Daily Schmankerl: Robben remains calm; Frauen advance in UWCL; Pulisic doesn’t ponder future; Halloween fun; and MORE!

Arjen Robben talks on Bayern’s up-and-down play (ESPN)

Bayern Munich’s veteran winger, Arjen Robben, spoke to Amazon Music about the squad’s recent uneven play. The interview was captured by ESPN:

There isn’t a single reason why we are struggling a bit right now. We tackle every match with a lot of seriousness. And we must be self-critical, but also remain calm. There were times when things were easier. We players also feel that right now and it’s no shame to admit that in our current situation.

Robben seems to have a “it’s not time to panic, but to look inward” philosophy and he’s likely handling it properly. Panic will not do the squad no good as it prepares for a key stretch of the season’s first half.

Bayern Munich Frauen reach UWCL quarterfinals (@FCBfrauen)

With a 3-0 victory over FC Zurich, the Bayern Frauen have advanced to the UEFA Women’s League quarterfinals. Sara Däbritz (42’), Jill Roord (66’), and Dominika Skorvankova (73’) provided the scoring:

Through a focused and concentrated performance over 180 minutes, the Munich women finally managed to take the hurdle Zurich and move into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Possible opponents for the Frauen include Olympique Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and others. The draw for the quarterfinals and semifinals will take place on November 9th in Nyon, Switzerland.

This is the #FCBFrauen second time in the club’s history in the @UWCL quarterfinals! #MiaSanMia #UWCL The game report on the 3:0-backlash win against the @fc_zuerich: http://fcbayern.com/HYU7E

Bayern players celebrate Halloween (@FCBayernUS)

The Bayern players had a fun night celebrating Halloween.

Robert Lewandowski and his wife Anna kinda killed these costumes too:

Bayern also hosted its Kids Club for a Halloween event. Berni graced the children with his presence as well (more on him later):

Christian Pulisic avoids talking about his future (ESPN FC)

Pennsylvania’s own Christian Pulisic spoke to ESPN FC about how he’s trying to avoid getting caught up in the transfer winds blowing around him.

Christian Pulisic has told ESPN FC he is not paying attention to reports linking him with a move away from Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool and Manchester United were among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the United States international last summer, and ahead of reports that Dortmund want to open talks about an extended deal, Pulisic said he is focused on completing this season at the club. “Right now, I am just very focused on finishing out the rest of the season at Dortmund,” Pulisic told ESPN FC. “Obviously, I have a contract with Dortmund. And I am just going to continue working hard here and giving them everything I have.”

Though not listed here, Bayern Munich has always been considered one of the teams that would like to bring in the USMNT star. For his part, Pulisic made himself more attractive yesterday with a goal, an assist, and by drawing the penalty that set up Marco Reus’ game winning PK to give Dortmund a 3-2 (AET) win over Union Berlin.

No surprise, Berni hit the night life in NYC (@FCBayernUS)

For a bear that already has a reckless past, Berni had no problem associating himself with the likes of a knockoff of Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty, Schalke’s Andy Capp-looking mascot Erwin, and several other bears that looked suspiciously energetic and happy for a time of year when they are supposed to be easing into hibernation...just saying.

A call for fan groups (BavarianFootballWorks.com)

We are trying something here at the Daily Schmankerl and need YOUR help. If you read my man Tommy Adams’ piece about his experience with the FCBNYC Fan Club (if you haven’t, SHAME ON YOU!), you could see how great the event was. So we want to highlight some of these wonderful groups that are out there globally and this is what we need from you:

• Name of the group
• Location
• Year founded
• Leadership (if you have people are kind of running the show)
• Meeting place
• Social media handles
• Pictures

We want to be able to feature a different fan group every week this season. Maybe we can do it, maybe not...but only YOU can help decide the fate of this idea. Send your info to: barrelsportsblog@gmail.com