Bayern Munich travelled to Austria for a friendly against Red Bull Salzburg and wasted no time in asserting itself.
The Bavarians rolled to a 6-0 victory and will turn its full focus to getting ready for the Bundesliga slate over the next two weeks, which is quite substantial — and challenging. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s take a look at the starting XI:
- Vincent Kompany used many of his regulars, but did sit Dayot Upamecano in favor of Eric Dier (Upamecano is suspended for Saturday’s game) and Thomas Müller at the No. 10 position. Jamal Musiala did not even dress for the match due to an illness. Otherwise, Leon Goretzka started over Aleksandar Pavlović and Daniel Peretz continued to fill-in for Manuel Neuer. Konrad Laimer also got the nod at right-back.
- Neuer, Serge Gnabry, Josip Stanišić, and Tarek Buchmann are all still rehabbing from their respective injury issues and likely were not ready for game action. Sven Ulreich joined Musiala in dealing with an illness.
- As expected, Bayern Munich was aggressive early and exerting itself on an overmatched Red Bull Salzburg side. In the 10th minute, Joshua Kimmich put in a corner that Dier got up for and forcefully headed into the net. Just like that, the Bavarians were up 1-0.
- Thomas Müller made it 2-0 by banging home a rebound in the 24th minute. An absolutely horrendous turnover from Alexander Schlager to a pressing Michael Olise led to another easy Bayern Munich goal in the 29th minute.
- Bayern Munich’s press was giving Red Bull Salzburg fits, which could be a good sign for Vincent Kompany’s group.
- Müller should have made it 4-0 in the 35th minute, but skied a relatively easy chance. Such is life in the first friendly of the second half of the season.
- As expected, Kompany went to his bench heavily for the second half and started with this lineup:
Second half XI:
Peretz – Laimer, Upamecano, Dier, Guerreiro – Kimmich, Pavlović – Olise, Ibrahimović, Sané – Tel
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 6, 2025
- Olise picked up where he left off as he perfectly timed a run, received a nice pass from Laimer (who is making his case to stay as the starting right-back), and beat Janis Blaswich. It should be noted that — like his first goal — Olise’s tally was a product of some lackadaisical play in the back by Red Bull Salzburg.
- In what is likely the most unlikely goal of his career, Kimmich let loose with a LONG range shot that took a deflection off a poorly-conceived attempt to block the shot by Red Bull Salzburg’s Samson Baidoo. It was 5-0 and Salzburg looked like it wanted to be anywhere, but on that pitch against Bayern Munich.
- Grayson Dettoni was part of the sub group that came in during the 63rd minute. That was a cool moment for the United States-born defender, who has hooked up with BFW a couple of times.
- Youngster Jonathan Asp Jensen made it 6-0 when he redirected a pass from Raphaël Guerreiro into the net in the 76th minute. It was a really nice moment for the kid, who has been sensational this season.
- Overall, the friendly accomplished what it needed to. Bayern Munich shook off some rust, gave Dier and Min-jae some time to get used to each other, and generally allowed the squad to get loose ahead of the weekend’s Bundesliga game.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Looking for more thoughts and analysis of Bayern Munich’s 6-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg? Awesome, then check out the Bavarian Football Works — Postgame Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
No way! Really? Former Bayern Munich malcontent whiner underachiever attacking midfielder James Rodriguez has left Rayo Vallecano:
Hopefully the Colombian star can find his next “Goldilocks” club. It can’t be too cold (Bayern, Everton), it can’t be too hot (Al-Rayyan)…it needs to be just right (to cash a check).
Bayern Munich is back in action this week, but what should fans expect from the group by the end of the season? One trophy? Two? None?????
That is one of the hot topics we discuss on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show. This is what we have on tap for this episode:
- Expectations for the second half of the season and what we can reasonably expect Bayern Munich to win — if anything — this season. Also, who poses the biggest threat to Bayern Munich in the league? You might already know…
- Bayern Munich is dealing with a multitude of contracts issues, including talks with several key players (some of whom would be considered major parts of the foundation for the future). The potential for distraction is real for a lot of the players…will it affect Bayern Munich?
- Per Sport Bild, Bayern Munich is staying closely involved on Florian Wirtz’s negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen. Is waiting until 2026 for Wirtz a smart move — or will it have an effect on Bayern Munich’s long-term squad planning?
