Daily Schmankerl: Neuer implicated in #shoegate scandal; Sané seen in Dortmund; United targets Nagelsmann; Hernandez says don’t worry, and MORE!

Manuel Neuer implicated in #Shoegate scandal (Bild+)

Manuel Neuer’s trip to Dortmund enveloped him in a scandal far greater than any crisis he has faced in his professional career: shoegate. The shoe snafu occurred when Neuer stepped off the DFB bus in illegal footwear. Instead of Adidas sneakers, Neuer’s delicate feet were clad in foreign footwear bearing a conspicuous V — the nefarious emblem of French footpads Veja. Where Neuer obtained the contraband footwear remains unknown, but their market value is reportedly a disarming €125.

But don’t be fooled. Neuer betrayed his solemn oath to represent Adidas, a shareholder of Bayern Munich and Neuer’s own designated outfitter.

Will Adidas now threaten not to send shoes to the German national team any more?!

A spokesman for Adidas stated,

As a contracted Adidas player, Manuel Neuer is required to wear Adidas products. We will discuss the specific incident with the player.

God help him!

Leroy Sané in da(s) Haus!

Leroy Sané was on hand in Dortmund to cheer on his Germany teammates.

Manchester United targets Julian Nagelsmann as future coach (Daily Mail)

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United has identified new RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann, 32, as a candidate for coach.

While pressure is building on current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now, Sportsmail understands United currently have Nagelsmann down as one to watch for further down the line. But the process of gathering information on him is well underway.

Nagelsmann, however, is under contract with Leipzig until 2023, and it is hard to imagine that he would trade Red Bull for downward trending Red Devils anytime soon. But no one thought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would lead one of the biggest clubs in Europe to their worst start in 30 years.

Bayer Leverkusen offers Kevin Volland new contract (Sport Bild)

Kevin Volland’s current contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2021, but the club wants to make him an offer he can’t refuse before he goes into the last year of that contract.

Sporting director Rudi Völler says, “It’s a positive story with him. He feels good with us; we feel good with him.”

According to Sport Bild’s information, the salary will be adjusted up. Like young star Kai Havertz, Volland can receive over €6 million per season including bonuses!

Of course, Volland still has to accept the contract.

Lucas Hernandez says don’t worry, be häppy (Goal France)

Lucas Hernandez himself has finally addressed the concern that he might be compelled to play for France against his own and Bayern’s best interest. Hernandez explained that he understands Bayern’s position but also trusts France’s doctors and must follow orders. He said,

There’s nothing to be afraid of. I had an MRI and everything going well. The bruise is gone. I feel I’m at 100%. If the coach wants to play me, I’ll be 100% ready. I understand Bayern Munich perfectly; it’s a club that thinks a lot about its players and wants to protect them from injuries. [...] It isn’t me who decides; I’m a player, I listen to the boss’s orders. If the doctor says that I’m fit to play, I’m fit.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge will undoubtedly remain annoyed, but Hernandez apparently feels he has not choice. Stay healthy, Lucas.

Robert Lewandowski Bayern’s player of the month (again)

Gnabry passes Klose as fastest player to score 10 goals for Deutschland

Incidentally, with 10 goals, Gnabry has nearly caught up to Marco Reus, who has 13 in 43 appearances for Germany.

Coleen Rooney outs Rebekah Vardy for passing information to The Sun

So this happened yesterday:

This crazy story has blown up so big that even The New York Times picked it up. All hail “WAGatha Cristie”!

Die Folgen: German blows a 2-0 lead to Argentina

If you missed Germany’s chippy friendly match against Argentina, you missed 45 minutes of great soccer. Germany was scintillating in the first half, taking a 2-0 lead over Argentina with goals by Serge Gnabry and Kai Havertz.

Then the second half happened. Even before Jogi Löw substituted all of his DFB debutants on the pitch, Germany lost all its vigor and let Argentina embarrass them yet again. Löw has made snatching defeat from the jaws of victory an art. He must do better on Sunday in the game that counts, Germany’s next Euro 2020 qualifier against Estonia.

You can read our match coverage of #GERARG here: