Daily Schmankerl: Report makes Bayern Munich’s locker room sound angry; Liverpool players to make push for Timo Werner; and MORE!

Report hints at major tension on Bayern roster (Bild)

ALERT! ALERT! CUE THE (MEDIA) CIRCUS MUSIC!

It’s safe to say that there has been some tension between Bayern Munich and the local media this season. Bild’s account of coach-player relations from the weekend probably won’t help bridge relations: Among the “alleged” issues:

• Niko Kovac allegedly breaking his own rules.

Before the Stuttgart game (4:1) the stars were annoyed: on January 26, Kovac came five minutes late for the final training. Only a day before, he had given a speech stating that everyone must be on time at the training ground.

• Bench players annoyed that Kovac didn’t attend their Saturday training.

Per BILD’s information, the coach studied videos instead [of going to training]! Assistant coaches Robert Kovac (44) and Peter Hermann (66) led the unit on Saturday. The Bayern reservists have the feeling that they can not really commend themselves for the game in Liverpool.

• Thiago Alcantara wasn’t happy about being subbed off.

After the final whistle, the Spaniard shouted at his coach, who roared back. When he was substituted in the 82nd minute (Martinez for Thiago) their meeting was chilly.

If the infamous Karl-Heinz Rummenigge-Uli Hoeness press conference cemented that there was going to a volatile relationship between the club and local media for the near future and this certainly won’t change the bosses’ respective minds on the matter.

While each of these circumstances could be true, it seems a bit overblown as there are players griping for any number of reasons at all times in every locker room for every sport on Earth.

Keita and Mane want Werner with Liverpool (Bleacher Report)

Liverpool players Naby Keita and Sadio Mane are eager to help bring RB Leipzig forward Timo Wener to Anfield. Keita, who played with Werner in Leipzig, had this to say about his former teammate:

We played really well together at Leipzig, and he was one of my best mates. It’s clear: Should he move, then I’ll ask Timo to join us here at Liverpool.

Mane, meanwhile, admitted that he is also a big fan of the 22-year-old.

I’d advise him to join Liverpool. I like his style of play. Very forceful, good finish, always giving it 100 per cent. If he wants to join us, we’d welcome him to our team.

Neuer laments outcome of Karius performance in Champions League finale (Football 365)

The (possibly Sergio Ramos induced) mental meltdown by former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius during last year’s Champions League final against Real Madrid was one that many cannot forget. Given that one of the reasons Real Madrid even got to the finale was because of Sven Ulreich’s own infamous howler, it is safe to say that Los Blancos had a lot of help on their way to securing a third straight crown.

Manuel Neuer was gutted in watching what happened.

“The final straw” that led to Karius’ departure was his public reaction to the game, which Neuer says “was a sad day for goalkeepers.” “I was with the national team, and we all watched the game together,” he told ESPN FC. “We hoped that he would do well – he’s a German keeper. I really felt for him. It was a sad day for goalkeepers.”

Of course, Karius, who now plays for Besiktas, was playing with a concussion after (another?) questionable play by Ramos. Yank a shoulder here, induce a concussion there...and not a yellow card to show for it? Some would say that it was a sad day for soccer officials as well.

Sanchez lambasted by graphic (@SamJDean)

There was a fair amount of clamor from people who wanted Bayern to pursue Alexis Sanchez when he was in the midst of leaving Arsenal. He eventually landed with Manchester United and it’s been downhill ever since.

Goretzka gets verified (@leongoretzka_)

ICYMI: Boateng out for Liverpool, Ribery to travel separately (Bavarian Football Works)

Nothing like going to Anfield with Thomas Muller suspended and Jerome Boateng very ill. Regardless, the boys are off to England.