Die Folgen: Germany’s 3-1 win over Serbia (Bavarian Football Works)
Germany traveled to Serbia for a UEFA Nations League match played under harsh conditions with very few spectators, but with a clear purpose.
The Germans wanted a win and to begin the process of establishing an identity for the Jürgen Klopp era. 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:
- There were not many surprises, but there were a few. First, Nico Schlotterbeck took an unexpected seat in favor of Jonathan Tah and Malick Thiaw at center back. That was a pretty big surprise considering how many viewed the center-back hierarchy. In addition, Maximilian Mittelstädt got the nod over Nathaniel Brown, which was not altogether shocking considering the recent form of both players. Brown has not been bad by any means, but the VfB Stuttgart star has been extremely good.
- The conditions were nasty. There was hard rain and a muddy pitch, which had to have club sporting directors and coaches holding their collective breath.
- Just three minutes into the game, Germany took the lead on an out-swinging corner that connected with Kai Havertz, who did not exactly get a great piece of the ball. However, he did get enough of it for the ball to bounce into the net off of Srđan Babić for an own goal, giving Germany a 1–0 advantage.
- In the 14th minute, Aleksandar Pavlović slid a perfect pass to Havertz, who was making a straight run. The striker’s shot was saved by Serbia’s Vanja Milinković-Savić, but Florian Wirtz was waiting to pounce on the rebound to make it 2–0… and the rout was on. If Milinković-Savić does not spend his free time rating craft beers and eating artisanal sandwiches, I would be shocked.
- This is sort of the problem with Havertz. He made a great run and used his speed to separate himself and put himself in a good position to score, but he could not finish. It is a little confusing as to why so many Germany coaches continue to tout him as a striker. He is a good footballer, no doubt, but his prowess as a striker leaves a lot to be desired.
- Serbia was working its collective tail off, but was simply outmatched.
- Similarly, Germany played with great energy and urgency. Klopp expects a certain work rate… and he got it.
- By halftime, Germany was fully dominating the match.
- In the second half, RB Leipzig star Brajan Gruda showed everyone why there has been so much buzz surrounding him as he drove roughly 65 yards with the ball before firing a shot from just outside the box to make it 3–0. What a play for the youngster, who is likely making himself a lot of money this season.
- Serbia would answer back with a goal from Srđan Babić. Tah, who had a rough few minutes, created the chance with a foul just outside the box to give Serbia a set piece in a dangerous area. An in-swinging delivery found the head of Stefan Gudelj, whose attempt was good, but was ultimately turned away by Marc-André ter Stegen. Unfortunately for Germany, Srđan Babić, who appeared to be Tah’s mark, put the rebound home to make it 3–1.
- It looked like Kimmich had scored in the 65th minute, but Wirtz was ruled offside, even though he was not involved in the play.
- Derry Scherhant hit the post in the second half as well. Germany was just too strong for Serbia.
- A red card to Vanja Dragojević in the 76th minute iced the game for Germany as Serbia was already struggling to keep up. For good measure, Andrija Živković was also handed a red card in the 89th minute.
- Overall, the Germans were very good. The team played in a style that was frantic yet structured. This particular group had the energy to play Klopp’s style, and the head coach seemed pleased.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Recap, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Real not giving up on Olise (ESPN)
Real Madrid is still dreaming of acquiring Bayern Munich star Michael Olise:
Real Madrid remain interested in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, after previously being linked with him during the summer, according to L’Equipe. The 24-year-old is reported to have multiple top clubs in Europe ‘dreaming’ of signing him next summer, when he will enter the final two years of his contract at the Allianz Arena. Olise scored in France’s 3-1 Nations League defeat against Italy on Thursday.
Bayern Alumni: Palace not willing to let Richards leave (Football Insider)
Crystal Palace values former Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards too much to let him leave in January:
Crystal Palace have no intention of selling centre-back Chris Richards in January despite interest from Inter Milan, sources have told Football Insider.
The USA international is viewed as being too important for the Eagles to lose in the middle of the campaign, especially with a likely relegation battle on the cards.
LFC to sell Frimpong? (Football Insider)
Would Liverpool really be ready to admit a mistake in signing Jeremie Frimpong in 2025 already? Maybe:
Liverpool will “consider” selling right-back Jeremie Frimpong next year, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old has struggled for form and fitness since moving to Anfield and is now attracting interest from Al-Hilal ahead of the January transfer window.
Boniface looking to leave Leverkusen? (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is reportedly pushing to leave the club in January:
🚨🆕 Victor Boniface wants to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen in January.
The club are prepared to let him go, including on loan. Two enquiries have already been made. The situation is now becoming more concrete.
Boniface is under contract until 2028 and currently ranks as Leverkusen’s third-choice striker.
@SkySportDE
Bayern won’t pursue Zubimendi (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Bayern Munich was taking a look at Arsenal defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi per some reports, but Sport Bild’s Christian Falk says that is not the case:
❌It is NOT TRUE: Bayern Munich are interested in Martin Zubimendi and considering a January move. Bayern will not go for the Spaniard in the winter. What I can say is that he was on the list of Bayern Munich in the past before he got his move to the Premier League. Bayern Munich were scouting him and there were talks, but in the end, it wasn’t a match! Now, I don’t think it’s the right time to go for him. There just isn’t the space in the midfield department. He will also be very expensive, and FC Bayern are searching in other positions. Bayern admire Zubimendi but they won’t go for him in the January transfer window.
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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