Die Folgen: Bayern’s 5-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg (Bavarian Football Works)
Just about everything Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany touches turns to gold these days — and his team’s dominant 5-0 showing against Red Bull Salzburg proved that once again.
Kompany used a mixed lineup to integrate some youth players in with the veterans and it worked wonderfully. Let’s cover the why and how of that below. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the surprising starting XI:
- Kompany opted for a split-squad look, which was not the worst idea for the group that he had.
- Even with a lineup heavy with subs, Bayern Munich came out with a real energy and a buzz. Connecting and the overall chemistry was not great or anything, but that was to be expected.
- Cassiano Kiala had some really impressive moments, but definitely needs seasoning (as expected).
- Similarly, Wisdom Mike had good ideas, but execution on them just was not there yet. There are clearly some good things to work on both Kiala and Mike.
- Red Bull Salzburg really just could not crack Bayern Munich aside of a brief first half stretch of about five minutes.
- Olise had a great look in the 19th minute, but Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager made the stop, which resulted in a corner.
- Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who was not tested all that much, did make a nice save on a deflected shot in the 32nd minute.
- Red Bull Salzburg probably should have scored, but midfielder David Santos Daiber made a key goal line clearance in the 33rd minute. Daiber had a strong effort overall.
- As a resident non-hater (the few, the proud?) on Leon Goretzka, he needed to do more than he did. It is probably nitpicking a bit, but he has to do better.
- In the 45th minute, after a wild sequence, Hiroki Itō ripped a volley that took two deflections on the way to the net for a goal.
- After making wholesale changes, Bayern Munich firmly took control of the match behind Luis Díaz — and man (young adult?) of the weekend, Lennart Karl.
- Karl was spectacular. He registered two goals (including a header), while also setting up Felipe Chávez for a goal. The kid just continues to amaze. Some would say he could turn into a real superstar if he keeps this up. I kid, I kid. Seriously, though, he is a dynamo.
- As for Díaz, he was completely disruptive to Red Bull Salzburg and had two assists.
- Tom Bischof capped off the game in added time with a goal off of a nice look from Díaz.
- We still need to see more of Aleksandar Pavlović and Bischof together. The tandem’s performance was good, but we need to see them against better competition.
- Maybe the biggest takeaway from the match was how comfortable and strong the young players looked. They were really good as a whole.
- Overall, Bayern Munich was dominant, was rarely threatened, got its veterans some minutes to shake off the rust, while also getting a good look at some key youngsters. Maybe most important, no one was injured! So, yeah, it was a near-perfect match. On to VfL Wolfsburg!
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Barca will have to shed players, finalize other positions to bring in Goretzka (Football Espana)
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has been linked to FC Barcelona multiple times in recent weeks, but for a move to happen — even on a free transfer — Barca might have to sell some players from its existing roster and address other needs first:
The crux of the issue may be timing. If Barcelona are first pursuing three other positions, and are looking to sell a midfielder before they sign Goretzka, then the chances are their offer would arrive at his door later on in the transfer window. Goretzka would have to hold out for that to happen, potentially passing up on other opportunities to do so.
For Goretzka, that seems like a pretty big risk to take. Playing the waiting game can be advantageous at times, but with this being his last chance to secure a relatively big deal, he might not be afford the patience to wait for FC Barcelona to clean things up.
Bournemouth made strong play for Leweling (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
This is one of those rumors that does not seem true on either end — Bournemouth offering €40 million to VfB Stuttgart for Jamie Leweling…or Stuttgart rejecting it:
🚨❌ EXCL | Bournemouth were prepared to pay €40 million for Jamie #Leweling as a replacement for Antoine #Semenyo.
VfB boss Fabian Wohlgemuth has received the figure verbally and rejected it. A sale is not an option. Stuttgart want to keep Leweling and do not want to weaken the squad, with big ambitions for the second half of the season.
@berger_pj | @SkySportDE
Juve could have big January (ESPN)
Juventus is looking to revamp its attack and has some familiar names on its list:
Juventus are keen to inject some goals to their forward line in January, and the club have identified Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa and Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth as two players that could help lift them from their malaise, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Don’t expect anything imminent, though: Any Chiesa deal will have to wait until Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool from the Africa Cup of Nations, which could be in mid-January. As such, Al Hilal’s Darwin Núñez could also be considered.
Girona to play waiting game on Ter Stegen (Sport via ESPN)
Marc-André ter Stegen could have to wait a bit if he wants a move to Girona:
Girona know that signing goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from Barcelona could be challenging, but they’re prepared to wait until the end of January for the 33-year-old. The goalkeeper is keen to explore all of his options at Barca first before loan options elsewhere, but he could be available late in the window.
Sosa back to the BuLi? (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Former VfB Stuttgart star Borna Sosa could be headed back to the Bundesliga:
🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Mainz 05 have enquired about Borna #Sosa ahead of the January window. At present, however, the player has no thoughts of a move despite limited playing time.
Sosa is under contract at Crystal Palace until 2028. One to watch.
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…
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
