Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Germany vs. France; Philippe Coutinho to Leicester City or Everton?; Borussia Dortmund rejects Manchester United’s offer for Jadon Sancho; and MORE!

Die Folgen: Germany’s tough 1-0 loss to France (Bavarian Football Works)

Germany was powered by several Bayern Munich players, fought hard, and probably played much better than expected, but still lost 1-0 to a very strong France squad. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Germany did what it needed to do very early in establishing control and possession. It was clear that Joachim Löw’s game plan was to slow it down and to make France get impatient.
• France did a good job of cutting off passing lanes in the final third, but I feel like Germany was okay with that...for too long. Eventually it became evident that Die Mannschaft had no answer for how to solve the problem.
• The early yellow card to Joshua Kimmich could have been disastrous. To me, it was too early for that and the call was forced. It was a foul for sure, but not a yellow.
• Kimmich and Lucas Hernandez battling was very reminiscent of Kimmich vs. Arturo Vidal at the 2017 Confederations Cup.
• That Mats Hummels own goal was just so unfortunate. France was more dangerous at that stage in the game, but Germany was hanging tough. Such a deflating moment.
• The defensive work from Serge Gnabry and Thomas Müller early on was fantastic. They were two of Germany’s better players on the pitch with Joshua Kimmich at times. Gnabry, though, trailed off as the game went on and was subbed off accordingly.
• Gnabry had a weird game to me. At times, he was moving and making things happen, but he — like just about every forward Germany used — had no answer for how to created an issue for the French defense.
• How Benjamin Pavard got up from taking that hit, I’ll never know. That was irresponsible to keep him in the game.
• Robin Gosens had moments early in the game, but faded. Germany’s outside-backs/wing-backs need some help.
• Germany’s effort in the second half was impressive. There was so much fight and aggression offensively, they just lacked precision in just about everything. That has been a running theme for the Germans for quite a while.
• Aside of the own goal, Hummels was terrific. His slide tackle on Kylian Mbappe was masterful.
• I didn’t have a problem with the backline’s play at all. Aside of the own goal, the defenders were good on the day. Ginter and Antonio Rüdiger were very good.
• Germany’s free kicks by Toni Kroos and Leroy Sane were....awful.
• Rüdiger biting Paul Pogba was odd to say the least.
• Overall, I’d say this was a good effort for Germany. They played tough, they played smart, they were dangerous at times, and they contained a very strong France attack...they just don’t have what it takes to push them over the finish line at this point.

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

Leicester among English teams chasing Coutinho (Transfer Market Web)

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Philippe Coutinho is reportedly being tracked by Leicester City and Everton (The Coutinho-James Connection to form???):

Linked to a move back to Premier League more than once, throughout the years, Coutinho, who joined Spanish giants first in January 2018, is now reportedly growing into a major Leicester City target. Foxes had inquired him a couple years ago already, and theirs might end up being a good spot for Coutinho to start anew and refresh his career.

Still on deal with Barça until June 2023, Coutinho, who had his breakthrough by playing into Liverpool ranks, under current Leicester gaffer Brendan Rodgers himself, also used to play for such clubs as Bayern Munich (which he won Champions League for in 2019/20) and Inter Milan. Previously pursued by Arsenal, the 1992-born playmaker is tracked by Everton as well at the time.

Pulisic and Werner differ on locker room music (@PLinUSA)

Chelsea teammates Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic might be friends, but they do not enjoy the same type of pregame music. Pulisic, who hails from a rural area of Pennsylvania, prefers country music, but Werner does not approve:

There is no word on what Werner does like, but here is to hoping it is hair bands.

Under linked to Fiorentina (Sky)

AS Roma winger Cengiz Under is reportedly a transfer target of Fiorentina, which is sparking the Bayern Munich-related news alarm. Under, of course, was once a transfer target of the Bavarians, but more importantly, a move to Fiorentina could potentially have an adverse effect on the status of Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery:

Fiorentina are weighing up a move for Cengiz Under after his return to Roma from an unsuccessful loan spell with Leicester City. Sky in Italy report that Under is keen to persuade new Roma head coach Jose Mourinho that he is worth a place in his squad.

But Serie A rivals Fiorentina have Under on a list of three attacking midfielder targets along with Stuttgart’s Nico Gonzalez and Goncalo Guedes from Valencia. Under joined Leicester on loan last September, but he was unable to claim a regular place in Brendan Rodgers’s Premier League plans.

Dortmund rejects first offer from United for Sancho (Transfer Market Web)

Borussia Dortmund has reportedly rejected Manchester United’s offer of roughly €77 million. The Red Devils are expected to counter with a proposal worth €90 million:

Jadon Sancho is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund. The English winger, that’s not a mystery, is a target for Manchester United who insistently want him to work for Solskjaer.

According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, the Gialloneri have turned down an offer of 67 million pounds and would be resisting also thanks to a new raise of the Red Devils of 77 million.