Daily Schmankerl: the aftermath of Bayern vs Hoffenheim; transfer news and updates on James Rodriguez, Adrien Rabiot, and Krzysztof Piatek; plus MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich turned in a thoroughly dominant effort to down Hoffenheim. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Leon Goretzka had himself a game, huh? The former Schalke man and Germany international tallied a brace to lead the Bayern offense in what was his best game yet in red. Goretzka showed tenacity around the net and the athleticism that made him such a coveted player following the 2017 Confederations Cup. This has been building up for a while with Goretzka, who has really come on over the last two-and-a-half months.
• Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski were in sync and disruptive. The decision-making, runs, and vision of the Bayern duo frustrated Hoffenheim for the entirety of the game. Lewandowski’s 87th minute tally was the culmination of everything the Bayern offense can be.

• Kingsley Coman had some moments and created some opportunities, but as stated on the broadcast, his final product just needs more work. There were some encouraging signs, but he’ll have to do better in the final third against the likes of Borussia Dortmund or Liverpool.
• It was a very solid game for the back four of Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Süle, Mats Hummels, and David Alaba. Sure, each player was not perfect, but each were very, very solid on the night in front of Manuel Neuer, who also turned in a great effort.
• Nico Schulz showed some flashes of why Joachim Low has rated him so highly for Die Mannschaft. His goal was a spectacular effort.
• Julian Nagelsmann might have been too clever for his own good. Keeping Florian Grillitsch on the bench was not a good move against a team like Bayern. Grillitsch is the type of player who can give Bayern fits.

If you missed our Match Awards or Observations, check them out.

Reunited and it feels so good for James-Carlo? (The Mirror)

Could James Rodriguez be interested in joining Carlo Ancelotti with Napoli?

Arsenal could face competition in their bid to sign James Rodriguez after he was linked with a shock move to Serie A. According to Corriere dello Sport, Rodriguez could link up with former boss Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli as he ponders an early exit from his loan at Bayern Munich. The Colombian enjoyed his best season at Real Madrid under Ancelotti and the experienced Italian is a known admirer of the attacking midfielder.

Rabiot banished to the reserve team in Paris (The Mirror)

Things are taking a bad turn for volatile Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Rabiot has been linked to Bayern, FC Barcelona, and Liverpool among others, but now his transfer appears imminent as his relationship with PSG appears to be fraying.

Adrien Rabiot has been banished to the reserves as his Paris Saint-Germain future hangs in the balance. The midfielder left the club’s winter training camp in Qatar early for family reasons and is now training with the second string. Rabiot is out of contract at the end of the season with Barcelona and Liverpool leading the chase for his signature.

His manager Thomas Tuchel said: “I have to prepare my team against Guingamp and it will be a team without Andrien. I respect the decisions of the club and this is a decision of the club.”

For all involved, Rabiot should just leave Paris as quickly as possible.

Piatek allegedly headed for AC Milan (Calciomercato)

Genoa striker Krzysztof Piątek has taken Italy by storm this season, but could be headed to Serie A’s AC Milan per a report Corriere dello Sport.

Today could be the decisive day for the transfer of Krzysztof Piątek to AC Milan. Sources have told Calciomercato.com that representatives of the Rossblù have left Genoa at around 1.30 (CET+1) to meet AC Milan at Casa Milan. The Rossoneri have yet to make their first formal offer: Genoa expect a €45 million bid (€40 million plus €5 million in add-ons).

Piatek, of course, has been linked to Bayern over the past few months.

Doha 2v2 action captured (You Tube —FC Bayern Munich)

This is pretty cool.