition. Should fans be as enraged as it seems they are on social media?
- Should there be concern for the team’s depth?
- A review of all Coman’s key figures since the 2019/20 season and how replacing his production might not be all that difficult.
- Where things stand with Nick Woltemade and how financially, selling Coman could be beneficial to the club’s future without damning the present.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
NUFC could get Jackson (The Hard Tackle)
Newcastle United could be lining itself up for a run at Chelsea striker Nico Jackson, who was also loosely linked to Bayern Munich:
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a move away from the club, and he wants to continue in the Premier League. According to a report from The Sun, Bayern Munich have been hoping to sign Nicolas Jackson, but the 24-year-old prefers to stay in the Premier League, which will come as a blow to the Bundesliga champions.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are keen on landing the Chelsea striker, and it remains to be seen whether they can wrap up the move. Alexander Isak has been linked with Liverpool, and he is likely to leave Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle United have the finances to get the deal across the line for Nicolas Jackson. The 2024/25 EFL Cup winners have failed with multiple approaches for quality strikers this summer, but they do have the money needed for signings. It remains to be seen whether they can convince Jackson to join the club. He is well settled in the Premier League and could make an instant impact.
It will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich decide to move on to other targets. The Bavarian giants have been overly dependent on Harry Kane for goals and need more support in attack, and a new striker would be ideal.
Boey not looking to leave Bayern (Sunderland Echo)
Sacha Boey does not want to leave Bayern Munich…yet. If he changes his mind, he will have a few options, though:
Bayern Munich full-back Sacha Boey, linked with Sunderland, Marseille and several Turkish clubs, is not looking to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer. The 24-year-old Frenchman is under contract until 2028 and valued at around £15.3million.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 5, Episode 2 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich is off to a great start in the preseason, but the roster might not be settled just yet. Max Eberl and company could still have some work to do during this transfer window when it comes to incoming and outgoing transfers. Let’s talk about it all!
This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Bayern Munich should have fans feeling good about where things stand so far.
- Al Nassr wants Kingsley Coman, but is this the right time to sell.
- Lennart Karl is going to ink a new deal.
- Where do things stand with Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart, and Nick Woltemade? Let’s catch up on the topic of the summer.
McKennie on the move? (ESPN)
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie could be on the verge of leaving the club:
AS Roma have enquired about Juventus and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie in recent days, reports Tuttosport, adding that there is also interest in the 26-year-old from the Bundesliga, Premier League and Turkish Super Lig. This comes with talks about a contract renewal to stay with the Bianconeri until 2028 having slowed down, although they haven’t come to a complete stop. No official offers have been made for McKennie yet.
Rodri’s future is open (ESPN)
Manchester City star Rodri could be on the move. Real Madrid has been linked to the midfielder:
The future of Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is “open” according to Diario AS’ frontpage story on Saturday, amid links with a move to Real Madrid. City will offer the Ballon d’Or winner a new contract, the newspaper reports, but it’s “not clear” to the player that he should accept it, as he’s “tempted” by a return to Spain.
