Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin; Real Madrid wants Joshua Kimmich; Madrid and FC Barcelona battling for David Alaba and Erling Haaland; More pressure for Timo Werner and Kai Havertz at Chelsea?; plus MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s unfortunate 1-1 draw Union Berlin (Bavarian Football Works)

Even with a makeshift lineup, Bayern Munich actually looked pretty decent for the majority of its 1-1 draw with Union Berlin. Unfortunately, Die Eisernen had just enough to eek out a late draw and deflate the Bavarians. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• It was surprising to see both Tiago Dantas and Josip Stanisic in the lineup against Union Berlin. More, Stanisic being used at left-back was really a shock to see — and he did well there.
• It was clear early on that Bayern Munich was going to be in for a battle.
• It was also clear that Joshua Kimmich was going to be the catalyst for Bayern Munich and was not going to take it easy by any means. Kimmich was active and looking to kick start the offense from start-to-finish. The motor that this man has is unreal.
• I literally cannot get over how young Dantas looks. It really looked like a U-13 player snuck on to the pitch. The kid has been with Bayern Munich for roughly six months or so and I still am amazed at his youthful looks and demeanor.
• Overall, Dantas acquitted himself nicely in the match.
• Stanisic acquitted himself very nicely. Perhaps we can add his name to the list of good, young defensive prospects on Sabener Strasse. He has one mistimed jump early that could have hurt, but an overall solid effort. I came away very impressed.
• I really came away impressed with Stanisic’s composure and activity on the day.
• Kingsley Coman looks as if he’s in a bit of a slump. Coman doesn’t look like he’s seeing or reading the game well right now. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge cause for concern, but he’s definitely dropped off a bit from where he was earlier this season. Hopefully, Coman is able to get himself right before Tuesday’s Champions League match with Paris Saint-Germain.
• Kimmich was just all over the field. It was really amazing and should be noted.
• Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidzic’s reaction when Coman went down was so telling of Bayern Munich’s recent luck. It was basically the living version of the “Not this (bleep) again.”
• Musiala’s skills are tantalizing. When he gets the experience he needs, he’s going to be even more dangerous.
• If there was one major criticism of Bayern Munich’s first half effort, it’s that too often the Bavarians tried to wait for the perfect opportunity when they were in shooting range rather than testing Union Berlin goalkeeper Andreas Luthe.
• Musiala showed more of that insane potential on his goal. His deft footwork and perfect placement on his his shot were sublime.
• Yet again, Thomas Müller provided the assist. That was number 16 in the Bundesliga and 19 across all competitions.
• Christopher Scott seemed overwhelmed by the moment.
• Tanguy Nianzou cannot get caught falling asleep at that point in the game. Union Berlin took advantage of Nianzou (and others) getting caught flat-footed. After 85 minutes of a pure battle, it was a shame to see the team lose its lead on a play that could have easily been prevented.
• That was a “rookie mistake” as they say. A learning moment for sure, but it literally cannot happen at that stage of the game.
• That said...I’m not sure that was a legal throw-in:

• Losing Coman and Jerome Boateng to injuries that could potentially keep them out of the PSG game would be awful.
• Leroy Sane had a few good moments during his relief stint, but still needs to work on his finishing. Sane’s ability is off-the-charts, but he is far from a finished product. Given the anticipation that many felt when Bayern Munich chased him for months, I’m sure there are people that want more out of him — and rightly so. As of now, though, Sane has not yet fully hit what he can — and will — be.
• Benjamin Pavard got a chance to play some center-back...something he has secretly (or not-so-secretly) wanted to do. Pavard was not great in the role honestly. He was okay, but his movement and spacing seem off a bit. I know Pavard has not played center-back in quite a while, but I was hoping to not see as much rust with his movements, positioning, spacing, and passing. I don’t think he looked overly comfortable.
• The song they played immediately after the immediately after the final whistle was “True” by Spandau Ballet. I have no idea what that means, if it’s relevant, or anything...it’s was just interesting.
• It was kind of refreshing to see Javi Martinez out there and playing really well. The man still has something to offer a club somewhere.
• Overall...honestly...I wasn’t totally disappointed. Sure, I hated — absolutely hated — to see how Union Berlin scored their goal. That type of thing just can’t happen at that juncture of the game. Regardless, Hansi Flick basically called up everyone but Tom Adams and Marcus Iredahl (beer league hacks that they are) and still earned a draw with a tough Union Berlin side. It was not ideal...but it could have been a lot worse.

