Die Folgen: Bayern’s 4-0 win over Werder (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich hosted Werder Bremen and completely dominated the visitors.
From the outset it was very clear that Vincent Kompany had a game plan to relentlessly attack Werder Bremen and not let up.
Mission
accomplished.
The Bavarians crushed Werder Bremen 4-0 in a game that was never close. There is much to talk about, so let’s get to it. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with the starting XI:
- The lineup was pretty standard with the exception of the central midfield. Joshua Kimmich was out of the XI with an illness, so Tom Bischof and Leon Goretzka got the nod. Aleksandar Pavlović, who was coming off of a few strong showings, was likely rested ahead of the Champions League showdown with Pafos on Tuesday.
- Not a fashionista here, but the Oktoberfest kits looked sharp.
- Werder Bremen did not go hard after the center-backs while pressing, but were super-aggressive pressing the central midfield and outside players early in the match.
- Just three minutes into the game, Kane was set up really nicely and just hooked his left-footed attempt from the left side way wide. That was uncharacteristic from Kane this season.
- 90 seconds later, Kane made a hard-charging run into the box and Michael Olise slid him an excellent pass, but Kane fired his attempt into Werder Bremen goalkeeper Karl Hein.
- In the 7th minute, Luis Díaz had a header attempt go wide, but the Bavarians were swarming and not giving Werder Bremen any room to do anything.
- Kane also had a bad turnover in the build-up, which led to what could have been a decent opportunity. That might have been his lone mistake of the match.
- Goretzka had a horrendous, errant pass which gave Werder Bremen a corner, which probably made his legions of haters throw up the “Bat Signal.”
- For as dominant as Bayern Munich was in the early going, there was a bit of sloppiness, inefficiency, and mistakes built in.
- The sloppiness was contagious, but Werder Bremen was not able to take advantage of it.
- Even with not being overly sharp, Bayern Munich played with a supreme amount of confidence and creativity.
- Konrad Laimer and Sacha Boey were in really advanced positions for much of the first half as Kompany trusted Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah to hold down the fort.
- Bischof and Goretzka did not assert themselves in the central midfield at all in the early going, but both did get better as the match went on.
- In the 22nd minute, Olise whipped in a left-footed cross that found the inside of Tah’s heel. Tah’s attempt for a back-heel goal would ultimately hit Díaz and deflect off of him into the net. The Colombian was in the right place at the right time for the 1-0 lead.
- This will be an unpopular take (especially from someone who has fully endorsed the Bischof move), but it seems as if the lack of regular playing time has had an ill-effect on him. Before anyone starts forming the mob, it is very natural for there to be an adjustment to a bench role. However, it does raise the question if the move to Bayern Munich might not have come at an ideal time for his development. Bischof ended up having a good game, but did have to shake off some rust. It would be great to see him get more time, but there are only so many minutes to go around in the central midfield.
- Boey was extremely sloppy in the first half. There were some unnecessary losses of possession and — at time — the weight of his passes was a problem. He would also get better as the team gelled during the game.
- In the 36th minute, Díaz was half a step away from getting his second goal.
- Just a bit later, Goretzka sent in a great cross to Kane that was broken up at the last second by sliding Werder Bremen defender Marco Friedl.
- Hein had some guts and showed them several times in the first half.
- In the 44th minute, the referee called a penalty on former Bayern Munich academy product Friedl as Kane charged to the net. Kane went down and then after some protesting from Friedl, Kane drilled the PK for a 2-0 lead in the 45th minute.
- Friedl did knick Kane’s foot and it was a foul, just a soft foul. Afterward, Friedl probably felt like he should have gotten his money’s worth for the effort.
- Seconds later, Hein stopped a long-range blast from Gnabry and then had to sky to get another lofted attempt a few seconds after that. The 23-year-old goalkeeper had quite a half despite giving up two goals.
- For a half that was far from perfect, Bayern Munich was still utterly dominant.
- Werder Bremen killed itself with poor execution and worse decisions.
- In the 54th minute, Gnabry teed up another shot, but missed just over the crossbar.
- In the 59th minute, Werder Bremen’s Yukinari Sugawara gave Neuer a serious test with a close-range blast, but the veteran handled it well.
- In the 65th minute, Kane put Bayern Munich up 3-0 after the team pushed the ball quickly up the field from Neuer onward. After some flashy footwork from Díaz, the Colombian poked the ball to Kane who did not miss from point-blank range.
- In the 83rd minute, Díaz sent in Nicolas Jackson with a perfect ball, but the Chelsea loanee slipped while shooting (it looked worse in real time because he was all alone).
- Kimmich was extremely lucky that he did not cost Neuer a clean sheet with a terrible play late in the game, but an offside call on Victor Boniface nullified the goal.
- In the 87th minute, after a dominant run of possession, Bischof slid a streaking Laimer a nice pass into the box for a goal and a 4-0 lead. It was a nice moment for Bischof, who ended up with a very solid performance.
- Overall, Bayern Munich was dominant, but sloppy at times. It was a thoroughly forceful effort nonetheless. Bayern Munich did what it set out to do, had some fun, and decimated another league opponent. Even when Bayern Munich was making mistakes, it was more about self-induced mistakes than anything Werder Bremen did. Bayern Munich was relentless in its pursuit of goals and equally as aggressive on defense. It was yet another strong showing.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
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.
Chelsea, United chasing Vlahović for January move (Goal)
Chelsea FC and Manchester United could be planning to make a move for Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović in January:
Juventus are looking to sell Dusan Vlahovic in January, and the Premier League is calling. Manchester United and Chelsea are weighing up winter bids for the Serbian striker, while Bayern Munich reportedly see him as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, creating a fascinating transfer battle.
