Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich still pursuing Denis Zakaria?; The aftermath of Germany vs. Czech Republic; Mario Mandzukic to Celta Vigo?; and MORE!

Bayern still wants Zakaria? (Sport1)

If Sky Sport and Sport 1 are to believed, you can never underestimate Bayern Munich’s desire to overstock its midfield. Per Sky, Bayern Munich is still thinking about a pursuit of Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria for next summer:

Denis Zakaria has been out of action for almost nine months with a knee injury. The Gladbach midfielder, who had to go under the knife twice after his unfortunate clash with goalkeeper Yann Sommer, is still working on his comeback in the Foals team.

Nevertheless, Zakaria remains extremely popular in the transfer market. According to Sky information, the 23-year-old should be on the list at Bayern — albeit not (yet) in the upcoming winter transfer window.

There have already been “multiple exchanges between the Munich team and the Zakaria consultant.” The Swiss national player has been looked after by the LIAN Sports agency since June, where Leroy Sané, Miralem Pjanic and Luka Jovic, among others, are under contract.

Zakaria’s contract in Gladbach runs until the summer of 2022. Meaning: If he does not renew at Borussia, he should be a sale candidate after the current season in order to generate a transfer fee.

With Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso, Marc Roca, Jamal Musiala, and Tanguy Nianzou all expected to be on the roster for the 2021/2022 season — plus a potential purchase of Tiago Dantas — that is a lot of bodies for three starting positions. It’s been sort of debated whether or not Muller and Musiala should be included in the midfield group as they are more of forwards who can man the attacking midfield position, but because Goretzka and Tolisso can mad the “10” position, we’ll include them for the sake of the overall picute for those three positions in Flick’s favored 4-2-3-1 formation.

As a defensive midfielder, it could be assumed that Zakaria would be in competition with Kimmich, Goretzka, Tolisso, Roca, and Nianzou for a position within Hansi Flick’s double-pivot.

I don’t doubt the report, but it just seems like a lot of midfielders — including two (allegedly) from M’Gladbach.

Die Folgen: Germany’s 1-0 win over the Czechs (Bavarian Football Works)

Germany handed the Czech Republic a 1-0 defeat yesterday in what could be described as a surprisingly pleasant effort by Die Mannschaft. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Philipp Max was extremely impressive in creating offense as a left wing-back. Max’s creativity and passing ability gave the Germany offense a constant threat. Max perfectly played the role he was given offensively. I think he’s earned another look with a better cast surrounding him.
• The sequence with Florian Neuhaus’ shot being pushed over to Max, who fed Luca Waldschmidt was really, really nice. Waldschmidt’s touch for the goal was nothing short of sweet.
• Waldschmidt was good (not great). He had the right idea for the most part and made some well-timed runs, but couldn’t quite find a way to add another goal.
• Neuhaus turned in a solid effort on the night and was one of Germany’s top performers. That was good progress on the international stage for the alleged Bayern Munich target.

• Ridle Baku also had his moments and was decent enough on the game. He’s got a lot of work to do if he wants to break into Germany’s XI any time soon, but he at least earned a closer look.
• Julian Brandt was a bit sloppy early, but recovered to turn in an up-and-down effort in leading a young and inexperienced lineup. He did badly misfire on what would have been a wide open net in the first half as well.
• Nadiem Amiri...whoa. The Bayer Leverkusen man blew two great chances in the first half. Amiri, of course, came on for Jonas Hoffmann, who became yet another injury victim of this international break.
• İlkay Gündoğan was very steady in the midfield during his appearance.
• I’m still not seeing it from Jonathan Tah, but Antonio Rudiger and Robin Koch were both pretty good (!?). Not spectacular, but good. Koch had some really nice moments and was the most solid of the defenders overall.

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

Süle reporting for duty (@Plettigoal)

Bayern Munich’s Niklas Süle is joining his mates for international duty:

Kroos not feeling this condensed schedule (@ESPNFC)

Mandzukic on the move? (Transfer Market Web)

Free agent Mario Mandzukic could be on the move to Celta Vigo:

According to El Partidazo de Cope, Celta Vigo are currently in talks with former Croatian international striker Mario Mandzukic (34). Former Juventus and Bayern Munich hitman used to play in Spanish Liga back in 2014/15, fending for Atletico Madrid.

LFC and Milan scoping Kabak (@ManuelVeth)

Liverpool and AC Milan are both interested in Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak, but will have to reportedly pay €25 million to get the 20-year-old:

Celebrating the most special moments (@RBarnier)

Zlatan Ibrahimovich has a line for everything: