Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich legend Philipp Lahm touts Xabi Alonso for Gladbach job; Pep Guardiola doesn’t regret losing Jadon Sancho; Manchester United still serious about Erling Haaland; and MORE!

Lahm touts Alonso for Monchengladbach job (t-online)

When the news broke that former Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso was close to sealing a deal to become manager of Borussia Mönchengladbach, at least one of Alonso’s ex-teammates was not shocked.

“Xabi Alonso has everything that makes a successful coach,” Philipp Lahm said to t-online. “As a player he was an absolute strategist and understood the game, he radiated calm and strength and was central to his position in midfield.”

Christian Falk walked back his initial report about Alonso being named manager of M’Gladbach, but it does at least appear that the Real Sociedad B head coach is part of the discussion.

Don’t forget about the Frauen! (Bavarian Football Works)

The FC Bayern Frauen play FC Rosengard in UEFA Women’s Champions League later today at 7PM CET (2PM EST)! Don’t miss the most successful team (this season) on Säbener Straße!

Pep has no regrets after missing on Sancho (Sky)

Pep Guardiola does not regret much — even passing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho:

Pep Guardiola insists he has no regrets over Manchester City’s loss of England international Jadon Sancho. Sancho, a product of City’s academy system, has flourished since quitting the Premier League club for Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

The 20-year-old is now set to face his old club next month after City were drawn against the Bundesliga outfit in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

“I’ve said many times, it is not a regret,” Guardiola said. “He decided. He’s doing really well. Congratulations, he’s an exceptional player. He is a national team player with huge quality, doing really well in Dortmund. We wanted him to stay but he decided to leave, and when people decide to leave all we can do is (let them) leave. I wish him all the best, except when he plays against us. No regrets at all. If he’s happy, I’m happy.”

If Sancho scores three or four goals over the tie, Pep might start to feel just a little bit of regret, right?

#MüllerMafia alert! (@WhoScored)

Everyone knows how good Thomas Müller is at setting up his teammates at Bayern Munich, but to lead all of Europe’s top five leagues in assists is pretty impressive:

United still has high hopes for Haaland (Sports Mole)

Manchester United is not giving up its dream to land Borussia Dortmund phenom Erling Haaland:

Manchester United are reportedly refusing to give up on signing Erling Braut Haaland and are prepared to battle for the Borussia Dortmund striker’s signature this summer. A number of clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are said to be keen on signing the Norway international in the upcoming market.

Haaland is believed to favour a move to Madrid, but according to The Express, Man United are not prepared to give up hope of bringing the youngster to Old Trafford. The report claims that the Norwegian is the team’s ‘priority target’ in the final third of the field, while their interest ‘remains strong’ despite recent suggestions that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were down the pecking order for the forward.

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Manchester City during his own career.

Meanwhile, Sport1 ran a poll with this question: “Is Erling Haaland too good for Borussia Dortmund?”

77.4% say, uh, “yes.”

Coutinho-to-Arsenal rumors are heating up (Football Espana)

With Philippe Coutinho assuredly leaving FC Barcelona, the rumors that Arsenal would have interest in the Brazilian are starting to gain momentum. One roadblock that could prevent the move is if Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard opts for a longer loan stay in London:

Barcelona misfit Philippe Coutinho could be on the move away from the club this summer with a return to the Premier League on the cards. According to reports from the Daily Express, Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal could revive their interest in the former Liverpool man, after reportedly failing to sign him in 2020.

However, the report claims any move for Coutinho depends on Arteta’s ability to retain on loan midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. The Norwegian international has impressed after joining the Gunners on a six-month loan deal in January, and Arteta will look to test Los Blancos resolve on the 22-year old. Odegaard also represents a cheaper option for Arteta, with Real Madrid valuing him at around €30m, whilst Coutinho would still cost in excess of €50m, despite Barcelona’s willingness to sell.

CBS wins Serie A rights (@DavidAmoyal)

It appears that the Bundesliga will not have as much internal competition at ABC/ESPN/Disney after this season. CBS Sports has won the United States broadcast rights to Serie A: