Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Germany vs. Liechtenstein; Liverpool wanted Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer; Lionel Messi received no love in Venezuela; FC Barcelona really wanted Dani Olmo, but had no chance on Joao Felix; plus MORE!

Germany’s 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein (Bavarian Football Works)

Germany’s first match under former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick was a success. The Germans dominated possession and never were threatened in the match. All-in-all, a very good showing for Die Mannschaft.

Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Germany controlled play early and established dominance.
• The German attacking corps of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala were creating issues for Liechtenstein early and ultimately found a way to break through the fleet of buses that Liechtenstein parked on the pitch.
• Niklas Süle looked fantastic. His ability to play both center-back positions is criminally underrated. He is seamless in transitioning to either side and just looks far more fluid and confident this season for both club and country.
• It felt like Kai Havertz was the central figure offensively. He was very involved and free to move round the pitch at-will. It will be interesting to see what role he plays when Thomas Müller returns.
• Joshua Kimmich has not been himself on the ball of late. His passing percentage was high (87%), but it felt like his precision on some of those passes was not quite up to his normal level. That’s nitpicky, I guess, but when a player is so consistently good, even his somewhat off games leap out at you.
• Jamal Musiala was brilliant on Timo Werner’s goal and Werner had a really deft finish. Just really nice work by both players. This is what Hansi Flick wanted to see at Bayern Munich isn’t it?
• Werner was really active on the night. Flick has wanted to coach Havertz and Werner for a long time and he seems to be putting both players to good use.
• Germany was thoroughly dominant in every aspect of the game, but I did not think Ridle Baku was great.
• Robin Gosens is active as hell, but is wasteful on a lot of opportunities that he has.
• Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel was outstanding. The game could have easily been 4-0 or 5-0 without him.
• Jonas Hofmann looked good in his appearance at right-back. We heard that both Flick and Julian Nagelsmann like him for that position. Could that rumored transfer be in play next summer?
• It was a very positive game for a lot of reasons, but Germany fans could feel the positivity within the squad. I’m sure most people wanted to see five or six goals, but let’s start with two nd see how things progress from here, eh?

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

LFC had eyes on Sabitzer (Rousing the Kop)

It turns out that Bayern Munich was not the only power club chasing Marcel Sabitzer during the summer transfer window:

Liverpool fans were left disheartened when the transfer window slammed shut. The Reds didn’t do much business at all. One signing was made and a raft of fringe players left the club. According to Goal, Liverpool considered signing Marcel Sabitzer before Bayern Munich swooped in.

Most commonly deployed as a centre midfielder in recent seasons, he spent the first portion of career in Germany on the right wing. Aside from his versatility the Austrian is also known for his ability to hold onto the ball, his stamina and his eye for goal.

According to Goal, Liverpool considered moving for Marcel Sabitzer before the German giants swooped in. The Reds are short of a reliable midfielder following Gini Wijnaldum’s move to PSG.

Barca never had a chance on Felix, but really wanted Olmo (@FabrizioRomano)

FC Barcelona might have wanted Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, but the Atleti had no intention of letting the young talent leave.

Barca, however, also wanted RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, who seemingly was a much more attainable target. The only problem with that was that Die Roten Bullen had no intention of letting one of their key players go:

Messi should have stayed in France (@lagordanniembro)

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi (that still feels weird) did not get a warm welcome from Venezuela: