Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich’s 3-2 win over SC Paderborn; Transfer updates on FC Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic, Schalke 04’s Alexander Nübel, Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa, and AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo; plus MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s shaky 3-2 won over Paderborn (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich outlasted SC Paderborn 3-2 in a game that was not as close as the score indicated, but still a bit inconsistent for the Bavarians. While it was not the prettiest of efforts, Bayern came away with three points in an oddly dominant fashion. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• I’m going to preface this “Die Folgen” by saying I firmly believe that this Bayern Munich roster has the potential and talent to at least make the semifinal round of the Champions League. There are, however, some issues.
• The Bavarians were far from sharp in the win over SC Paderborn. The decision-making and execution of nearly everything was just off...yet Bayern still dominated the game.
• Robert Lewandowski was not at his best, but he found the back of the net once again. The 31-year-old scored his 10th Bundesliga goal in six games (12th goal in nine games across all competitions). The scoring effort from Lewandowski yesterday showed a lot of his great attributes: The timing of his runs, the ability to lose the defenders, and a sweet touch around the net.

• Philippe Coutinho has a solid game again and seems to be acclimating himself quite nicely with Bayern Munich.
• Thiago Alcantara has had a few “off games” so far this season and this game was highlighted by a truly boneheaded attempted back-pass to Manuel Neuer. Now, no one would dispute that Thiago is one of the “most-skilled” midfielders in the world, but he has not been one of the best this season. During a year, when most of the squad is heavily engaged in a rotation, Thiago should not be exempt from that mix. Truly, only Lewandowski and Neuer should be the “locks” to start every game. Even Joshua Kimmich can be rotated given the talent level on the squad.
• SC Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart looked like he was dressed to work a NASCAR pit crew more than coach a Bundesliga match. Baumgart, Mainz 05 coach Sandro Schwarz, and SC Freiburg’s Christian Streich could have a worst-dressed competition and we would all be better off for it.

In truth, they all probably still dress better than me anyway.

• Lucas Hernandez suffered a injury to the same knee that caused him issues with Atlético Madrid last season. This situation will definitely be worth monitoring in the coming days as Hernandez was supposed to play a key role
• Paderborn played very tough for a squad that was completely over-matched.
• Maybe Joshua Kimmich agrees with me:

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

Bayern not alone in pursuit of Nübel (Transfer Market Web)

We had previously heard that RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich were keeping close tabs on Schalke 04 goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, but it looks like Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing up the 22-year-old:

Turning 23 on Monday, September 30, German goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, Schalke 04 captain and powerhouse, has been targeted by RB Leipzig. The 1996-born has already been scouted by a noteworthy amount of top-flight clubs around, including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

Hummels happy with BVB reception (tz)

In an interview with Norbert Dickel (as captured by tz), Mats Hummels indicated he was worried about how he would be received upon his return to Borussia Dortmund. To his relief, Hummels said it has been a great experience:

I expected there to be a headwind. But then it was rather a breeze.

Juve still scoping Zaniolo (Transfer Market Web)

One-time Bayern Munich target and current AS Roma starlet Nicolò Zaniolo is drawing attention from Juventus:

After having turned down by AS Roma on his pursue last summer, Juventus top brass, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, are still having Italian U-21 international midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo (20) thoroughly scouted, longing for a 2020 new attempt to sign him. To this end, Bianconeri director Fabio Paratici was at Stadio Olimpico, last Wednesday, to scout the 1999-born firsthand.

Perisic talks move to United that almost happened (Daily Star)

Ivan Perisic told The Athletic (as captured by the Daily Star) just how close he was to making a move to Manchester United:

How close was I going there? Very close. It was an amazing thing for me when Jose called me. It was difficult to say no to him. In fact, I really, really wanted to join him and play for United. It was a dream of mine to play in all the big leagues. But it didn’t happen. It was painful for me. But I don’t want to go into the details. I only found out myself the real reasons two years later.

Perisic also gave some insight into the move that brought him to Bayern Munich:

We are talking about Bayern, one of best five clubs in the world. They always have three, four or five possibilities for every position they’re interested in. I was not the first. It happened very quickly. Everyone knows the story: after (Leroy) Sane got injured, the club contacted Inter and then my agent. I thought about it with my family for one night. Then I agreed.

Nagelsmann open up on Werner (tz)

RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann saw his team get stunned by Schalke 04 yesterday, but is happy to have Timo Werner in tow nonetheless. With a summer that was marred by rumors that Werner could leave for Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann told Bild (as captured by tz) that he is glad to have kept his star striker in East Germany:

You always have to expect everything from very good players like Timo. But now we are happy that he is still with us.

Nagelsmann is also happy with Werner’s work ethic and maturity:

For me he is an outstanding guy, quite clearly in his head, with a super self-assessment. You can tell him what’s good and what’s bad and he’s not offended.

Juve also still eyeing up Chiesa (Transfer Market Web)

Juventus wants ALL of the young Italian talent. In addition to Zaniolo, The Old Lady allegedly wants Franck Ribery’s Fiorentina teammate Federico Chiesa as well:

Since Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri isn’t thrilled with lining up either Paulo Dybala or Federico Bernardeschi as a flank forward, in the 4-3-3 game plan he had laid down for the team, Bianconeri management, according to latest Italian news, are having another run at almost 22-year old Italian international winger Federico Chiesa. Meanwhile, Fiorentina are trying to talk the 1997-born into having his contract armored and extended furthermore, and keeping him in as long as possible.

Chiesa is supposedly one of the young players that Bayern has been keeping an eye on from a distance.

Mandzukic holding out for United move (Transfer Market Web)

Juventus wantaway Mario Mandzukic is reportedly turning down an offer from Qatari side Al-Rayyan in hopes of getting an offer from Manchester United this winter:

According to latest Italian news, reported by Tuttosport, former Croatian international striker Mario Mandzukic (33), an outcast at Juventus after four successful seasons in, has eventually turned down Qatari side Al-Rayyan, and broke transfer talks with said club once and for all. To this end, former Allegri’s “teacher’s pet” is allegedly hoping for Manchester United to step again towards him, and bring him to Old Trafford next January.

Ha ha (@TrollFootball)

Rakitic looking to leave Barca (Transfer Market Web)

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic was linked to Bayern Munich over the summer, but the 31-year-old stayed put. Now, however, Rakitic wants out and a plethora of clubs have expressed interest including Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG, Manchester United, and Liverpool:

As clarified by the player himself to Fox Sports, Croatian international midfielder Ivan Rakitic (31) is open to leave Barcelona FC, even on a mid-season departure. To this end, while the player pointed out he’s not attracted by the chance to join Qatari Stars League, a bunch of clubs around Europe, including Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG, Manchester United, and Liverpool, might be soon planning a move on him.