Bayern Munich traveled to London to face off with Tottenham Hotspur in a game meant to tie up a couple of loose ends.
First, the Bavarians were seeking to get in another friendly in a tough environment, against a quality side. Second, Bayern Munich was completing a part of the Harry Kane deal, which required them to play a game in England, where Spurs could take home all of the gate revenue.
Much like last week, Bayern Munich was just better and pulled out a 3-2 victory. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with Vincent Kompany’s starting XI:
- The lineup was a solid one for Vincent Kompany, but also one we might never see again.
- Bayern Munich used what looked like a 4-2-2-2 (though it was listed as a 4-2-3-1 on Sofascore.com). In reality, it looked like a 4-2-4 most of the time.
- The match started out in a bad way for Bayern Munich, as Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski scored in the opening minute. It is hard to say that Bayern Munich was flat or unfocused, but Tottenham was far more ready to play this week. The goal was the product of a series of miscues from Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and Joshua Kimmich.
- There were quite a few other breakdowns at the back for Bayern Munich. That’s not a good sign after the club likely just sold two starters.
- Offensively, Bayern Munich still played a very aggressive and creative style.
- In the 16th minute, a free kick from Kimmich would open up the scoring for Bayern Munich. From the left side, Kimmich sent his free kick across the box where Mathys Tel headed it toward the back post. On its way there, the ball was stabbed into the net by Upamecano to knot the game at 1-1.
- Serious question — if Tel continues to be a nuisance to the opposition and create offense, why does Bayern Munich feel the need to muddy the waters around him by adding another player (Désiré Doué) in the attacking group? It seems like overkill, a bad idea, and something that could hinder opportunities for Tel.
- Also, if Bayern Munich would have let Tel played in the Olympics, France would have won. Just sayin’…
- In the 31st minute, Serge Gnabry kept his torrid run of play up as he took advantage of some excellent pressing from Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala, Tel, and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Gnabry is showing two things — 1) He still dominates London teams (even on back-to-back weeks). and 2) He is taking the competition at the wing position very seriously.
- In the 44th minute, Raphaël Guerreiro sent a free kick across the box and this time it was Müller who deposited it into the net for a 3-1 Bayern Munich lead. Müller still has it.
- Time to ask the Magic 8-ball if Müller is cooked; the response: “Don’t count on it.”
- Bayern Munich’s press continues to be an area of strength under Kompany, but the team did experience a lag with it in the second half. The press was far less effective and persistent once Kompany subbed.
- You have to give it to Bayern Munich — they look fun and dangerous. On the flip side, is this all sustainable with the level of effort required to play this way — and can Kompany keep the roster happy and functioning to get the results needed?
- There was a noticeable drop-off in play from Bayern Munich after the first half.
- In the 61st minute, Tottenham took advantage of a bad turnover from Konrad Laimer (that will not help his case for playing time) and Kulusevski scored another goal to cut Bayern Munich’s lead to 3-2.
- It was cool to see Harry Kane get a nice reception from Spurs fans. It would have been far more loud and raucous in some areas, though.
- Overall, it is commendable that Bayern Munich is consistently looking to get forward and attack. The style should produce a lot of fun matches for Bayern Munich, but it will also put a lot of strain on the backline. The big test seems to be if the defenders will be able to adjust quickly on counter-attacks and how they adapt to periods when support from the midfield and forwards is lacking. Those have not been major issues so far, but they will rear their ugly heads eventually. For now, though, fans should be basking in a style of play that suits the roster and is pleasing to watch. Maybe Spurs are just terrible and this is all over-inflated at this point, but fans should enjoy it nonetheless. It sure beats the hell out of U-ball doesn’t it?
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Even with the sales of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to Manchester United, Bayern Munich might not be done. The Bavarians are reportedly still playing around with a sale of Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid:
Bayern Munich are also hoping to sell Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid before the transfer deadline later this month to avoid losing him on a free when his contract expires next summer.
If Bayern Munich is really looking to ensure it gets something for Davies, we could see a deal in the coming days or weeks.
Given the subject matter, there is not much need for a preamble when it comes to Bayern Munich — this offseason has been filled with peaks and valleys. Let’s discuss those and a lot more on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show. This is what we have on tap:
- Bayern Munich is reportedly going to pass on a transfer of Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah — even if it sells Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United.
