Daily Schmankerl: Bayern wants Firmino to replace Lewandowski, Neuer cites “no signals” on contract extension, Müller uninterested in Euro 2020, and more!

Bayern Munich plan to snatch Roberto Firmino away from Liverpool to replace Robert Lewandowski (The Sun)

The most trusted paper in the UK is at it again: according to The Sun, Bayern Munich intends to make a move for Liverpool FC’s Roberto Firmino, because Liverpool (theoretically) plans to raid RB Leipzig for Timo Werner. Ergo, they conclude, Bayern obviously will buy the striker who is being ousted to make way for the striker Bayern does not consider Bayern quality.

Timo Werner > Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino > Robert Lewandowski

∴ Robert Lewandowski > Timo Werner Timo Werner > Robert Lewandowski?

Wait, that makes no logical sense from Bayern’s perspective at all. What are they smoking over there at The Sun? They write,

[Bayern] Boss Hans Flick believes the 28-year-old Brazilian is the ideal player to bring in to lead the attack with Robert Lewandowski who turn [sic] 32 this summer.

Did The Sun mean to write “with Robert Lewandowski turning 32 this summer”? Who knows! But the last time I checked, both Liverpool and Bayern play with a single striker, so I seriously doubt Bayern wants to switch to a two-Bob system up front.

Anyway, The Sun thinks Bayern will bid some €75m this summer for Firmino, presumably as a replacement for Lewandowski... who they don’t need to replace, and who is the very reason why they have not made a move for Timo Werner or another starting striker.

Yeah... this story is utter nonsense.

ICYMI: Müller — “The Euros doesn’t interest me at all right now.” (AZ)

Thomas Müller was asked by Sky after Bayern’s 0-0 draw against RB Leipzig. His response made it clear he sees little chance at all that Jogi Löw might call him back to the German national team:

Löw himself said of a Müller comeback, “The probability is relatively small, if everyone is fit.” Löw insisted he has decided to give younger players a chance and he will “not so easily toss (that decision) out the window.”

It’s a shame.

Manuel Neuer: “no signals” about his contract extension (kicker)

Manuel Neuer was asked after the game about his own future. A contract extension has reportedly been in the works for some time, but any plans are now complicated by the imminent arrival of a new competitor in Alexander Nübel from Schalke. Neuer said,

My plan is to continue to play soccer for FC Bayern. As of summer 2020, Alexander Nübel is there, and then things go on. And for me things go on until 2021. Then I’ll have enough time to speak with the front office.

Neuer declined to give any remarks about progress on negotiations. He said,

There are no signals, there is nothing that we might announce. We’re concentrating on winning titles with FC Bayern. That’s our goal; we don’t prioritize personal matters.

Sidibe forgets to put on a sock

In Everton’s recent match against Crystal Palace, former Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to bring on defender Dijbril Sidibe. However, as the substitute was preparing to get on the field, it became apparent he wasn’t wearing a sock on his left leg. Safe to say, Carlo wasn’t best pleased:

Japanese Super Cup Final features NINE missed penalties

Vissel Kobe defeated Yokohama FM in the 2020 Japanese Super Cup Final after penalties. The two sides finished regulation and extra time level at three, so the two sides stepped up to take penalties. After four straight conversions, the party started.

Nine straight players missed penalties leading to the fourteenth and final spot kick when Hotaru Yamaguchi scored to lead his side to the trophy.