Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Germany vs. Scotland; PSG joins Bayern Munich, Manchester City in eyeing Dani Olmo; Real Madrid grows confident in Alphonso Davies pursuit; Pascal Groß to Eintracht?; & MORE!

15/06/2024

Die Folgen: Germany’s 5-1 win over Scotland (Bavarian Football Works)

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann had his lineup cooking as the kids say.

The German national team simply overran a tentative Scotland side that just was not ready for the monster (at least on this day) that was standing in front of it. Let’s take a look at some quick hitters on what was a terrific start to EURO 2024 for Germany:

As always, let’s take a look at the starting XI for Germany:

This is exactly what nearly everyone expected from Nagelsmann.
Germany was in control of the match from the outset. Instead of coming out with an edge, Scotland looked on edge.
The Germans were able to pick apart the overwhelmed Scots early on, as Germany scored two goals in the first 19 minutes. First, Joshua Kimmich sent in a lateral ball to Florian Wirtz, who was stalking toward the box. Wirtz one-touch attempt hit the post and caromed in for an early 1-0 advantage just 10 minutes into the match. Just nine minutes later, Toni Kroos’ masterful work led to a ball in behind the Scotland backline, which Kai Havertz reeled in and subsequently sent over to Jamal Musiala for a 2-0 lead in the 19th minute.
Wirtz and Musiala are going to be a lot of trouble for Germany’s opposition in this tourney. Both players looked like they were ready to break out (in the international game).
In the final third, Germany’s attack was very free-flowing with formal positions being...optional. It worked very well to take advantage of an overmatched Scotland side.
Kroos was just calm and in control. He worked the midfield like a true maestro. The 34-year-old basically did whatever he wanted. Is he sure that he wants to retire?
The game officially went into the tank for Scotland as Ryan Porteus had an ill-advised two-footed challenge on İlkay Gündoğan. Kai Havertz buried the ensuing penalty kick to give the Germans a 3-0 lead in the first half. Porteus was also given a red card, which killed any thoughts of a miracle comeback.
Germany’s backline was not really tested at all.
Joshua Kimmich was very good in his right-back role...why did he ever leave the position?
Niclas Füllkrug subbed on for Havertz and almost immediately ripped off a rocket of a goal. What...a...finish! Füllkrug is just an absolute animal for Germany.
Antonio Rüdiger headed Scotland’s goal into the net, which was unfortunate. Scott McKenna had the initial header which he put right into the path of Rüdiger’s head.
Funny enough, Emre Can — who just got called up — came in and scored to make it 5-1 in extra time.
Overall, Germany was red hot and Scotland was ice cold. The moment was too big for the Scots on this day and Germany looked as good as they have in a very long time. It is a long road to win the EUROs and Germany knows it. This is just one small step on the journey, but Germany set out on the right foot. Can they keep it going?

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on the match? Then check out our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast:

PSG joins hunt for Olmo (PSG Talk)

Paris Saint-Germain could be joining Bayern Munich and Manchester City in pursuing RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo:

Paris Saint-Germain will have to replace the production left behind after Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid. There are various attacking names to surface that are now linked to the Parisians; one of them is RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.

Olmo played in 25 matches across all competitions for the German side this past 2023-24 season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists. As a result, the player is drawing interest from top European clubs this summer.

Leipzig has the Spanish international under contract until 2027, so there’s no need to sell. However, should they receive an offer that they see fit, the Bundesliga side could allow him to leave.

According to SPORTS ZONE, PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are all monitoring Dani Olmo this summer, as each club has begun gathering information about him. Olmo, who has a €60 million release clause, has also piqued the interest of Luis Enrique.

Adidas’ creative team put in some work (@adidasfootball)

Adidas got creative with their ad featuring Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham:

Bavarian Podcast Works: Weekend Warm-up Show Season 3, Episode 48 (Bavarian Football Works)

Somehow, the weeks around here keep getting crazier.

