Die Folgen: Bayern’s 4-2 win over Heidenheim (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich ended its preseason slate of friendlies with a nice (but scary) 4-2 victory over Heidenheim.
While the play was choppy, but ultimately good enough, the story — again — revolved around the health of Jamal Musiala,who collapsed on the field for the second game in a row. While there will be plenty of focus on that for days to come, it was a strong ending to the preseason.
Aside of some early mistakes, Bayern Munich was the better, more dominant team. Let’s dive into the details — here are
some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- It was revealed right before the game that Joshua Kimmich was battling an adductor issue (there were rumors that he had picked up an injury during the World Cup…could this still be lingering?), while Tom Bischof and Manuel Neuer were held out due to load management. That all led to a very mixed bag of a lineup, especially in the central midfield. Kompany would sub pretty liberally, so it seemed as if almost everyone was on some kind of minutes restriction.
- From what it looked like Maycon Cardozo was the No. 10, Felipe Chávez was the No. 8, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye was the No. 6. All scuffled at times in those roles (as expected). That was the deepest we saw Ndiaye sit as a midfielder since joining the club (and he had some rough moments).
- It only took Heidenheim five minutes to get on the scoreboard. After some traffic and confusion in the Bayern Munich midfield, three errors led to the goal (and one of them is not the position of Upamecano, who could do nothing to prevent that goal) — Chávez made a bad pass into Arijon Ibrahimović, putting him under duress. Of course, Ibrahimović lost the ball, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye tried to clear rather than secure the ball and it deflected off the Heidenheim player hard. Yannik Wagner took advantage of it and beat Jonas Urbig on a legitimate breakaway for a 1-0 lead.
- Clearly, that was not the finest moment for any of the players involved, but it seems unlikely that we would see that combination again (maybe ever). You could also argue Urbig could have done better there, but it was a clear breakaway for Wagner and he took advantage of it.
- In the 25th minute, Chávez would get some payback as he drew a free kick and subsequently took it. Chávez’s curling, knuckler tucked in right under the crossbar (after nicking it). All of a sudden it was 1-1.
- In the 45th minute, Bayern Munich conceded again with some sloppy play. This time, Alphonso Davies was a little late in attempting to close down and contend a diagonal ball in. That led to a poor clearance by Ndiaye, whose header landed right on the foot of Julian Niehues for a pretty sensational volley goal.
- There were some issues with positioning and communication defensively as a unit and on Niehues’ goal, it was evident.
- In the second half, Binder drew a penalty, which was converted by Ibrahimović to knot the game at 2-2. Binder is such a tantalizing player, but he just needs time and work to fine tune his game. The kid has some electricity to him for sure.
- Harry Kane, who subbed in, had a good look in the 65th minute after a really nice pass from Musiala (who had a great burst), but did not have his best placement on his shot attempt.
- A minute later, though, something happened with Musiala, who stopped playing and eventually went down (off camera). Play was stopped and it was unclear exactly what happened with the Germany international. Musiala was only on the field for roughly five minutes. After the game, Musiala revealed that he has a medical condition that he is dealing with.
- Bayern Munich would take the lead (not that it was important after the Musiala episode) after Olise found Luis Díaz for a 3-2 lead. Nathaniel Brown would add another goal as well to really put the nail in Heidenheim’s coffin for the match.
- At this very moment, Brown seems to be ahead of Davies in terms of performance. Aleksandar Pavlović had the assist on Brown’s goal.
- Even if Brown is leading the race, Davies should get the right to start the season in his normal perch, though Brown should also be granted a quick hook if it does not work out.
- Overall, it was a choppy game (as expected), but Bayern Munich’s depth and quality were able to shine through.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, or Observations, check them out below:
Bayern plotting big move for Haaland as post-Kane solution? (Goal)
Bayern Munich expects to keep Harry Kane for at least another two season (hopefully three), but there will be an end to the relationship at some point.
When that happens, Bayern Munich could pull a massive ace of its sleeve — Erling Haaland.
