Die Folgen: Germany’s 1-0 loss to Greece (Bavarian Football Works)
Well, that was not pretty.
Germany dominated the statistics, but could not find the back of the net when losing a 1-0 stunner to Greece in the UEFA Nations League.
While Jürgen Klopp is likely not too concerned with the result, many fans are unhappy and feeling like not much has changed since the malaise that plagued the team at the World Cup last summer.
Patience, everyone — this one is going to take time. Let’s dive into the details of this loss, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- Well, this lineup was…something. Klopp attempted to give some young and unproven players time to shine, and it did not work out as planned. Not many of the starters (barring Joshua Kimmich and Jonathan Tah) looked ready for the assignment.
- The mixed bag lineup was not meshing early on, as Greece was able to assert itself somewhat against a Germany side that was not exactly on the same page. It was pretty clear that Klopp’s experimentation with so many young and inexperienced players was not going to be a success. What might have been most alarming to viewers was the play of wingers Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade, which was — once again — subpar.
- The Germany attack was non-threatening.
- Josha Vagnoman did not do enough to make a push to be the starter at right-back. In games like this, players must seize the moment.
- Yann Bisseck picked up an early yellow card for some overly physical play. It was great to see that kind of aggression, but he was a little reckless.
- What might be clear after the first two games is that Germany’s overall depth is not terrible or anything, but it might not be good, either.
- Adeyemi had a great look in the 27th minute on a break, but fired his attempt wide. The physics of the shot made it very difficult. Streaking down the left side with a left-footed shot was a tough angle.
- In the 32nd minute, Adeyemi had another look. This time, the FC Barcelona winger found himself at the top of the box, but a quality attempt was saved by Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
- Younes Ebnoutalib and Bambasé Conté had trouble finding their way in the game. In truth, neither player was ready for this callup. Ebnoutalib got off to a rousing start for Eintracht Frankfurt, but — as of now — he is not the answer for the role as Germany striker. As for Conté, he might be lower than fifth or sixth in the pecking order of attacking midfielders.
- Nathaniel Brown looks like he needs a break. This is his fourth or fifth mediocre performance in a row.
- The one thing to remember is that with the split squad setup, this is going to look ugly. Some of the starters might be C-team level players for Germany.
- The frustration for Germany fans still lingers for more than a decade’s worth of nonsense. Patience is almost non-existent, so there will likely be a lot of unhappy folks.
- Klopp likely does not care about the results of these games at all. If they win…great! If not, he’s getting his chance to evaluate over 40 players. This isn’t a renovation, this is a teardown to rebuild.
- After a total boner from Kimmich, Fotis Ioannidis was left all alone and sent his shot just wide in what was the miss of the match. Wow, Germany got very lucky there.
- Greece would not miss on its next chance as Dimitris Kourbelis put the Greeks up 1-0. Germany fans were left stunned. The ball deflected off of Kimmich and the Bayern Munich star was taking a lot of heat for it, although the criticism was a little harsh.
- Bisseck missed on a header attempt in the 77th minute. It was a good attempt, but not an easy chance.
- Germany did ramp up the urgency, but it was not enough.
- Overall, this was not a game that was going to excite many people. In fact, there will likely be a whole hell of a lot of griping. Klopp took blame after the match for the loss, but he did not seem deterred (as you would expect). The Serbia match is not necessarily a “must win” because of the stakes, but it might be, due to fan reaction. People who already had little faith are losing it quickly — no matter how many times we talk about it being a split squad. As for this writer, he won’t panic or get down about this result. When Greece fields as many B and C teamers as Klopp did on Sunday and Germany still loses, then it will be time to panic.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Gunners, Real, Barca already dreaming of Haaland (Football Insider)
When the news broke that Manchester City was assessed to be guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League, everyone knew that the vultures would start to circle.
Now, they are starting to descend toward that carcass of whatever will become of City:
Arsenal and Real Madrid have already been in touch with Erling Haaland’s representatives after Man City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League and Spanish giants have acted swiftly by making contact with the record-breaking striker’s camp in a clear sign that the goalposts have changed for the City players.
Arsenal and Real Madrid are each keen to capitalise on the Citizens’ bleak future as they target possible moves for the 26-year-old striker.
His lucrative contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2034 and does not include a relegation clause.
Sources revealed to Football Insider prior to City being found guilty that Barcelona retain an interest in Haaland’s services, but now Arsenal and Real Madrid have made initial contact over a possible move in 2027.
City will be forced into a host of huge sales if they are forced to drop into the Championship, with being demoted to League Two also a distinct possibility.
Arsenal would love to solve their striker issues by signing the Norwegian giant, while Real wanted him before he joined City in 2022.
In reality, Manchester City probably will not get hit with a penalty that it cannot handle. If the powers that be opt to really go after City, there could potentially be some big player movement, but we will believe it when we see it.
And rightfully so…(The Touchline)
The old-timers deserve it:
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: The Real Madrid and Werder Bremen legends match was STOPPED after 32 minutes so the players could be served BEER and a shot.
The unusual break was a tribute to former referee Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder, who famously blew for half-time after just 32 MINUTES during a Werder Bremen match in 1975.
He later admitted he had enjoyed beer and a shot with his lunch before the game.
Barca interested in Bastoni again (ESPN)
FC Barcelona was reportedly talking to Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni last summer, but no deal emerged. Now, Barca is among a few teams interested in the 27-year-old:
Inter Milan center back Alessandro Bastoni has re-emerged as a transfer option for Barcelona, while Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City also retain an interest in him, according to TEAMtalk. The 27-year-old was the topic of serious interest during the summer, but Inter remained firm on their valuation of close to £70 million for the Italy international. Chelsea would benefit from his ability to play in a back three, while Liverpool and City are looking at him as they prepare to eventually lose Virgil van Dijk and Rúben Dias.
Bayern eyeing Llorente? (Sports Mole)
We are reading this with a fair amount of doubt and skepticism, but here you go — Bayern Munich is reportedly interested in Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente:
Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente ahead of the January transfer window, with the newly-crowned World Cup winner emerging as an intriguing target only months after ruling out a Premier League move partly because of the English weather.
The 31-year-old remains one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted and versatile players, capable of operating at right-back, in midfield or further forward.
However, Llorente’s contract at the Metropolitano expires in June 2027, creating uncertainty over a player who has spent seven years with Atletico.
According to AS, Bayern are monitoring developments and could step up their interest if the Spaniard does not agree fresh terms in Madrid.
Juve considering Raum move? (ESPN)
Juventus is reportedly keeping RB Leipzig star David Raum on its radar, but not as its primary target to bolster the left-back position:
Manchester City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri is being scouted by Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The 25-year-old tops the Bianconeri shortlist for the January transfer window, with a loan approach lined up due to his lack of playing time under Enzo Maresca, while RB Leipzig’s David Raum is considered an alternative.
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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