Bayern Munich is a whirlwind of activity and the German national team is ready to kick off one of its most important tournaments in years.

Clearly, we have a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

I’ve got a bad feeling about this...new regime. The current roster? The transfer plans? Something just does not feel right and the New World Order in Bavaria could be guiding Bayern Munich into an iceberg of failure.
Is the front office purposely creating a leadership void to reboot the team’s mentality?
Hiroki Ito is a good player, but does he make Bayern Munich better? What about Jonathan Tah? Will they be better than Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano?
If Bayern Munich sells off De Ligt, it is incredibly dumb — especially if it is over money.
Alphonso Davies looks like he could stay, while Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry do not want to leave Bavaria...now what? Money could be an issue for all of these players as well.
Here we go with Germany! Julian Nagelsmann’s legacy will start to be determined now. Did he already make a mistake by calling in Emre Can for Leon Goretzka?

Bayern among clubs eyeing Ghana phenom (Football Espana)

Bayern Munich, Chelsea FC, and FC Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on Accra Lions 18-year-old left-back David Oduro:

Barcelona have shifted their strategy to recruiting some of the better young talents around in recent summers, but that is not to say they have been without competition. Chelsea in particular have battled for several Blaugrana targets in recent years, and Ghanaian left-back David Oduro looks to be the latest.

On Thursday, Oduro turned 18, allowing him to move to a European club from his current side Accra Lions. The pacy wideman had trials with Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich earlier this year before returning to Accra.

Madrid grows confident on Davies pursuit (Football Espana)

Real Madrid is growing more confident that it can land Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies:

Real Madrid are increasingly confident of wrapping up a deal for Alphonso Davies either this summer or next. Los Blancos agreed personal terms in March, and despite Bayern Munich coming increasingly close to his contract demands, they feel in control.

The 23-year-old Canadian full-back is in talks with Bayern, and has dropped his demands to €16m per annum, as per Diario AS, while Bayern have raised their offer to €13m per year, and another €3-4m in variables. Davies has so far rejected all offers, and Bayern are reluctant to go any higher for the player.

Parallel to that situation, Bayern will try to sell Davies this summer if they do not reach an agreement, and are asking for €50m for Davies. Yet Real Madrid will not move above €30m, as per Cadena SER. They feel confident of forcing Bayern’s hand, and if the Bavarian side will not budge, they will ask Davies to wait a year and sign for them on a free next summer.

Groß to Frankfurt? (@Plettigoal)

Pascal Groß could have his eyes on a move to Eintracht Frankfurt:

Pascal Groß about Eintracht Frankfurt‘s interest:

„Basically, I have always said that I am ready to return. But I don’t want to comment on rumors. I am now fully focused on the Euros.“

➡️ Eintracht still want to sign him in summer. He’s their top target for central midfield. Groß is aware of the interest but has not made a decision yet

➡️ Contract valid until 2025. Price valuation: Around €3-5m.

@SkySportDE

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 6, Episode 49 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich’s offseason reload could be starting off in a big way as the club is planning on making a big splash immediately. In addition to that, there was a bizarre story put out by Sky Sport last week, which detailed six top players who could be sold this summer by the Bavarians.

Oh, and then there is the German national team and how things look after two friendlies. Yup, there is a lot to chat about, so let’s get to it. Here is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

A look at Bayern Munich’s rumored €40 million splurge on João Palhinha and what that might mean for the other midfielders on the roster.
Delving into the six players who Sky listed as for sale this summer.
Assessing where the German national team stands after underwhelming performances against Ukraine and Greece.

Álvarez wants to stay with City (Fabrizio Romano via @90Min.com)

Manchester City does not sound like it wants to let Julián Álvarez leave town despite interest from Chelsea FC and Atlético Madrid:

Manchester City want to keep forward Julián Álvarez and will not accept any loan offers for the World Cup winner amid interest from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.