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

Madrid wants Kimmich as Kroos replacement (The Hard Tackle)

Well, well, well...look who is (allegedly) glancing over to Germany to find a Next Generation Toni Kroos: Real Madrid. And who would that Kroos 2.0 be? None other than Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich:

Real Madrid are reportedly considering Joshua Kimmich as the long-term successor for Toni Kroos, with a move in 2022 being formulated. According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are closely monitoring the contract situation of Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich. The defending La Liga champions view the German international as a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos.

Kimmich has gone on to establish himself as one of the very best players in world football since breaking out at Bayern Munich under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Initially starting out as a right-back, the German international has now become a phenomenal central midfielder, and perhaps the best in the game in his position.

However, with his deal running out in a little over two years’ time, potential suitors have their sights firmly set on his contract situation. One such club is Real Madrid.

Kimmich, though, would be a game-changing signing for Real Madrid – one at par with Kroos back in 2014 – with the report suggesting that he could be open to leaving Bayern Munich soon. However, it is added that a move for the 26-year-old German international will only come to fruition in 2022 and it remains to be seen how this rumour develops in the coming year.

Madrid and Barca prepared to battle for Haaland and Alaba (AS)

It could be an old school El Clasico throwdown when it comes to the clubs battling over both Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba:

Madrid and Barcelona’s finances have been heavily affected by the drop in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. Like before with Neymar, Dani Alves or David Beckham, there are basically two names on the table, those of Erling Haaland and David Alaba. Others that may interest both clubs, include Eduardo Camavinga and Paul Pogba, however, it seems the latter is a very unexpected arrival this summer.

Haaland’s name has been the most talked about recently, with the player’s father and his representative, Mino Raiola, visiting both Madrid and Barça. But Haaland’s future doesn’t depend on personal friendships. The player, aware that any of the offers he has on the table will cover what he wants per year (around €12 million net), priortises sporting objectives, those that ensure he will lift more titles in the short term and become a Ballon d’Or winner.

With Alaba, the situation is similar. Laporta’s relationship with the player’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is excellent and the two have seen each other recently, but Alaba’s desire, as with Haaland, is to play for Real Madrid. Barcelona and Joan Laporta have a battle on their hands to land these much sought-after stars.

Haaland’s heart is in England (Daily Star)

Per Erling Haaland’s former Norway youth coach coach, Gunnar Halle, the youngster’s “heart” is in England.

“It’s difficult to say with the Spanish and English interest there are so many things now that have to be considered with his agent and everything and the money of course will be quite a lot,” Halle told the Daily Star. “But of course I think a little bit of his heart will be in England because his dad was playing there with Leeds and City but also his connection with Ole Gunnar so I think his Dad will maybe play a part.”

Konate cheaper than expected for LFC (@cfbayern)

It looks like Liverpool will be getting a deal on RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate:

Werner, Havertz facing big 2021/2022 season (Sky)

Nothing like a little pressure, eh? Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich thinks Timo Werner and Kai Havertz will have to justify their big deal no later than next season:

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich says next season will be key for Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as they continue to try to justify their huge price tags.

PSG left back Perle Morroni is reportedly joining Bayern Munich (L’Equipe)

Paris Saint-Germain’s 23-year-old left back Perle Morroni will reportedly leave the French club this summer to join Bayern Munich. Her contract expires at the end of the current season, and Morroni is joining the Bavarians on a three-year contract.

Morroni is one France’s best young players and now has eight caps to her name. She’ll be joining Bayern’s stellar defense who, so far this season, have only conceded three goals in seventeen Frauen Bundesliga games.