Germany wasted no time in establishing firm control of its UEFA Nations League showdown with Bosnia and Herzegovina as Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala got the scoring party started just two minutes into the match.
It would be the first of seven goals, but the dominant effort was about more than just scoring for the Germans as Julian Nagelsmann might really be building a monster. Let’s dig into this, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- This was pretty much as expected. The only real variable was whether or not Tim Kleindienst would get the nod…he did (and he would make Julian Nagelsmann look smart).
- In the 2nd minute, Germany struck out to an early lead behind a goal from Jamal Musiala, which was set up by Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich’s cross met the head of Musiala (yup, another header!) for the very early lead.
- Germany had really asserted itself and taken full control of the match (as expected). In dominating possession and shots, there was very little chance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to do much of anything.
- While Robert Andrich and Pascal Groß are likely not the first choice midfielders any longer, they did well to help the German national team keep the game in hand.
- In the 23rd minute, Kleindienst re-directed what looked like a shot attempt from Andrich to make it 2-0. It was a cheeky, little flick from the Gladbach man.
- The German backline was rarely tested.
- In the 37th minute, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz worked a neat combination, which led to Wirtz setting up Havertz perfectly for a 3-0 lead. Germany was just absolutely having its way with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- For Wirtz, who was excellent on the day, it was the first of quite a few dazzling plays.
- In the 50th minute, Wirtz teed up a perfect free kick, which he aptly described by saying, “I had never hit it like that.” Amen, brother.
- Just seven minutes later, Wirtz added another goal and Nagelsmann could unload quite a few players from his bench, including Benjamin Henrichs, Felix Nmecha, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry.
- Sané and Kliendienst would go on to each add a goal and Germany walked away with an easy victory.
- Kimmich was subbed out in the 73rd minute due to an injury scare, but he appears to be alright.
- Let’s not pretend that this version of Germany just whacked France or England by seven goals, but it was still damn impressive. Nagelsmann has this team rolling and they look extremely confident and comfortable playing together.
- It is a somewhat controversial topic, but Musiala and Wirtz playing together really might be too enticing to pass up for Bayern Munich. Those two are the engine that makes everything with this Germany team move forward.
- Overall, it is impossible to come away with many negative takeaways. Germany looks like a machine and is making steady progress under Nagelsmann. Dare I say…Nagelsmann might really have “the touch” for this team.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Benjamin Šeško and RB Leipzig have a “gentleman’s agreement” and not necessarily a release clause in place when it comes time for the Slovenian to make an exit:
We cannot confirm the report about a €90m release clause for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin #Šeško next summer ❌
However, there has been a gentleman’s agreement as part of his contract extension. Understand there is no written, fixed clause for the coming summer. The agreement… pic.twitter.com/mDCggWQb7H
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 10, 2024
We cannot confirm the report about a €90m release clause for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin #Šeško next summer ❌
However, there has been a gentleman’s agreement as part of his contract extension. Understand there is no written, fixed clause for the coming summer. The agreement states that RB would be open to discussions at €70-75 million if the player wants to take the next step.
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala is not planning on making a decision on his future until January.
“At the moment I’m concentrating on the games with the national team and FC Bayern. I know that a lot of eyes are on my situation, but I’m trying to put as little pressure on myself as possible. It’s important for me to stay fit and perform to my best until I have a bit of time to calm down. Then I can take time to think about everything. I think we’ll know more during the winter break,” Musiala told RND.
It seems like a foregone conclusion that Musiala will re-up with Bayern Munich, so fans should not start to fret just yet.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres is going to be a big target for AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United, and Arsenal FC:
Striker Viktor Gyökeres appears certain to leave Sporting Lisbon in 2025, and Corriere Dello Sport repots that AC Milan and Juventus are targeting the 26-year-old. The Swedish striker has so far netted 20 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, but former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United has seen a number of club’s linked with a move for the Swede. United and Arsenal are among those said to be plotting a move for the Swede, while both Milan and Juve are said to have sounded out the striker about a move. However, the current release clause of €100m could prove too much for the Italians.
Bayern Munich is on break, but there is no shortage of topics to talk about. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Breaking down the report from Sport1 about Bayern Munich’s rumored proposal to Jamal Musiala. What kind of money? How long? Why none of that really matters as much as having the ability to now start to build around him as the club’s centerpiece.
- Bayern Munich is reportedly going to offload at least one winger this summer…who will it be? Can Paul Wanner help fill the void without Bayern having to spend for a replacement?
- João Palhinha is injured and some fans are unraveling, but it is not the end of the world even against a daunting schedule.
- Final thoughts on The Penguin.
Former Bayern Munich prospect Nicolas Kühn could be playing his way into a chance in the Premier League:
Several Premier League clubs have already inquired about Nicolas #Kühn, thanks to his strong performances at @CelticFC ✔️
So far this season, he has scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions. Up next is the crucial Champions League match against RB Leipzig.
He is under contract until 2029, with a price valuation over €10m. The 24y/o right-winger is definitely one to watch for the summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace could be looking to pick up Mykhaylo Mudryk from Chelsea FC:
According to the report from Football Transfers, Steve Parish is leading an ambitious play from Palace to try and sign £62m winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mudryk has struggled since making the move to England but is still seen as a young player with potential at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are open to loaning Mudryk out as they seek to get him regular game time and develop and investment they remain confident in.
Let’s get this out of the way — this is not a Bayern Munich podcast (for this edition only), so we want to give you a fair warning for anyone seeking Bayern Munich or German national team chatter. However, this “special edition” will not affect your normal schedule…a Weekend Warm-up Show has already dropped at its normal day and time!
So…let’s talk about how this came to be…
After the disappointing second season of House of the Dragon, we had a lot of chatter about Game of Thrones, its legacy as a show, the possibilities for it going forward, etc. From that, an idea was sparked for re-watching the show and assessing if we were all vindicated for feeling so bitter about the ending…or if maybe time had healed some old wounds.
We will explore all of that and more. There are a lot of fun categories we take a look at…the good, the bad, and everything in between.
With Bayern Munich on a hiatus, there was no better time to do this and have all of our minds take a little break from what has been a crazy few weeks for the Bavarians.
If you want the written version, you can get it here.
So, enjoy this if you are into it…or don’t listen if you are not…just be rest assured, we will be turning back to our normal coverage ASAP!
