Die Folgen: Germany’s 4-0 win over Luxembourg (Bavarian Football Works)
Germany was a big favorite against Luxembourg and was determined not to experience the lack of focus and absence of energy that occurred during the last international break.
Using a newfound relentlessness, the Germans smacked Luxembourg 4-0 in a match that was made more lopsided thanks to an early red card on the visitors. Let get into the details of the game! Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- The move to push Joshua Kimmich back to right-back was long overdue and ended the fairytale that Germany had anyone remotely capable of playing the position aside of Kimmich. Let’s be clear, Kimmich is a very good, if not great, central midfielder, but the XI is stronger with him at right-back because the central midfield has far more talent than the dreck that has been rolled out at right-back in Kimmich’s absence. Otherwise, Karim Adeyemi getting a start was mildly surprising, though it could have been driven by some of the injuries/illnesses going on with the squad. Nico Schlotterbeck also is being given the chance to plant his flag for a starting role and Oliver Baumann and Nick Woltemade were able to overcome their sicknesses to start.
- Germany had a lot of energy early on, but was a bit sloppy. In particular, Florian Wirtz was off his game. He would quickly rebound, though.
- Kimmich showed how he could contribute at right-back with a good diagonal cross and a shot in the opening minutes.
- Even with things not exactly picturesque, Germany was far more talented and attacking-minded.
- The Germans appeared to break through in the 5th minute during a bizarre sequence where, after some nice passing and possession, Serge Gnabry wildly fired a shot that appeared to hit the shoulder blade of Nick Woltemade and carom into the net. However, the goal was called off due to a handball call on Woltemade.
- Minutes later, Leon Goretzka had a good look at a header, but sent his attempt wide of the goal.
- Luxembourg was committed to packing it in and playing a very compact defensive style. It required so much energy, though, that it seemed inevitable that the visitors would wear down quickly.
- In the 12th minute, a free kick from David Raum whipped into the net with a nasty bend to make it 1-0 and the squad could play with some freedom.
- Wirtz shook off some of the early game doldrums and got more sharp as the game went on.
- Gnabry had a golden opportunity in the 18th minute, but sent his shot wide. Germany was creating chances, but finishing was an issue. Before Gnabry’s shot went wide, though, there was a handball on the play. The play also resulted in a red card, which was an absolute death knell for Luxembourg. Dirk Carlson was sent off and Kimmich drilled the PK to make it 2-0.
- At that point, the game could have been whistled dead because Luxembourg had no chance.
- Gnabry came close again in the 24th minute with a shot that went just wide. At this point, Germany was just pouring on the pressure. Goretzka and Woltemade would also have great chances. Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris made a great stop on Goretzka before aggressively coming out to thwart Woltemade before he could get a shot off.
- For as much grief as Wirtz has caught of late, he looked as comfortable as ever operating in close quarters.
- As expected, Nico Schlotterbeck took an early exit from the game and was replaced by Waldemar Anton after halftime.
- The second half was an onslaught. Gnabry finally got his goal and Kimmich added another within the first six minutes. Gnabry’s finish was pretty awesome.
- Germany needs more from Woltemade and the striker position overall.
- Overall, Germany just dominated, just as it should have. The red card made the game not competitive at all, but Germany did need something like this. Now — hopefully — the squad can get refocused and put in a strong effort vs. Northern Ireland on Monday.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Real to make two blockbuster moves? (ESPN)
Real Madrid has been linked to both Bayern Munich center-back Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, but why not get both — or even Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi? Getting two of those three could be the plan for Los Blancos:
Real Madrid are looking at Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi as they aim to sign a free agent centre-back in the summer, reports AS. This comes with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba both having contracts that are due to expire at the end of this season. Los Blancos could also promote 18-year-old Castilla player Joan Martínez to the first team, as they see him as “the centre-back of the future.”
It seems like Real Madrid could be gearing up to get two of the three aforementioned center-backs. If so, that could create an aftershock of effects in Europe — particularly for Bayern Munich and Liverpool. At this point, Crystal Palace has to be resigned to the fact that it will lose Guéhi.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show: Season 5, Episode 11 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich’s news cycle is off the charts even during this international break. That said, we have some intertwining news to discuss between club and country, plus some other interesting topics on the agenda. Check out what we have on the latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Is the only thing standing between a return to the German national team for Manuel Neuer, pride? Is it a longstanding beef with Julian Nagelsmann? Let’s discuss.