- What Vincent Kompany’s plan to use Joshua Kimmich in the central midfield means for João Palhinha, Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer — and the biggest loser, Aleksandar Pavlović. Plus, how this affects the right-back candidates, Josip Stanišić and Sacha Boey.
- What do we need to look for during Bayern Munich’s friendly vs. Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
- Finally, we are taking some dragon fire straight to that House of the Dragon season finale…yup, it was terrible and confirmed that this season was all about treading water — a mortal sin for a show.
The Bayern Munich Frauen players for the German national team had a nice photo opportunity — and seized it:
With Kingsley Coman being made available, Arsenal could be looking to give the Bayern Munich winger a new home:
Bayern Munich might have influenced Arsenal’s summer plans by making Kingsley Coman available for transfer.
According to Football London, Arsenal has long been interested in the French winger, who has an impressive track record as a serial winner. Coman has won league titles with PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, bringing a wealth of experience in winning major trophies.
Arsenal is currently in the market for a new winger and has been trying to convince Nico Williams to join them. However, the Spanish winger, also a target for Barcelona and other clubs, seems reluctant to leave Athletic Bilbao. After winning Euro 2024, Williams has returned to training with Athletic Bilbao and appears committed to helping them this season.
Arsenal remains hopeful that Williams might eventually agree to join them, but the availability of Coman could prompt them to reconsider their options. Fabrizio Romano reports that Bayern is willing to let Coman go on loan with an option to buy, which could make it easier for Arsenal to explore this opportunity.
West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion might both be taking a look at former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels:
Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are both weighing up moves for veteran defender Mats Hummels, who is now a free agent.
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag might not be done with just acquiring Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The Dutchman might also want to add another former Ajax player — FC Barcelona star midfielder Frenkie de Jong:
Manchester United have approached Barcelona over the possibility of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The midfielder has been a long-term transfer target for Erik ten Hag, who managed De Jong during his time at Ajax. Securing his signature dominated United’s transfer policy in the summer of 2022, but the pursuit was ultimately unsuccessful with the club forced into a late pivot to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid.
United’s interest in De Jong has never really subsided, although the complexities of completing a transfer and addressing issues elsewhere in the team have meant the Red Devils have not since pushed to sign the Dutch international.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich is expected to sign a contract extension with the club:
Robert #Andrich is on the verge to extend his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen beyond 2026!
… until 2028 or 2029 ✔️
Leverkusen want him to stay. Key player for the club‘s future ambitions and the 29 y/o wants to stay.
Signing under the new contract is a matter of days… pic.twitter.com/WAb0IAHHa6
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 9, 2024
We are in the home stretch of the summer transfer window and Bayern Munich still has some moves to make to help thin out the herd on the roster. Who might stay? Who might go? That will all be determined in the next few weeks.
Given all of that, we have a lot to discuss. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- The season is starting to feel real isn’t it?
- With less than a month left in the transfer window, Bayern Munich has to finalize some moves and potentially make a few others. Check out Bayern Munich’s final “for sale” list.
- Why Xavi Simons chose RB Leipzig over Bayern and why it might not be the last we hear on him in these parts.
- The latest on Joshua Kimmich and why it is not such a certainty that he will sign a contract extension.
It has been a couple of years since Maxence Lacroix was one of the most sought-after talents in Europe. While his star has faded (a lot) during the last couple of seasons at Wolfsburg, it does not mean that clubs have stopped looking at him.
Crystal Palace is reportedly kicking the tires on him now:
Yes, Crystal Palace exploring deal to sign Maxence #Lacroix ✔️
24 y/o central defender from VfL Wolfsburg with one year left on his contract. Talks ongoing.
… with Wolfsburg, in turn, exploring deal to sign Sepp van den Berg. @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/F7pjb4rhc0
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 9, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen could be moving on from attacker Adam Hložek:
Adam #Hlozek, his departure from Bayer 04 Leverkusen is more and more likely as there are concrete talks with clubs from the Premier League.
22 y/o versatile striker with a contract until 2027.
Leverkusen demand €17-18m all-in.
Decision soon. @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/TUXQK9KhbM
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 10, 2024