Vlahovic has become a major target for several of Europe’s top clubs, with United and Chelsea reportedly considering a January move, while Bayern are monitoring the Serbian as a potential long-term successor to Kane. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are keen to sell the forward in the winter window after a major contract standoff saga that ignited the summer transfer window.
Juventus are reportedly eager to facilitate a January departure for Vlahovic to avoid losing him on a cut-price deal or for free as his contract enters its final 18 months. The 25-year-old’s deal expires in June 2026, and his salary, which has reportedly risen to €12 million (£10m/$14m) per season, is a significant financial burden for the Turin club.
Bayern Munich is rumored to have interest in Vlahović, but not for a January move. If — and it is a big if — Vlahović makes the jump to another club in the new year, Bayern Munich might have to scroll down its list of potential strikers even more if Harry Kane decides to leave.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 5, Episode 9 (Bavarian Football Works)
This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- News broke this week that Harry Kane will have to let Bayern Munich know he wants to leave next summer during the winter transfer window — giving the club ample notice to find a successor. Will it happen? Will this be a distraction? How realistic is that Kane opts to sign an extension with Bayern? Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona all want him.
- Real Madrid is rumored to have strong interest in Michael Olise. Should fans be worried?
- Jerome Boateng retired last week and fans were conflicted about how to feel. Let’s discuss the complex topic of admiring a player’s athletic feats, while being put off by their off-the-field actions.
- Josip Stanišić was almost sold to Juventus (!?).
- Reviewing the latest episode of HBO’s Task.
Spurs planning for Kane return (Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke)
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke wrote about his appearance on a podcast where he indicated Tottenham Hotspur could be positioning itself for a return by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane:
Sources told Football Insider that Man United are monitoring Kane’s situation with the forward going from strength to strength since leaving England.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast of the possibility of the Englishman coming back to North London, I explained: “Well, obviously there’s a big association between Harry Kane and Tottenham and, obviously, Thomas Frank has publicly admitted he would welcome Kane back at Tottenham if he was to leave Bayern Munich.
“As you said, there is this clause meaning he could leave next summer if he informs Bayern that he wants to leave before the close of the January transfer window, giving them time to bring in a replacement.
“So he could potentially be allowed to leave next summer for £56.7million, which although he’s not getting any younger, Kane still I think that he would be a bargain because he is basically a guarantee of goals. 13 goals and three assists from seven appearances in all competitions for Bayern already this season as well.
“I’m sure Spurs are still pulling the heartstrings of Harry Kane. He had such a great time there. The chance to maybe return to the Premier League and chase down Alan Shearer for that all-time Premier League goal-scoring record I’m sure is something that might be in the back of his mind.”
Guirassy to Barca? (Bild via Get Germany Football News)
FC Barcelona could be keeping an eye on Borussia Dortmund attacker Serhou Guirassy:
⚫️🟡 Borussia Dortmund are looking to set a price tag of €100m for Serhou Guirassy. (Bild)
🤔 Barcelona are interested in the 29-year-old
💰 However, Sky reports that Guirassy has a release clause for certain clubs worth €60-75m, Barca are one of those clubs.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Edges and Underdogs, a BuLi Action Show! (Bavarian Football Works)
This is not your run-of-the-mill gambling show as we are putting more focus on the ins-and-outs of the actual match day’s showdowns, rather than an odds-driven format (but yes, you will get the odds as well). This podcast is for people who watch the Bundesliga intently and who want to dive into some of the big games for each match day. Through that, we will also provide some information that could help those seeking to make a wager or two.
Each week, we will highlight three matches to talk through and break down who has the edge, who might be hurting, who is susceptible to being upset, who’s getting hot, and more! This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Edges and Underdogs, a BuLi Action Show:
- Catching up on how we did last week.
- A look at this weekend’s match-ups — including win probability, odds, injury updates, trends, AI predictions, and our predictions as well.
The bottom line…it’s time for some action.
Gravenberch could get new deal with LFC (talkSPORT)
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could be on the verge of getting a new contract from Liverpool:
Liverpool are ready to reward man-of-the-moment Ryan Gravenberch with a new long-term deal.
Gravenberch played a starring role in Liverpool’s unexpected Premier League title win last season.
The Dutch international has made an amazing start to this season, crowned by his superb strike in Saturday’s Merseyside derby victory at home to Everton.
Gravenberch, who only turned 23 in May and who cost a bargain £35m from Bayern Munich, is under contract until the summer of 2028.
While the need to tie him down is not urgent, any extension would be a reflection of his importance to the team.
Tah wants to embrace pressure (Säbener 51 via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich center-back Jonathan Tah wants to accept all of the pressure and responsibility of his position on the pitch and on the team.
“First of all, it’s an honor for me to be seen that way from the outside, to be able to take on such a role at FC Bayern. I want to take on responsibility here. That’s the expectation the club has of me, and that the team probably has of me too, but above all, it’s the expectation I have of myself. Nevertheless, you always have to earn a role like that first. You don’t just come in and say, ‘Here I am, I’m taking on responsibility now.‘ — You have to perform, and then it will come with time, with games, with lots of training sessions – both on and off the pitch,” said Tah.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 11 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich will get some down time…not much, but some.
The Bavarians are not back in action until Friday against Werder Bremen, so a day or two of rest will not be such a bad thing for a squad coming off of an arduous week.
Let’s check in on where things stand with Bayern Munich and some other hot topics as well. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- A heat check on the position groups.
- Why were so many fans unhappy with a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim?
- People were quick to bury Lennart Karl, and how about that resurgent effort from Kim Min-jae.
- Could this season convince Harry Kane to see out his deal and what would it take for Kane to win the Ballon d’Or?
- An update on the striker market for 2026 — with notes on Kane, Dušan Vlahović, and Erling Haaland.
- A farewell to a legend.