Marcus Rashford’s future with Manchester United is on very shaky footing. AC Milan and Napoli are two of the clubs eager to bring him in:
AC Milan are the latest club to shown an interest in Marcus Rashford, who appears to be on his way out at Manchester United, reports the Daily Mail. United are looking for a transfer fee of £40m but the player’s £325,000-a-week salary is an issue, so a loan with an obligation to sign permanently would be considered. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have sounded him out, though he would prefer a move to Spain. Napoli have now been joined by AC Milan as Italian clubs would could make a move before the end of the month.
In addition, there is some talk that Manchester United would like to kick the tires on a swap move involving Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia:
AC Milan want to bring in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford but his salary could be an issue, reports Sky Sports Italia. The Red Devils are willing to find a solution in January and could even contribute to the 27-year-old’s earnings to help make a move possible. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk reports that Rashford has attracted interest from Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders and another report from Rudy Galetti says United have asked about the possibility of doing a swap deal for the England international with Napoli for winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Juventus is keeping a very close eye on Benfica center-back Antonio Silva:
Juventus have seen a bid to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva on an initial loan deal worth €35m (£29m), instead demanding an up-front fee of €40m (£33.2m) to agree to a sale. Aston Villa are also keen.
You come here daily. You read the posts. You listen to the podcasts (or at least you should).
Heck, you might even banter with some of BFW staffers in the comments or on social media.
But…do you really know us?
Now, you will get that chance. In a Bavarian Podcast Works Special Edition Series, we are unleashing unveiling “BFW Behind the Scenes.”
In this series you will get to know some of the BFW staffers a little better than you already do. Find out how they got involved with Bayern Munich, Bavarian Football Works, what they like, what they’re into, and what they are expecting from the Bavarians this season.
So settle in for some fun as Chuck Smith hosts “BFW Behind the Scenes” — a fun set of conversations with BFW staffers. We’ve got an entire slate of BFW’ers ready to go. Check out the podcasts and let us know what you think!
In this edition, you can meet RIPLT.
Newcastle United is still looking to sell Kieran Trippier, but it remains difficult to know if there is a legitimate market for him despite the interest of some clubs:
Newcastle United are looking to offload right-back Kieran Trippier in January, according to The Sun. The St. James’ Park hierarchy is believed to be keen to move the 34-year-old on to help remain aligned with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, and clubs in LaLiga, Serie A and Turkey are all said to have “registered interest” in his services. Trippier has made 11 Premier League appearances this season, starting just five.
Arsenal FC has heard the rumors that Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies could be interested in a move to the Premier League and will be ready to pounce if the whispers are true:
Arsenal have been informed by representatives that a Bayern Munich star is “seriously considering” a transfer to England, as Mikel Arteta’s side become contenders to secure his services next year. Interim director Jason Ayto and the wider recruitment department are preparing for both the January and summer transfer windows at Arsenal, with Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies on their agenda.
The Canada superstar is out of contract next summer, meaning he can agree a pre-contract with a Premier League club in January ahead of joining them for free later in the year. The possibility of snapping Davies up on a free transfer is something which interests Arsenal – alongside Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Man United – as The Boot Room report this week.
TBR and journalist Graeme Bailey claim that Arsenal have been told by agents that Davies is “seriously considering” a move to England, amid this clamour for his services from elite Premier League sides, and while Bayern are hopeful he’ll extend, they’re also wary he could move on to pastures new. Interestingly, it is also believed that Bundesliga giants are targeting AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez as a potential replacement.
Bayern Munich is officially back in action as training kicked off on Thursday. There is much to talk about with that, but also even more to discuss now that the January transfer window is open.
Let’s get right to it! This is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Bayern Munich is back in training, so let’s talk about who is in and who is still out.
- Frans Krätzig has returned from VfB Stuttgart, but could go right back out on loan. Who else could join him?
- Listener Q&A involving predictions for Bayern Munich’s free agents, plus a question on the wing situation — and who might be a good buy for the Bavarians.
- A quick Entertainment Rundown — yup, we watched the second season of Squid Game. We won’t spoil anything, but season two lived up to the expectations.