- Bayern Munich to play Bundesliga games outside of Germany? That does not seem like it would go over well.
- Some news odds and ends — FC Barcelona still owes Bayern Munich 20M for Robert Lewandowski. Daniel Peretz to terminate his loan with Hamburger SV? Bayern Munich confident with Michael Olise. Kingsley Coman blames Max Eberl for his exit.
- Reviewing HBO’s Task.
Everton, Hammers want Zirkzee (ESPN)
Everton and West Ham United could be looking at Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, a former Bayern Munich prospect:
Out-of-favor Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is being tracked by Everton and West Ham United, according to TEAMtalk. Zirkzee, 24, has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the €85 million arrival of Benjamin Šeško in the summer. The Netherlands international is thought to be open to the idea of staying in the Premier League if he does leave United, with several Italian clubs also monitoring his situation, including AC Milan and Como.
Zirkzee seems like the kind of player who is better served at a small club and who might just not have chops for a big club in a big league. Still very young, Zirkzee has time to figure out, but his next move could be the one that determines exactly which direction his career will do in.
More info on Nübel’s exit from Stuttgart (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl)
Bayern Munich could be leaning toward another contract with Manuel Neuer and might already have its successor in Jonas Urbig. With Alexander Nübel unlikely to stay on loan with VfB Stuttgart again next season, Bayern Munich will likely have to sell the former Schalke 04 goalkeeper:
Bayern will demand €15-20m for Alexander Nübel in case of a sale next summer. The club does not want another loan. Stuttgart like Nübel and rate him highly, but financially the package would be expensive for them. A permanent move to VfB is very unlikely.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 14 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich might be off, but the news cycle surrounding the club is red-hot.
There are some big items to discuss, so let’s not waste any time. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Did Harry Kane throw some cold water on the thoughts of a contract extension with Bayern Munich? As it turns out, the Bavarians might not want to pay him anyway.
- Is Max Eberl in line for a promotion with Bayern Munich? Would it be too much for him to take on.
- Hot or Not? Harkening back to some nonsense from the beginning of the internet, let’s determine an early prediction on which Bayern Munich players will be back for 2026/27.
Musiala seeking to become more complete player (GQ via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala might be out injured at the moment, but it does not mean that he is not thinking about how he can fine-tune his game.
“I believe I can still take a step forward in every area. Each of these steps can help me become a better player. Whether it’s heading, physical fitness, or finishing with my left foot—I’m working hard to improve, even in the areas where I’m already quite good,” Musiala said with a laugh.
No indication Eberl will step away (Sport1’s Stefan Kumberger via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl seemed like he might be on the verge of “burnout” at the end of the summer transfer window, but one report indicates that Eberl is probably not going anywhere:
There’s currently little indication that Max Eberl will step down in the near future. But should he, at some point, decide to leave in light of the difficult circumstances under which he has to work, Bayern have a conceivable plan B to fill the void on the executive board: Jan-Christian Dreesen also takes care of the finances, the club is looking for a new marketing and sponsorship expert, and then sporting director would step in and be responsible for the sporting side, with heavy backing from the supervisory board.
Since taking office two years ago, Freund has managed to stay away from the politics behind the scenes at the club and has not become a target for criticism despite some unsuccessful transfers. Even today, the people in charge are still raving about the calm and good cooperation he brought in between the Campus and the professional team.
Eberl is also rumored to be in the running for the vacant deputy CEO position, but it remains to be seen if the club even backfills that position at all — at least for the moment.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: Germany vs. Luxembourg and Northern Ireland (Bavarian Football Works)
The Germany national team is up once again and has two very winnable matches on its slate for the October international break against both Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
Julian Nagelsmann will not be operating with a full roster thanks to injuries and illnesses, but this should give him a chance to further make his mind up on several players who are on the bubble for the 2026 World Cup.
Let’s get into all of the key discussions. This is what we have on tap for this version of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show:
- Taking a look at the latest roster for Germany, including the illnesses that have recently felled some key players.
- What positional battles should we keep an eye on?
- Is Julian Nagelsmann going to end up on the hot seat because he tinkers too much?
- Is Nico Schlotterbeck going to take this time to seize a starting role?
- Predictions on each match.
