Daily Schmankerl: Serge Gnabry taking advantage of training time; Germany-France aftermath; and MORE!

Serge Gnabry taking advantage of international break (TZ)

While a lot of his teammates are playing for their country, Serge Gnabry is trying to earn more playing time for Bayern Munich on the training grounds at Säbener Strasse:

Of course I want to use the international break to get more playing time.

Gnabry also has eyes on a future international call-up, which he hopes will happen soon.

It will certainly soon be an issue again. Of course that’s my goal, otherwise I could stop playing soccer.

David Alaba had a good night (@David_Alaba)

David Alaba wore the captain’s arm band, scored a goal, and led Austria to a 2-0 win over Sweden.

Bayern celebrates Rafinha’s birthday (@FCBayernEN)

If you are looking to buy a Rafinha jersey, today would be your day to do it.

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

Germany played defending World Cup champion France to a scoreless draw yesterday. Here some quick hitters on the match:

• Joachim Löw’s “all center back, back four” worked in terms of slowing down France, but the squad missed Joshua Kimmich’s ability to provide service into the box. Matthias Ginter and Antonio Rüdiger were effective filling defensive roles at the outside back positions, but just don’t have the skill-set to provide good crosses into the box or be a threat offensively from those positions.
• Meanwhile, Kimmich was very, very good at the “6”; but can the German offense afford to not have the Bayern man providing service from the right flank? Perhaps if Kimmich is the long-term solution at the “6”, maybe Philipp Max would be an option, as he is as close to Kimmich (albeit from the left side) as any other German.

• I think Löw is close to solving his offensive dilemma, but is failing on his alignment. Yesterday, Löw opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation, which pushed Thomas Müller out to a wing position. Löw desperately wants Leon Goretzka and Toni Kroos in the lineup together, but it’s probably not what is best for this current iteration of the squad. Give me Werner at striker flanked by Marco Reus on the left, Julian Brandt on the right, and Müller at the “10.” Just try it Jogi!
• Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng’s performance should make Bayern fans feel really good about the team’s chances in the upcoming Champions League season. Both were tremendous against some very skilled and quick competition.
• Leroy Sané has indisputable talent, but it is time to start wondering if he is gripping a bit when he suits up for the national team. Sané showed the best and worst of his traits all in one play late in the game as Germany had France on its heels. Cutting in from the left side, Sané beat his initial defender, but instead of unloading a quick pass across to a wide open Werner, Sané dribbled directly into the French defense and lost the ball. Here is to hoping he can get over whatever mental block he has when he slips on the Germany kit.
• France had the look of a team uninterested in playing so soon after the end of the World Cup. The French are insanely talented, but as Germany found out, when arrogance seeps into a team, it becomes very tough to root it out.

If you missed our Match Awards or Observations, give them a look:

Antonio Rüdiger apologized to Benjamin Pavard (@ToniRuediger)

After stepping on the defender’s neck, Antonio Rüdiger apologized to Benjamin Pavard.

Cheat Codes like that minty fresh feeling (@CheatCodesMusic)

I’m going to be honest, I had no idea who “Cheat Codes” were so I had to Wikipedia them to find out that “Cheat Codes is an American electronic music DJ trio consisting of Trevor Dahl, Kevin Ford, and Matthew Russell based in Los Angeles.”

I’m not knocking them, I’m just 42 and clueless on this genre of music. Regardless, rock the minty green freshness my friends!

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 have 7 clubs on board so far. I’d LOVE 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.