From 1954 to 2014, Germany was a powerhouse in the World Cup. Die Mannschaft won four titles, lost four finals, and advanced to the knockout stages in every tournament. Inexplicably, Germany failed to make it out of the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, under 2014 winner Joachim Löw and Bayern Munich's 2020 sextuple manager Hansi Flick, respectively. Since winning the World Cup in 1966, England has consistently underperformed compared to lofty expectations.
Bayern Munich will need every man available when they travel north to Dortmund next weekend for one of their most important league games of the season. After Bayern's 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, sporting director Max Eberl provided a hopeful update, which was reported by Abendzeitung's Maximilian Koch (and captured by @iMiaSanMia. According to him, it is "not ruled out" that the currently sidelined Manuel Neuer and Konrad Laimer could return to the squad next week.
Bayern Munich's attacking output this season has been nothing short of astronomical. Led by Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, and now Jamal Musiala, the Bavarians boast as terrifying an attacking arsenal as could possibly be dreamed up. Including the Club World Cup, Bayern has already amassed 134 goals in all competitions - and more could be coming today vs. Eintracht Frankfurt.
Former Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané always ended up with decent statistics during his tenure at the club, but he never quite reached the level of heights predicted for him when he made the long-anticipated move to Bavaria from Manchester City in 2020. Funks and slumps marred Sané's time with Bayern Munich as he failed to achieve consistency. Last summer, the winger moves on to Galatasaray, ending his time with Bayern Munich as a disappointment to many fans.
Borussia Dortmund will reportedly compete with Bayern Munich in the race to sign 24-year-old German international Nick Woltemade from Newcastle United this summer. According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nick Woltemade is the subject of interest of Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Newcastle United centre-forward has emerged as a target for the Bavarian outfit.
Bayern are implementing several measures so that tomorrow's game against Frankfurt can take place as planned following this week's heavy snowfall in Munich. Significant snowfall is not expected during the game tomorrow - but several teams will be working simultaneously to remove the existing snow and any more expected. The groundskeepers will clear the pitch, while the under-soil heating system will melt the remaining snow.
Bayern Munich suffered an injury blow last week as Manuel Neuer came off at halftime against Werder Bremen due to a calf strain. He is expected to be on the sidelines for at least three weeks, missing the crucial Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund at the end of February. The injury to Neuer will allow Urbig to strengthen his case to become Neuer's long-term successor. The young goalkeeper has made a positive impression whenever he has started for Die Roten since arriving from FC Koln at the start of 2024.
All the talk of the town right now is Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig. An interesting winter signing from FC Köln last year was quietly become one of Bayern's most important signings in recent years. With Neuer sidelined for the next few weeks, the young German goalkeeper has a massive opportunity to present himself as Bayern's future #1, and possibly propel himself into a World Cup roster under Julian Nagelsmann.
"We at Bayern Munich, in particular, have proven this year that we've recognized the signs of the times. The moment we realized our cash reserves were dwindling, we slammed on the brakes," Hoeneß explained, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. "Our transfer balance is very even, and we're also in the process of reducing the size of our squad. If we had signed all the players we discussed, we wouldn't have any cash reserves left today and would have had to take out loans to finance them."
They are already planning for the pre-season. Bayern are a massive club, with a huge fan following, and pre-seasons are not only meant to keep players in proper physical shape but also to grow their brand image. In the past decade or so, top teams regularly come to Asian countries to play games. Top European clubs now look to tap into the huge football craze in Asian countries, which not only yields revenue but also helps build PR and global image.
"Before the season, we faced a lot of criticism because, according to the so-called experts, we hadn't made enough signings and should have brought in more expensive players. The decision not to do so was absolutely right. It led to the team growing together," Hoeneß explained, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. "Everyone knew they were needed. That's how a strong unit was formed.
Bayern remain interested in Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani as a possible backup for Harry Kane with potential to develop further. The 23-year old has a release clause of under €30m. At 23-years-old, it seems at least bit odd that an up-and-coming striker would think about entertaining a move to back-up Harry Kane, but that could be what is at play.
"Yes, he does. What he's achieved with VfB Stuttgart is truly remarkable," Hoeneß said, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. "He took them over when they were at the bottom of the table, won the cup, played in the Champions League, and now they're back in the top five and in the cup semi-finals, despite losing some top players. He's really capable."
I felt very happy [in Perlach] and had a wonderful childhood. Football played a major role from an early age. I played for FC Perlach and spent every spare minute I had out on the football pitch.
