Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller continues to amaze; Hansi Flick sticks up for Joachim Löw; Luka Jovic’s bad luck continues; Erling Haaland to Real Madrid?; and MORE!

Müller’s impact can’t be marginalized (Abendzeitung)

Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller had a brace against RB Leipzig, but he continues to display the other qualities that make him so valuable to the Bavarians.

In the crossfire of the postgame commentary that focused more on the squad’s defensive failing and the hot mic exploits of Leroy Sane, Müller spoke about the team’s resilience and its ability to claw back into the game.

“We already knew that we could come back before the game. We just didn’t know that we have to come back that often,” said Müller.

In addition, Abendzeitung listed out a couple of moments where Müller’s communication and vision on the pitch played a big role in helping Bayern Munich earn a draw in a game that it easily could have lost:

• After five minutes he shouted: “Can someone here take responsibility?!”
• He gave youngster Jamal Musiala the “Shoot!” command before the youngster buried his effort.

“The boys want that too, so I’m going to continue,” Müller reportedly said with a smile.

Müller, though, was not ready to accept praise for his brace. The veteran was very critical of his own performance as he stated that he “lost a few too many balls.” and “we are all a team.”

Abendzeitung then referred to Müller as a “true cowboy.” Have fun with that one PhotoShoppers!

Anyway, for the season, Müller has nine goals and nine assists in 18 games across all competitions.

Flick goes full Iredahl...(Abendzeitung)

And you never go full Iredahl!

Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick stuck up for his old boss Joachim Löw amid the criticism that has been coming down on 2014 World Cup winner.

“You can keep in touch with the players, but developing a real team like this is simply not possible in such a short time,” said Flick. “Developing a team spirit is relatively difficult, because you always have to take into account the clubs that play internationally, the players that are under pressure. That’s why it’s not quite so easy for Jogi Löw and his team of coaches to develop a team spirit like the one you have at your club.”

Raiola rants include a quick hit on Haaland (@FabrizioRomano)

In the midst of ranting about his client Paul Pogba’s status with Manchester United, super-agent Mino Raiola hit on another one of his clients...Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland:

Raiola subtly mentioning Real Madrid was no accident. Knowing Haaland’s buyout will be a bargain for any big club, Raiola is already positioning himself to help convince Haaland to move to whichever club will pay him the biggest salary (and agent’s fee).

I mean...that’s his job, but why do all of these guys sound so slimy?

Least surprising quote ever (@dw_sports)

Joachim Löw has a plan...and he’s sticking to it.

There are so many parallels between Germany past three years and the Philadelphia Phillies over the past six years, but I won’t bombard you with Philly-centric takes...at least not today.

Jovic’s incredibly bad luck continues (Transfermarkt)

Just as Zinedine Zidane was beginning to put a little trust in former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, the 22-year-old was diagnosed with COVID-19 and then suffered a tendon tear that will sideline him for the rest of the calendar year.

If there was ever a young player in need of a fresh start under a manager that would instill some confidence in him, it is Jovic. The issue for the young Serbia international is that he has limited positional flexibility. He is basically a striker and that’s it.

Should Jovic and Real Madrid part ways, the youngster would need to find a home where he can slide directly into the lineup and play regularly. In retrospect — aside of his salary — Jovic is probably at least a little sorry he made the jump to Spain so early.

Exclusive BFW footage (@sbrizzy87)

We have found exclusive footage of Marcus Iredahl celebrating the big 3-0 win his beloved Sandvikens IF had over Täby FK from last weekend:

Seriously, though, whatever is propelling this guy’s “Lust for Life” is fine by me. Keep getting after it my guy!