Die Folgen: Bayern’s 2-1 win over SV Elversberg (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany knew he needed to freshen things up and also rest some key players, so the manager made some key replacements in his starting XI and still walked away with a 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg.
While not always the most fluid game, the Bavarians showed that they can use different player combinations and still get the desired result. Let’s dive into it, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- Kompany had some interesting selections. Benching Luis Díaz was a must because he was out-of-form and looked tired. Fatigue is not always about being slow (a big misconception), but about your body not being able to operate at an optimal level when needed. It was a much needed rest day for the Colombian (sort of — Díaz came in for the final 25 minutes). Ismael Saibari replaced Díaz at left wing.
- Joshua Kimmich also got the day off and was replaced by Tom Bischof — a move many fans have been waiting for. Not because Kimmich has been bad (he has actually been awesome), but because Kimmich needs more rest days to ensure he is at his best for the second half of the season. Kimmich would also play the game’s final 25 minutes.
- Also, fans have wanted to see Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlović work in tandem for quite a while. The early returns were good, but not great for the duo.
- Kim Min-jae hopped in for Jonathan Tah, who also likely needed a rest. Kim has been very solid this season, so keeping him sharp is key as well. Similarly, Nathaniel Brown stepped in for Alphonso Davies at left-back, while Josip Stanišić started for Konrad Laimer at right-back.
- Kompany made smart moves with his lineup, and these kinds of decisions will pay dividends down the road for the squad.
- After taking some time to figure out how to play together, Bayern Munich got on the scoreboard in the 26th minute when Saibari sent a cross on the ground from the left-side. The ball might have deflected off a cutting Harry Kane and skipped through to Karl, who was not going to miss for a 1-0 lead. Kane was credited with the assist by Sofascore, while Saibari was credited with an assist by other sources. The intent of the play was driven by Saibari, so it would be fine by me if he was credited with the helper.
- On a side note, I was happy with USA Network’s coverage here in the United States. I liked the highlights at halftime from other games, which was a good way to keep my attention (especially during a weekend where I could not watch much other Bundesliga action).
- Credit to SV Elversberg, who played organized and tough. Very solid effort from the home side.
- The Bayern Munich attack was definitely not in sync for a large majority of the match, which was not wholly unexpected.
- Harry Kane nearly made it 2-0, but was offside in the 60th minute.
- In the 61st minute, the lack of scoring would come back to haunt Bayern, when former Bayern Munich academy star Maurice Krattenmacher made his old team pay. Krattenmacher received the ball with Josip Stanišić closing him down, but the Elversberg attacker showed excellent composure and quick feet. He moved to his left before cutting sharply back onto his right foot, creating just enough separation from Stanišić to get his shot away and beat Jonas Urbig.
- Diaz 68th minute back heel almost worked out for a goal, too.
- There was a shot of an Elversberg fan nailing a heater in the stands…just sitting there, enjoying his cigarette. It momentarily brought me back to a simpler time in society. (No, I don’t smoke, but have a lot of memories of being around older family members who did). It just sort of transported the game to the 70s or 80s for a brief second.
- Similarly, Olise’s 70th minute attempt hit the crossbar, which denied the Frenchman.
- Olise’s miss would not matter, though, as in the 72nd minute, Pavlović fed Kane, who took two touches to his right and fired for a goal and a 2-1 lead. What a wild turn of events! Kane is always a threat and was not going to be denied.
- A minute later, SV Elversberg’s Noel Futkeu missed an absolute sitter after some shoddy play from Stanišić. It was a tough game for the right-back, who made several key mistakes.
- Stanišić’s running mate on the left side, Brown, did not have a great game either. After a hot start, Brown has hit a rough patch of mediocre showings.
- Overall, it was a solid, professional performance from Bayern Munich. No, it did not blow the doors off anyone, but it was the kind of win you can build from. Kudos to the players for being flexible and working together to grind out a hard-fought win. On to Union Berlin!
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Schlotterbeck makes presence felt immediately (WhoScored.com)
For those doubting what kind of impact Nico Schlotterbeck could make for Borussia Dortmund, the Germany international was there to prove you wrong:
Chelsea still scoping Koné (ESPN)
Chelsea still has its eye on AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné:
Chelsea are ready to reignite their interest in AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné when the transfer window reopens in January, as per Tuttomercato. However, the Blues may face competition from Liverpool this time around, who are keen on bolstering their midfield options. Koné was reported to be the subject of a €60 million offer from Chelsea at the end of August, which was swiftly rejected. The France international, who starred for his nation at this summer’s World Cup, is under contract at Roma until June 2029.
Bayern doesn’t think Dudok is ready (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Bayern Munich has made the assessment that Rodrigo Dudok is not quite ready for primetime:
✅ It is TRUE: Bayern Munich invited Rodrigo Dudok (19) for a trial at Säbener Straße and took a closer look at him. He’s a good player but not, at the moment, at the level Bayern Munich would like. So, the Bavarian giants decided against an offer at this time. They’ve wished the Uruguayan well in his development. Perhaps in a few years things can be different and he can come back for another tryout, but he’s not yet in the range of, say, a Lennart Karl or a Tim Binder (who signed a professional contract with FC Bayern on Thursday). They already have quality there, so they don’t need Dudok.
Following his trial with FC Bayern Rodrigo Dudok has joined Estrela Amadora on loan with an option to buy.
Kane leads the way (Opta Franz)
Since joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane leads all players in goals for that time period:
1 – Players from Europe’s five major leagues with the most compulsory match goals since Harry Kane’s move to @FCBayern:
🥇 Harry Kane – 150 goals
🥈 Kylian Mbappé – 137 goals
🥉 Erling Haaland – 114 goalsAnniversary.
A new home for Alaba? (Marca’s Matteo Moretto)
Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid defender David Alaba could have interest from Club de Fútbol América:
Club de Fútbol América is considering the possibility of signing David Alaba.
At 34-years-old, it will be interesting to see what Alaba does next. Will he be looking to latch on to a team still fighting in Europe…or does he want to go somewhere that will afford him more playing time.
Why do Kimmich’s teammates love him? Let us show you (Bayern Munich)
There are a lot of people who hate Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich (for various reasons), but none of them are his teammates:
Kimmich is the glue guy on the team. He keeps it all together and all in-line.
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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