While the Norwegian mega-star has a contract that runs through 2034, the Bavarians could be ready to splurge in a few years to get him out of that deal early:
€250 million changes the calculations! Bayern Munich’s new deal may not be merely a financial move. It could hold the key to a huge future transfer. With 250 million euros injected into the club’s coffers, the most important question begins to circulate in Munich: is the Bavarian giant preparing to fund the post-Harry Kane era? And if so, could Erling Haaland be the name awaited to succeed the English striker?
The matter may have come as a shock to Bayern Munich’s fans, who had dreamed of one day owning a part of their club, and perhaps had saved money to realise that dream. It seems the opportunity has passed. Through his group “Viessmann Generations Group”, businessman Max Viessmann acquired the remaining 5% of Bayern Munich’s shares for 250 million euros.
That deal values the Bavarian club at around 5 billion euros, at a time when its large cash reserves have turned into an important financial asset for the future. So what could Bayern do with this huge sum?
Before we get into Goal’s dream scenario, the deal referenced has been disputed by one outlet in Germany after two others had the initial report:
In reality, sporting director Max Eberl can invest this financial strength in protecting the team’s stars from the ambitions of Europe’s elite, according to the German newspaper “Bild.”.
The real ambition may go beyond keeping the current stars, extending to the years ahead, especially with Harry Kane approaching a new phase in his career. Now 33, the English striker will leave Bayern facing the need to think seriously about a successor within two or three years. He is one of the greatest goalscorers ever to have worn the club’s shirt.
Here a name familiar to Bavarian fans appears: “Erling Haaland”. The Norwegian striker was close to moving to Bayern before he chose Manchester City, after Munich had been part of his considerations during 2022. Today the circumstances have changed. Guardiola has left Manchester City. At some point in his career, Haaland may look for a new challenge and a different experience.
Will the Norwegian striker one day feel that his adventure in England has lost some of its shine? And will he then remember his wonderful years in the German league with Borussia Dortmund, and the visit that led him to Munich years ago?
If that happens, Haaland may find Bayern’s doors open, and the club’s coffers able to fund a heavyweight deal. Perhaps the ideal scenario for the Bavarian giant would be for Haaland to succeed Kane in leading its attack, ushering in a new era at the Allianz Arena.
The reality of the potential deal is that it will cost a lot of money to get Haaland…a ridiculous amount of money.
Is it possible? Sure.
Is it probable? Eh…maybe not.
As great as it would be to get Haaland, it would have to be a massive deal to acquire him and then even more to pay him. It would likely go against Bayern Munich’s operating philosophy. By then, though, maybe Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß will not hold power positions and a more adventurous set of shot callers will occupy seats on the supervisory board?
For this writer, Haaland would likely be worth it (especially knowing that prices are only going to rise), but fiscal responsibility has been a staple of Bayern Munich’s existence.
It is a very fun thought…no doubt.
Süle’s next chapter begins (DW Sports)
Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star Niklas Süle is happily embarking on his next journey — playing in the 8th tier of German football:
Good for Süle. Let’s hope he continues to have a blast.
BVB announces Veerman (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund formally announced the signing of Joey Veerman:
Füllkrug makes Werder Bremen move (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Niclas Füllkrug is back in Germany and that is a great thing for the oft-injured striker:
It feels like massive chunks of Füllkrug’s career have been zapped by injury. Hopefully, he can play his last few seasons without those issues.
Casadó to Al-Ahli? (Marca’s Matteo Moretto)
Marc Casadó was already on his way out of FC Barcelona, but the arrival of Rodri likely cements his exit. If he wants to get paid, Al-Ahli is reportedly interested:
Al-Ahli is also interested in Marc Casadó, who is set to leave Barcelona.
The player does not rule out a transfer to Saudi Arabia, but wants to consider all the offers and make a decision without rushing.
Vidović to Paderborn (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
As expected, former Bayern Munich prospect Gabriel Vidović has made the move to SC Paderborn:
Barca not giving up on Álvarez (AS via ESPN)
FC Barcelona still has not given up hope on getting Julián Álvarez:
Barcelona are changing their strategy as they try to sign Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and will now try to convince Los Colchoneros privately.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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