Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. FC Augsburg; More Marc Roca-to-Valencia rumors; English and Italian clubs wanted Luka Jovic; More clubs want Joshua Zirkzee; and MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 1-0 win over Die Fuggerstädter (Bavarian Football Works)

It was not pretty, but Bayern Munich survived a sluggish second half to down FC Augsburg 1-0. Robert Lewandowski provided the only goal during a dominant first half effort from Bayern Munich that slowly sputtered out during a seemingly never-ending second half. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• It was a thoroughly dominant effort in the first half for Bayern Munich. The team looked re-energized and more focused than it did during its recent slump. Sure, FC Augsburg is not exactly a juggernaut, but it was impressive early for Bayern.
• In the first half alone, Bayern Munich registered 12 shots (9 on target) and held 64% possession per SofaScore.com. The problem was the second half, as Bayern Munich only finished with 13 total shots for the game.
• Robert Lewandowski is Mr. Automatic from the spot, but the Polish Hitman probably feels like he should have had two or three goals in the game, but one was good enough to clinch three points.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

• The outside-back tandem of Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez were strong on the day. It was another step in the right direction for a position that has struggled of late. Pavard’s misstep was a sloppy handball, which could have been costly, but his positional play and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch was another step in the right direction. Hernandez was pretty solid all game...but man, he goes down A LOT.
• There was some really creative play from Bayern Munich in the offensive end and that was great to see during the first half before things fell apart.
• Kingsley Coman seemed like he had an extra gear. His dribbles seemed faster than usual (somehow) and he was a danger every time he had the ball on his foot. He was an absolutely problem early on for FC Augsburg.
• Hansi Flick seems like he has found a happy medium for his high-line tactics. The Bayern defenders were once again not caught nearly as high upfield for the second consecutive game.
• Serge Gnabry was much more sharp against FC Augsburg as well. That is a tremendous sign for Flick if he can get all of his wings headed in the right direction.
• Augsburg’s second half was light years better than its first half. At points, Bayern was definitely on its heels.
• When Lewandowski left the game, the fluidity to Bayern Munich’s offense exited with him.
• I’m not sure if the problem is necessarily the bench players individually, but how those substitutes fit into Bayern Munich’s scheme when they enter the game.
• Bayern Munich was extremely lucky to not have conceded a penalty on the handball on Pavard. Alfred Finnbogason’s attempt clanged off the post in the 75th minute and secured Manuel Neuer a clean sheet (finally).
• In the end, it was three points. Onward and upward!

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

Zirkzee has more suitors (Transfer Market Web)

We found out earlier in the week that Everton was a serious contender for Bayern Munich’s Joshua Zirkzee, but apparently there are some other clubs like Club Brugge, Heraclse Almelo, and Parma checking in on the young Dutchman:

A Bayern Munich first-team player since last summer, Dutch U21 international striker Joshua Zirkzee (21) is meant to be loaned out, on a half-season spell. To this end, there are three clubs fighting over him: Everton, Eintracht Frankfurt, and FC Köln. Besides, the 2001-born has been inquired about by a bunch more side, including Club Brugge, Heraclse Almelo, and Parma.

Richards a part of post-Alaba plan (Sport Bild)

One of the items in Sport Bild’s print edition was the confirmation that Reading FC left-back Omar Richards was a part of the plan should (when?) David Alaba leave.

We had heard a lot about Bayern Munich’s interest in Richards, but Sport Bild gives the rationale behind the potential move (which is what we all assumed):

Bayern is in talks with Omar Richards, left-back from English second-division club FC Reading. The Englishman is a free agent, which makes him especially interesting to Salihamidzic and chief scout Marco Neppe. The idea behind it: if Hernandez moves to Alaba’s position after all, a left-back backup for Alphonso Davies will be needed.

More Roca-to-Valencia rumors (Transfer Market Web)

Marc Roca’s 2020/2021 campaign has not been one to remember so far, but that is not stopping these persistent rumors about Valencia from popping up. The Spanish club is reportedly very interested in trying to pry the young midfielder away from Bayern Munich:

Purchased by Bayern Munich three months and a half ago, from Espanyol, on a 9 million euro transfer fee, 24-year-old Spanish deep-lying midfielder Marc Roca, according to Estadio Deportivo, is growing into a major target for Valencia. German giants, which European Cup U21 key winner is currently on a deal with until June 2025, are planning to let him out, on a loan spell, in order to make him gain further confidence, most likely ahead of bringing him back into their masterplan in summer 2021.

Jovic had quite a few suitors (Sport Bild)

Before returning to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Real Madrid, Luka Jovic

Sport Bild knows that the two English clubs, West Ham and Wolverhampton, as well as Serie A leaders AC Milan were interested in Jovic, who only wanted to go to Eintracht.