Daily Schmankerl: Bayern greats earn induction; a new team bus; possible destinations for James Rodriguez; and MORE!

Six Bayern legends picked for German Hall of Fame (FCBayern.com)

Not a bad achievement for the list of players below.

Numerous great players have laced their boots for FC Bayern throughout the club’s long history. Six of them have now been awarded the honor of being named in the founding 11 members of the German Football Museum’s new Hall of Fame. Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer, Paul Breitner, Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthäus and of course Gerd Müller were chosen by a panel of sports journalists. The line-up is completed by Fritz Walter, Matthias Sammer, Günter Netzer, Uwe Seeler and Helmut Rahn, with Sepp Herberger receiving the most votes among the coaches.

Only players and coaches whose career ended at least five years ago can be nominated for the Hall of Fame, which will be part of a permanent exhibition at the museum. The admission of the founding members will be celebrated at a gala in April 2019. FC Bayern congratulates everyone on this honor.

A breakdown of 5 potential destinations for James Rodriguez (Sport 360)

With speculation surrounding James’ desire to leave Bayern, Sport 360 took a look at five places the Colombian star could end up:

Napoli: Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti has signed James twice – he was the manager when the Colombian joined Madrid in 2014, and again at Bayern last summer. So why not a third time?

Juventus: The Colombian was one of Ronaldo’s favourite teammates at Madrid, so if he’s on the move, Ronaldo might try to persuade his club to sign the playmaker. What’s that? Juventus already have one? Well, imagine a front three of Ronaldo, James, and Paulo Dybala. Douglas Costa might be the only one unhappy at such a prospect – but would Juve even consider that a problem?

Manchester United: James to Manchester United has been mooted before, and it’s easy to see why. The team have been lacking a creator of the former Monaco star’s caliber for some time now, and someone who could relieve the burden on Paul Pogba, and partner with the Frenchman, would be a welcome addition.

Chelsea: Chelsea have been linked with Christian Pulisic in recent days, and given that the American is 20, his youth is an advantage over James. On the other hand, the senior man is also a far more proven player, and given Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s desire for instant returns, splashing the cash on James may in fact be the smarter play. Even more so if Eden Hazard leaves next summer. James would then be a perfect replacement – and Chelsea could still go and get Pulisic just to be safe.

Inter Milan: Both Milan clubs are a possibility, but Inter are just slightly the better fit at the moment. They’re already a top-four side in the Serie A, and the next step is to challenge Juventus for domestic superiority, while becoming even more competitive against the rest of Europe’s best sides. James is the sort of player Inter would target to help with their mission. He’d be a similar signing to the one nearly pulled off this summer, when they were trying to lure Luka Modric away from Real Madrid.

Bayern has a new team bus (FCBayern.com)

Always on the hunt for ways to improve itself, Bayern has invested in a new team bus.

The new team bus whetted Michael Lauerbach’s appetite immediately. The longstanding FC Bayern bus driver was the first to take the wheel of the ultra-modern team bus which the German record champions received on Thursday evening. Lauerbach had driven it from a garage in Neufahrn to Munich’s Odeonsplatz for the ceremonial handover. “MAN have done a superb job,” he concluded after a first drive. He is “really looking forward” to using it, said Lauerbach: the third bus he’ll take the wheel of is “the best one by far.”

Rummenigge was impressed by the 500-HP vehicle. “We’re happy we’ve been cooperating with MAN for ten years now. The buses get better and more comfortable year by year,” said the FC Bayern chairman: “We love travelling on this bus, it’s like a second living room,” added the 63-year-old.

FCB marketing director Jung stressed the team bus is “an extremely important place for the team.” The right “feelgood atmosphere” and “ideal conditions for the players’ regeneration after matches” are essential for footballing success, according to Jung. The FC Bayern pros will benefit from the bus in the upcoming phase of midweek matches. Manuel Neuer & Co will “get on and relax” while Michael Lauerbach and his colleagues will gladly take them to their destination.

The new Bayern bus: facts and figures:

Model: MAN Lion’s Coach L

Data: 500 HP / 368 kW; six-cylinder diesel (Euro 6)

Length: 13.9 metre

Interior: 32 seats, 4 vis à vis tables; fully equipped kitchen at the rear

Paco Alcacer makes transfer with Dortmund permanent (@BlackYellow)

Borussia Dortmund announced that it has formally completed a transfer for Paco Alcacer, who will be with the club through the 2023 season.

Looking for some weekly Bundesliga predictions? I’ve got you covered (The Barrel)

If you are looking to kill some time this morning and want a brief preview on each Bundesliga match (along with some predictions that will most likely go up in flames quickly), I’ve got you covered here.

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