Werder Bremen vs. Bayern MunichPhoto by David Hecker/picture alliance via Getty ImagesEven a world class manager like Pep had his shortcomings when he was at the helm in Munich.Pep Guardiola is a manager that genuinely needs no introduction, and his time at Bayern Munich was well decorated despite not being able to go the distance in the UEFA Champions League.Guardiola led Bayern to three Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokals, but fell short in the Champions League, losing in the semi-finals three separate times. The possession-based brand of football he established at Bayern was easy on the eye and an absolute joy to watch at its best, but former sporting director Matthias Sammer explained in a recent interview what didn’t work with Pep at Bayern. Sammer served as Bayern’s sporting director from 2013 to 2016 before becoming an advisor for rivals Borussia Dortmund.Guardiola has often been accused by pundits of over-thinking and over-analyzing certain matches, especially when it comes to the latter stages of the Champions League. In a recent interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (via SportBild), Sammer noted that he felt this slightly held Bayern back a bit when Guardiola was manager. “Pep was always right with his analyses, his measures almost always worked out exactly as planned. As a result, the team stopped thinking a bit,” the former Bayern sporting director explained.Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich Photo by Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty ImagesIn a sense, Sammer highlighted the control that Guardiola likes to have with the football that’s being played on the pitch down to every last detail, no matter how small. In Sammer’s eyes, Bayern would’ve perhaps been a bit better off had Guardiola given a bit more leeway to the players themselves to work out some of the finer, final details in how the game was played under his systems. Had that been the case, he feels that Bayern could’ve kicked in to an even higher gear and perhaps have won the Champions League during his tenure. “At the end of this fantastic process, he didn’t let the team grow so that they could take the last steps on their own. [Pep] didn’t manage to activate the last two percent in Munich,” Sammer explained.Even at Manchester City, the Champions League has evaded Guardiola’s grasp, despite having made the final in Porto last year (lost 1-0 to Chelsea). Sammer sees that over-complication and over analysis of details as the main difference between Guardiola and coaches like Jupp Heynckes or Ottmar Hitfeld at Bayern. “The great secret of leaders like Ottmar Hitzfeld or Jupp Heynckes was that they enabled teams to be independent in this way,” he surmised.

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@FCBayernEN: Bayern had another meeting planned with Christensen's representatives this week, but that's unlikely to happen anymore. The Dane is close to joining Barcelona where he would earn 'well over' €10m gross per year, a sum that Bayern are not willing to pay [@kerry_hau, @berger_pj]i

@FCBayernEN: Bayern are therefore still looking for a Süle replacement. Gleison Bremer remains a candidate - there have recently been concrete talks between Bayern and the Brazilian's representatives. Matthias Ginter is also discussed at Säbener Straße [@kerry_hau, @berger_pj]i

FC Bayern München - Training SessionPhoto by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesIt was all smiles for Bayern Munich after the win over Red Bull Salzburg.In the wake of Bayern Munich’s 7-1 destruction of Red Bull Salzburg, just about everyone seemed happy with the effort, including standouts Jamal Musiala and Lucas Hernandez.“The things we didn’t do well lately, we did them better (against Red Bull Salzburg),” said Musiala (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We gave everything right from the start and things went well — we scored goal after goal.”Hernandez echoed Musiala’s sentiments.“We played a very good game. We were very focused and aggressive in duels. We had good transitions and created so many chances. We’re very happy to be in the quarterfinals,” Hernandez said.As far as who Bayern Munich would like to see next, neither player had a preference.“There’s no favorite opponent (for the quarterfinal). We’ll prepare the same way regardless of the opponent. No matter who comes, we’ll play a good game,” Musiala said.Hernandez acknowledged that any opponent remaining in the competition will be excellent, so there is no point in picking or choosing.“All teams that reach the Champions League quarterfinal are good. I want a good opponent for the fans,” Hernandez remarked.

