Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart; Chelsea and Juventus making Erling Haaland a priority; Arturo Vidal to Olympique Marseille?; and MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s improbable 4-0 win over Stuttgart (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich somehow, some way pulled out a 4-0 win over VfB Stuttgart when playing the majority of the contest down a man following a red card in the 12th minute to Alphonso Davies. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Hansi Flick’s starting XI not only showed a lot of resolve, but also were in sync early and played well together — even in the brief period before the red card.
• That was a sloppy and dangerous challenge from Alphonso Davies.
• Frankly, Davies is way better than that type of foul. It was interesting on the ESPN broadcast that they brought up Davies’ dip in form this season. He definitely has encountered a bit of a sophomore slump in the Bundesliga, but he has not been “bad” by any means — maybe just more inconsistent. Davies — like all young players — certainly has some areas to improved within his game. There is no reason to think he won’t be able to reach his vast potential under Flick.
• Manuel Neuer’s save on Sasa Kalajdzic in the 14th minutes was really impressive. Kalajdzic is one of those young Stuttgart players who looks like he has a bright future ahead of him.
• This site often covers all of the wondrous things that Robert Lewandowski does, but sparking the Bavarians to a 4-0 win when they were down to 10-men was nothing short of spectacular. With a hat trick on the day, Lewandowski proved once again why he is the best player on the planet...and it’s not even close.
• The interplay between Thomas Müller and Leroy Sane before Serge Gnabry’s goal was something special. It was just a terrific play all-around.
• Similarly, Müller’s beautiful lofted cross to Lewandowski on the Polish Hitman’s second goal was fantastic.
• And how good was Müller, overall?
• Chris Richards might be on loan with Hoffenheim, but he still had some time to shoot out this straight fire tweet:

• How motivated and dangerous did Bayern Munich look after Davies’ ejection?
• Silas Wamangituka going down with an injury was completely deflating for VfB Stuttgart.
• The Allianz Arena DJ breaking out “Tequila” by The Champs at halftime for an empty stadium was an interesting choice.
• Niklas Süle, Jerome Boateng, and Benjamin Pavard were pretty sensational on the day as well. It was interesting to see that Süle stepped into that left center-back role with ease and looked very natural. Süle, of course, often manned that spot during the three-man rotation he was in with Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels under Niko Kovac.
• Boateng picking up a fifth yellow card is going to put him out for the RB Leipzig match. Given his generally solid plat, that could hurt.
• Alaba, too, was very, very good. It would be unfair to leave him out.
• And you guys thought I was drunk, stupid, or both for picking Bayern Munich to pick up a clean sheet this week.
• Overall...what can you say? That was an outstanding way for the Bavarians to battle through adversity.

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

Vidal to Marseille (Transfer Market Web)

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal could be joining current Bavarian loanee Michaël Cuisance at Olympique Marseille:

According to La Tercera, Chilean international midfielder Arturo Vidal (33), playing for Inter Milan only since late September, has now been targeted by Olympique de Marseille, on former NT boss his Jorge Sampaoli’s demand. Former Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona FC pitcher is currently on a deal with Italian giants until June 2022, and is earning a heavyset 6.5 million euros annual salary right now.

Cuisance, of course, is rumored to want to continue his stay in France. As for Vidal, he is nearing the end of the line and if Marseille wants to pay his salay, well, then good for him.

Haaland is Chelsea’s number one target...and rightfully so (@cfbayern)

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is probably the most coveted player who might be available this summer and Chelsea is said to have made Haaland is primary target for this summer.

With plenty of cash to splash, Chelsea should be considered a front-runner to bring in the 20-year-old Norwegian:

Juve wants Haaland as well (Sports Mole)

Chelsea, though, will have some competition from a number of top clubs, including Juventus.

To ensure they’ve got the financial resources to get into the running for Haaland, Juve is set to hold a fire sale on some high-priced veterans:

Juventus have reportedly joined the race for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland, with the Italian champions ‘dreaming’ of signing the Norway international.Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all believed to be interested in signing the youngster. However, according to the Daily Mail, Juve are also in the mix for the striker, and the Old Lady could attempt to raise the funds required to complete a deal by selling a number of players over the age of 30 this summer.

Podolski to Cincinnati? (Transfer Market Web)

Lukas Podolski could be bolting Antalyaspor for the land of Skyline Chili:

Former German international forward Lukas Podolski (35) has allegedly been targeted by MLS side Cincinnati FC. Former Inter Milan and Bayern Munich player made clear he’s going to leave Antalyaspor as soon as possible.