Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. FC Augsburg; N’Golo Kante loosely linked to Bayern; AS Roma defender of interest to the Bavarians; & MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-2 victory over Augsburg (Bavarian Football Works)

It was not exactly a top performance, but Bayern Munich secured three points anyway. On to Anfield! Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• I had to watch the game on DVR, but as always I was following my main man Tom Adams on the BFW Twitter account and it was fascinating to watch ALL of Bayern Twitter go full Ineednoname in terms of pessimism as soon as Kingsley Coman got hurt. Before I saw anything with my own eyes, I was already corrupted by the mass unraveling. Thankfully, it looks like it was just a minor knock for the French winger and he’s been cleared for Liverpool.
• Speaking of Coman...what a game. I love seeing him putting it all together. If he can continue to finish like this, he’s an insanely valuable weapon. Even that cross early in the game that Serge Gnabry should have put home was perfect. Awesome game (until the injury) for Coman.
• Speaking of Gnabry, the Germany international has been excellent this season, but may have had an off game yesterday. I won’t fret too much about it. Gnabry’s confidence needs to be high for Liverpool. Gnabry does appear to be a player who tires early in games. Niko Kovac will have to monitor that, especially against the ever-pacey Liverpool.
• Solid game by Mats Hummels, but below average performance by Niklas Sule. Sule will need to be better than he was against FC Augsburg.
• David Alaba’s game-winner was pure class. Quality game all-around for the left back as well.
• It was another effective game for Robert Lewandowski, despite not scoring. The Poland international is affecting the game in many ways, which will be valuable against what could be a balky Liverpool defensive unit.
• Overall, this was a game where it look as if Bayern fell victim to human nature and was looking ahead. That said, the squad had enough fight to battle back and win. That might not have happened four months ago.

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

Chelsea man might be pondering future that could include a stint in Germany (The Mirror)

So many rumors involve both Bayern and Chelsea. This one, however, would likely be yet another whisper that irritates the Chelsea brass.

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has rejected a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain - but would be more in favor of a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. That’s according to French outlet Le10 Sport, who claim the 27-year-old is not actively considering a Stamford Bridge exit despite recent interest.

The role of Kante under new boss Maurizio Sarri has been criticized by many and led to the Parisian giants putting together a big-money offer and preparing to revive their interest in the summer. But he remains a big part of Chelsea’s future plans having recently penned a new deal to keep him at the club until 2023.

Reports have previously suggested a huge fee of £100m+ would be needed to even enter discussions with the Blues, whilst his large salary would put him out of reach of most clubs. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, however, have been named as clubs that could interest Kante in the future if he decides to move on from West London.

Yeah...I don’t see Kante bolting Stamford Bridge any time soon.

Bayern linked to Roma defender (Calciomercato)

Bayern has once again been mentioned as a suitor for AS Roma center back Kostas Manolas, but will face competition from Manchester United, Juventus, and Chelsea if it wants to make a serious pursuit of the Greece international.

AS Roma’s Greek defender, Kostas Manolas, is considered by man to be one of Serie A’s top defenders; proving to be a constant threat with his tackling ability and somewhat blistering pace. Manolas has been, therefore, a target of some other clubs for a while now; the likes of Manchester United and Juventus leading the race which involves Chelsea and Bayern Munich too.

According to what has been reported by the Corriere dello Sport, Roma have devised a strategy to keep hold of their star Greek defender. The reports suggest that Roma will offer Manolas an improved contract; the defender’s annual wage to rise from €3m to €5m - as well as his €36m release clause being either removed altogether or raised to a more modest figure of €50m.

ICYMI: Sule profiled by Bundesliga (@Bundesliga_EN)

Niklas Sule was profiled by the Bundelsiga.

Chelsea fans unravel over lack of minutes for Callum Hudson-Odoi (Daily Mail)

Speaking of The Blues...

Speculation surrounds the Englishman’s, with Bayern Munich tabling a £35million bid in January, and looking to make a fresh offer in the summer. Chelsea fans took to Twitter to vent their anger as manager Maurizio Sarri continues to sideline the winger. One Blues fan tweeted: ‘84 minutes too late’ as the youngster came on.