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@FCBayernEN: #UCL all-time top scorers [📸 @Transfermarkt] https://ift.tt/bp0ydTf

FC Bayern München v Sport-Club Freiburg - BundesligaPhoto by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty ImagesThe good news for Bayern Munich continues to roll in.As if the mood for Bayern Munich fans couldn’t get any more chipper after Tuesday’s 7-1 dismantling of Red Bull Salzburg, two key players who’ve been out on injury got a bit of good news on their return date. Alphonso Davies and Leon Goretzka both are expected to make their return in time for the quarterfinals of the Champions League.Goretzka, who’s been out with a knee injury since early December, has been making enough progress in his rehabilitation to lead Julian Nagelsmann to assume that he will be able to return by April so long as there aren’t any setbacks.Davies, who’s been out with myocarditis, got a good prognosis from the Bayern internist stating “it’s getting better every week.” His condition makes a return date more tricky to pin down, but as for now, it’s expected he will be able to make his return in early April in time for Bayern’s next Champions League match.In another bit of good news, Corentin Tolisso has resumed training after suffering a hamstring tear and could be back much sooner than Davies and Goretzka. After weathering a storm of injuries this winter, it finally looks as if things are looking up from the medical standpoint.Bayern won’t know who their opponent will be until the quarterfinal draw on March 18th. So far, only Bayern and Liverpool have secured entry into the next round. Regardless of who they end up drawing, with the team currently firing on all cylinders AND potentially getting two game changing players back off of the injured list, things are certainly looking up for the Bavarians.

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Catching up with my ⁦@Twitch⁩ family!! Tune in #AD19⚡️ https://t.co/Nfzk6TGwCE— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) Mar 9, 2022

March 09, 2022 at 10:21PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/AlphonsoDavies

Training FC BayernPhoto by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty ImagesGermany: Call up Malik Tillman! But not for me....The United States Soccer Federation is reportedly trying to lure Bayern Munich’s Malik Tillman to come over and play for the stars and stripes. Tillman, 19, has previously represented the US at the U-15 level but currently plays for Germany at the U-21 level.There would certainly be an easier path to a starting role for the USMNT if he does make the switch, but flying back and forth to the USA for every training camp and international break to play friendlies against CONCACAF nations might not be all that appealing for a young footballer trying to make his way as a regular in the Bundesliga. He is also not the first Tillman the US have tried to convince to switch. Malik’s brother Timothy turned down the chance to move away from the DFB despite not ever making above the German U-19 level.Perhaps the Tillman brothers just don’t feel all that strong a connection to their father’s homeland and would rather represent the country of their birth. Or perhaps Malik will be swayed by the potential marketing opportunities of being a bigger fish in a small (but growing) pond of soccer talent to emerge in the USA. He certainly wouldn’t be the first German/American dual national to make the switch to play for the Yanks, but he might be the most prestigious. Currently, Tillman is representing himself quite well so far for Bayern making six appearances across Bundesliga and Champions League competitions.

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@FCBayernEN: RT @FCBayernUpdate: Bayern has an option to buy José Mulato Palacios (19) after his loan spell in FC Dallas, sources from Deportivo Cali confirm to @PSierraR. https://ift.tt/EqiUckQ

FC Augsburg v Borussia Dortmund - BundesligaPhoto by Sebastian Widmann/Getty ImagesFormer Bayern reserve player, Louis Ngwat-Mahop shares his Bayern Munich stories with Sport1. But the most important one is that Mats Hummels is a great dancer.Louis Ngwat-Mahop never made his breakthrough at Bayern Munich. The 34-year-old is now retired and in an interview with Sport1, he spoke about his turbulent times in Munich. Back in 2006, he came to Bayern Munich from his native country Cameroon. Contact with Bayern was made through a player agent Yalla Krüger, who had connections to Franz Beckenbauer’s son.He ultimately got a two-year contract with the second team, which was the dream move for him. Ngwat-Mahop even stated that he never even checked his salary. It was there where he met a young Mats Hummels, who was also playing for the Bayern reserves at the time.”Once Mats Hummels came to me with two other players and said: ‘Come on’ Louis, today we’re going to the disco together! You have to come!’ Then we actually went to the disco,” Ngwat-Mahop told Sport1.The Cameroon striker has very fond memories of the evening. ”We danced a lot. Mats was great at dancing. It was a fun evening.” Sometimes after training, they would go to the restaurant together. It is fun to imagine what Hummels looked like on the dancefloor at the disco. That is a video that we would love to see.

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Borussia Dortmund v Rangers FC: Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One - UEFA Europa LeaguePhoto by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesUh, player swap?According to a report from Transfermarkt’s Manuel Veth, Bayern Munich is keeping one eye on Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.Akanji’s deal expires in 2023, but the 26-year-old center-back has been rumored to be looking for a transfer away from Dortmund. BVB will no let itself fall into the same situation that led Bayern Munich was in with Niklas Süle.It sounds like Borussia Dortmund has every intention of selling Akanji this summer if it cannot reach a deal with the Swiss defender:Source! #Bayern are watching Manuel Akanji's contract situation at #BVB. The Swiss center-back has thus far refused to renew his contract that expires in 2023. BVB might have to sell the 26-year-old to prevent a free transfer to the FCB if he doesn't renew. @Transfermarkt— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) March 9, 2022Akanji will likely have no shortage of suitors if Borussia Dortmund decides that it has to sell. Manchester United is one of the prominent clubs that has been already linked to the center-back.Bayern Munich’s rumored interest is curious for sure. The Bavarians will certainly be looking for another defender to add to the mix, but seem reluctant to spend much money to bring in a player.Transfermarkt has Akanji valued at €30 million, which could be too rich for Bayern Munich’s blood.

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@FCBayernEN: Hoffenheim vs Bayern | Predicted lineups [Kicker] https://ift.tt/iZJN5zV

@FCBayernEN: Robert Lewandowski nominated for the #UCL Player of the Week

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FBL-EUR-C1-BAYERN MUNICH-SALZBURGPhoto by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty ImagesCan Bayern Munich get another three points?Bayern Munich shook off a disappointing draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last weekend by throttling Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.Next up is a very good Hoffenheim squad, led by former Bayern Munich II boss Sebastian Hoeneß. Hoffenheim, of course, also features Bayern Munich loanee Chris Richards. The Alabama native is battling a foot injury and probably will not play, but the USMNT defender has made the most of his loan assignment.Here is what we have on tap for this episode:A look at where both teams sit in the Bundesliga table.A show of respect for what Hoffenheim has done this season.A look at why Bayern Munich might look to sell Richards despite his great progress.A somewhat educated guess at how Bayern Munich might align itself this weekend.A probably not educated prediction on the match.As always, we love your feedback and appreciate all the support!Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @jeffersonfenner, @TheBarrelBlog, @tommyadams71, @bfwinnn, and more.

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<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EubZ2lUsF1dmIrQRNpH76DbmVLc=/0x0:3480x2320/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70602579/1383117584.0.jpg">FC Bayern München v FC Salzburg: Round Of Sixteen Leg Two - UEFA Champions League</a>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty ImagesOkay, time for Bayern Munich to regroup and focus on the weekend.<a href="https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-keeping-tabs-on-40-goal-bayern-munich-striker-over-a-summer-move-report/">Barca ready to jump at Lewandowski (Barca Universal)</a><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a> is reportedly ready to jump into the rumored transfer battle for <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>’s Robert Lewandowski:Barcelona are making early leaps in the transfer market, hoping to reinforce their team at the lowest cost possible. Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Franck Kessie, and Noussair Mazraoui are among those linked with a Bosman move in the summer, while Erling Haaland remains their priority numero uno.With <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> in the mix, though, Barça do not have the financial muscle to compete with the English side. Therefore, scouting possible replacements has become the first order of business for the Catalan giants.If reports from SPORT are to be believed, Barcelona are thinking about a transfer for Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward is at crossroads about his contract with the Bavarian giants, and should he decide to not renew, Joan Laporta want to be the first to jump at the opportunity.Anyone who sat through the saga for Lewandowski in 2018 know this is standard operating procedure for Pini Zahavi. Right now, he has Lewandowski linked to roughly half a dozen teams.FC Barcelona is also rumored to be a contender for <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a>’s Erling Haaland as well, so the Catalans will have some decisions to make (<em>assuming this is true</em>).For what it’s worth, Sky’s Florian Plettenberg says nothing substantial has happened yet between Lewandowski’s camp and Manchester United:Update <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lewandowski?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lewandowski</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> is aware of his situation, they asked about him - what’s normal. But it’s far from being hot at this stage. No offer, no negotiations. There will be talks about a new contract between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> & Zahavi first - in the next weeks. <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkySportsNews</a>— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1501667853484888070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1577838/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Robert-Lewandowski-Bayern-Munich-Ralf-Rangnick-gossip">More Lewandowski to United rumblings (Daily Express)</a>Oh...well, what do you know? <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>’s rumored pursuit of Lewandowski is intensifying:Bayern Munich have been urged to speed up contract negotiations with Robert Lewandowski amid increasing interest from Manchester United. Lewandowski’s Bayern future is up in the air, and the Red Devils are eyeing attacking reinforcements ahead of next season.During the latest edition of ‘Stammplatz’, BILD’s daily football podcast, reporter Heiko Niedderer suggested Bayern should urgently tie Lewandowski down to a new deal. He said: “The bosses should now quickly get down to business and extend the contract quickly.”BILD add that the Poland international wants clarity over his future before the summer and is surprised that he hasn’t already been approached over extending his stay in Bavaria. And the report claims Bayern must ‘hurry up’ because United are ready to make the first offer for Lewandowski if he decides to pursue a new challenge.<a…

