Daily Schmankerl: Joshua Kimmich would like Kai Havertz in Munich; James Rodriguez may leave for free; and MORE!

Joshua Kimmich thinks Kai Havertz would be good with Bayern (Four Four Two)

With the reports that came out yesterday indicating that Bayern Munich may want to take a run at Kai Havertz, there is at least one player for the Bavarians (and me!), who thinks the Bayer Leverkusen starlet would be a good fit in Munich.

I cannot buy him, but Kai Havertz is a player who would suit us well.

Great minds think alike Joshua...

Havertz also impressed Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Löw.

He impressed me. He is very secure on the ball and has good positioning going forward. When he gets the ball, he always tries to bring the ball forward. You can see that in training as well.

Report: Bayern to let James Rodriguez walk (Football Espana)

If reports put of Spain are true, Bayern may be content to just let James go back to Real Madrid this summer without exercising its buy option.

Bayern Munich will not exercise their option to sign James Rodriguez permanently and he will return to Real Madrid this summer, say Diario AS. The 27-year-old, who has recently suffered an ankle ligament injury, is said to be unhappy at the Bavarian club and will seek to find pastures new next summer.

The Colombian playmaker joined Bayern in the summer of 2017 on a two-year loan deal from Madrid but has fallen out of favor under new boss Niko Kovac. Bayern also possess a €35m option to buy at the end of his current spell but reports suggest this will now not be exercised. The former Porto and Monaco star spent three seasons at Los Blancos, helping them to two European titles, but started just 13 La Liga games in his final campaign.

I still can’t see Bayern at least purchasing James and then flipping him (it’s just good business), but who knows what it going on behind the scenes. I still think that James was NEVER staying here past his loan period. All the public statements on wanting to stay and loving Munich were just good public relations.

More Zinedine Zidane to Bayern talk (News.am)

As the Zinedine Zidane to Bayern rumors spike, it appears that Niko Kovač isn’t the only coach in danger of getting “Zizou’d” for the former Real Madrid manager.

Reigning German champions Bayern Munich wish to offer the club manager’s position to French football legend Zinedine Zidane, who is currently unemployed after quitting from Real Madrid at the end of last season.The Bayern management has already negotiated with “Zizou,” Ok Diario reported. The club administration wants to part ways with current manager, and Croatian former player, Niko Kovač. To note, however, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United also are interested in Zidane’s services.

It’s likely rubbish, but it does add a little weight to the theory that the club still consults Pep Guardiola over managerial moves, given that Pep was allegedly at Säbener Strasse this week. Either way, Paris Saint-Germain’s Thomas Tuchel and Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho probably won’t like reading that either.

Robert Lewandowski honored by Poland (@FCBayernEN)

Robert Lewandowski was honored by Poland for scoring his 100th international cap.

Ahead of Poland’s friendly against the Czech Republic in Gdansk on Thursday, FCB striker Robert Lewandowski was honoured for his 100th international cap. Lewandowski had already reached that mark in October in the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal. The match against the Czechs was his 102nd for Poland, in which time Lewy has netted 55 times, but the hosts were beaten by a Jakub Jankto strike in the second half.

Die Folgen: Germany vs. Russia (Bavarian Football Works)

Die Mannschaft hammered Russia 3-0 yesterday behind an overpowering first half effort. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Jogi Löw’s lineup was certainly interesting, fun, and a bit risky...and ultimately it worked yesterday, which is a step in the right direction. I do question, however, how it would fair against any of the world’s best (which is how we should be evaluating Germany). I’m all for trying something (anything) new, but I’m a little skeptical on some of the tactics.
• The front four of Timo Werner, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Kai Havertz was really exciting to watch.
• Manuel Neuer dropped another ball, which is so weird to watch, but it is happening way too often. It is really tough to challenge his status given the years of greatness Neuer has put forth, but it does feel like he may not ever be the same after his injury from last year.
• The big test is now on the Netherlands. Can Germany out-perform a more quality opponent than Russia?

If you missed our Match Awards or Observations from the match, please give them a look.

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