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Daily Schmankerl: Kingsley Coman close to return; the aftermath of Germany vs. the Netherlands; a new Aaron Ramsey take; and MORE!

Finally...back to business

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Kingsley Coman is getting close (FCBayern.com)

Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben returned to team training, while Robert Lewandowski worked out individually.

Finally not alone anymore! Kingsley Coman was part of the team training for the first time since Tuesday after his syndesmotic ligament tear, which he contracted in late August. The 22-year-old Frenchman took part in the intensive warm-up and the pass exercises before he continued his individual training program at the next seat.

Arjen Robben, who was plagued by knee problems, was also able to join parts of the team training for the first time in a long while, but switched to his individual program after the warm-up. Robert Lewandowski, who returned from the national team with slight knee problems, worked individually in the performance center.

In the coming days, the other national players in Munich are expected back. Then the preparation for the Bundesliga home match against Fortuna Dusseldorf starts for all together

Die Folgen: Germany vs. the Netherlands (Bavarian Football Works)

Die Mannschaft’s late collapse allowed the Netherlands to exit Germany with a draw in hand. Here are some quick hitters on a match that had a very promising start, but an awful finish:

  • The Timo Werner-Leroy Sane-Serge Gnabry front line was very good for half of the first half. The trio at least made things interesting and pushed the pace right at the Netherlands back line, including alleged Bayern target, Matthijs de Ligt. I don’t think, however, at this stage that this front line is the long-term solution for Jogi Löw. It has potential, but something is missing. I can’t quite place it yet, honestly, but I need to see a little more before I can assuredly say, “This is the new way.”
  • Gnabry, frankly, looks and plays better for Germany than for Bayern. Hopefully he can translate that confidence and strong play over to Die Roten. He’s got potential for sure, but was plagued by some decision-making issues early in his Bayern tenure this season. Hopefully he can play a little more freely moving forward for the Bavarians.
  • Germany has become the equivalent of a pitcher who can throw 95 MPH for five innings, but 80 MPH the rest of the way. Löw has to figure this out. Yesterday was an embarrassing collapse and if Germany cannot consistently close out games, there won’t be much real progress made.
  • I am still having trouble believing that Löw is the right man for this job at this stage. The recent “success” (term used very loosely) seems more of a band-aid fix than a solution.
  • Thomas Muller joined Robert Lewandowski in securing his 100th cap for his home country:

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

Talking head thinks new manager (!?) could nix deal for Aaron Ramsey (The Express)

At least one person thinks the Aaron Ramsey-to-Bayern train will be derailed if the Bavarians sack Niko Kovač. ESPN’s Shaka Hislop thinks the Arsenal man may have one less option should Bayern get rid of its coach. Hislop’s hot take is below:

Aaron Ramsey, available on a free transfer this summer. Is he the right fit for Bayern Munich? I’m a little bit torn on this one. Part of the issue is I’m not sure that Niko Kovač, given some of the issues that we’ve seen from Bayern Munich, is the long-term solution for Bayern Munich as a manager. Are we sure he’s going to be the manager next season? In that case, are we sure that Ramsey is going to be a fit for that new manager? So I’m going to air on the side of caution for this one and say miss.

ESPN put Christian Pulisic on the hot seat (@ESPNFC)

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

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