Ajax v RKC Waalwijk - Dutch EredivisiePhoto by NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesThe price would have to be right for Bayern to make the move on Gravenberch for this summer.Bayern Munich has faced a difficult season in terms of getting key players tied down to contract extensions. Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski are all still up for extensions, but the club is now also in the midst of trying to find a replacement for Niklas Sule. At different points, Andreas Christensen, Matthias Ginter, Denis Zakaria, and a handful of other names had been linked with Bayern, but all of those rumors have fizzled out at one point or another.Ahead of Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Levekrusen kicking off last weekend, Oliver Kahn said that the club is remaining relatively relaxed over Lewandowski’s contract situation. He also confirmed a recent meetup with super agent Mino Raiola, which has sparked rumors that Bayern might be going after one of his many talented clients. Erling Haaland is the first name that everyone’s drawn to when Raiola and Bayern are mentioned in the same breath, but he also represents a young Ajax talent that’s highly sought after.Per confirmation from Fabrizio Romano, Ryan Gravenberch’s name was mentioned in the discussions between Kahn and Raiola. While Bayern’s main priority is to find a defensive replacement for Sule, they are still interested in the Dutch midfielder. As if often the case with Bayern transfer targets, Gravenberch’s price tag would be the main issue, as he would likely cost somewhere around 30 million euros. This is a fee that Bayern most likely would not be willing to pay this summer, especially after losing David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez and Niklas Sule on free transfers in the span of just two seasons.Ryan Gravenberch would be open to join FC Bayern in the summer. His name was discussed between Oliver Kahn and Mino Raiola during their meeting in Monaco. #FCBayern

The real issue is about price tag. Nothing advanced with Ajax yet - no intention to spend €30m as of now. pic.twitter.com/B908XWgOqu— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 9, 2022For this, Bayern would be in a difficult spot if they really wanted to make a strong push for Gravenberch. There’s a general understanding amongst the club’s front office that if an outgoing player doesn’t generate any transfer revenue, then they don’t want to have to spend money, or too much money, on the incoming replacement for said offer. In that respect, Ginter would be a very feasible option to replace Sule as he’ll be leaving Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer this summer, but it’s recently come out that Bayern was never seriously considering him as an option.It remains to be seen whether or not Bayern would be willing to change their policy on free outgoing players and not breaking the bank for their replacements. Kahn wouldn’t go and meet with Raiola in Monaco for absolutely no reason, so that should, at the very least, be taken with a grain of salt.

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@FCBayernEN: Leon Goretzka continues to work individually today [🎥 @Sky_Torben]
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@FCBayernEN: Jamal Musiala is set to become the youngest Bayern player in history to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances on Saturday https://ift.tt/2G3Il8K