Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Werder Bremen; Callum Hudson-Odoi, James Rodriguez, Hakim Ziyech, and Arturo Vidal updates; & MORE!

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

Bayern Munich’s DFB-Pokal win over Werder Bremen was an emotional roller coaster, but worked out for the Bavarians in the end. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• The penalty is what everyone is buzzing about. It was debatable for sure, but I do think it was worthy of a call. I wish it didn’t have such dire consequences to the game, but that’s just how it goes sometimes.

• Thomas Muller was phenomenal. The 29-year-old’s vision and creativity within the box were invaluable as Bayern looked to mount offensive pressure. This was another example of a game where Muller’s work will not fully be appreciated just by looking at the post game stat sheet.
• Robert Lewandowski’s brace shook off any notion that he was going through a bit of a slump.
• Kingsley Coman was a menace on the flank. When Coman is on his game, he is completely disruptive to the opposition.
• It was not a good game for Serge Gnabry. For one of the few times this season, Gnabry struggled to get involved in the offense and made some very poor decisions. Gnabry simply didn’t look like himself yesterday. Maybe the workload is catching up to him?
• Truthfully, it was not a banner game for a few players. Thiago Alcantara and Joshua Kimmich were not at their best either.
• The Mats Hummels-Jerome Boateng back line wasn’t always perfect, but it held up strong enough to help get the win. Boateng’s near-melee with Max Kruse after the game showed that the veteran defender is still invested in this season.

• Sven Ulreich put forth a solid effort and looked more comfortable and confident between the sticks.
• James Rodriguez and Leon Goretzka both provided a spark off of the bench for Niko Kovac. That was as spirited and physical as James has played this season. Perhaps that has been the element missing from James’ game over the course of this season that Kovac has wanted to see.

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

ICYMI: Bavarian Podcast Works Episode 3 (Bavarian Football Works)

My buddy Jake could not make this week’s episode, so I had to fly solo. Give it a listen!

Bayern still hunting Hudson-Odoi? (Daily Mail)

It seems as if Bayern is still thinking about a move for Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. After the game, Bayern president Uli Hoeness had this say about the 18-year-old phenom:

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Hasan Salihamidzic have said that he is an interesting player. I think we keep thinking about it. But he’s just on the operating table. Therefore it makes no sense to comment on this.

James-to-Juve rumors heat up...again (Calciomercato)

Juventus might have James on its radar, but it is going to take its time in deciding on whether or not to pursue the Colombia international.

Los Blancos also do not have the intention to bet on the Colombian again, as the feeling between the player and Zidane is not and was never exactly there.

This is why, during his frequent chats with Juventus’ sporting director Fabio Paratici, Mendes has included the name of James Rodriguez on numerous occasions. The Bianconeri prioritize Joao Felix in negotiations with the super-agent but James is an idea that become more concrete in the future. In short, Rodriguez tempts Juve but for now, they are taking their time: He is not a priority. The rest will be seen during the summer transfer market, between technical valuations and above all transaction costs. James is certainly welcome at the Allianz Stadium but if the door remains open, it will be only under certain conditions.

To date, James Rodriguez is not at the top of Juve’s list but he knows this could change. The priorities of Paratici are dreams like Isco and Paul Pogba, despite knowing there are few hopes on both fronts. Then, it will be time for any other assessments, including potentially James, whose future is in the balance.

Dortmund’s interest in Ziyech might be spiking (SempreInter.com)

The competition for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech might be down to Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan.

Inter face competition from Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for the potential signing of Ajax ace Hakim Ziyech according to a report from German news outlet Sport. Dortmund’s interest in Ziyech is certainly not new and dates back to at least last Summer where they saw an offer, they made knocked back by the current Champions League semifinalists.

Vidal getting a new offer from Barca? (SportsMole)

Despite the addition of Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong for next season, FC Barcelona might be readying a new contract offer to Chile international Arturo Vidal.

Barcelona reportedly want to tie Arturo Vidal down to a new contract, a year after bringing him to the club from Bayern Munich. The Catalan giants splashed out £27m to sign the Chile international last August, filling the void left by Paulinho’s departure to the Far East. Vidal has featured in 29 of Barcelona’s La Liga matches this term, though he has mainly been used as a back-up option to Arthur.

Spanish outlet Sport suggests that the Barca are happy with the 31-year-old’s impact so far at Camp Nou and a new deal is being readied, but they fear he may move on as Frenkie de Jong’s imminent arrival will increase the competition for places. Inter Milan are rumored to be monitoring the situation, with Vidal currently under contract until 2021.