Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid; No buyout for Erling Haaland?; Dayot Upamecano to Liverpool?; Paulo Dybala to PSG?; and MORE!

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 4-0 thrashing of Atleti (Bavarian Football Works)

If anyone was expecting Atletico Madrid to make things challenging for Bayern Munich, yesterday’s Champions League showdown between the clubs probably was disappointing. Not missing a beat from their dominant march through last season’s UCL, the Bavarians throttled Atletico Madrid 4-0 in an utterly dominant performance. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Kingsley Coman is widely-regarded that the third best wing on this team...third best. As frightening as that might seem, Coman was even scarier to Atletico Madrid. Using his speed, footwork, and timing to keep Atletico Madrid’s defenders off-balance, Coman was an absolute menace. The Frenchman finished with a two goals and maybe 200,000 more fans.
• Joshua Kimmich pulled the ultimate dad move by (probably) pulling an all-nighter, gathering himself, and turning in a workmanlike performance that showcased his wonderful vision and passing skills, along with his overall excellence. His assist on Coman’s first goal was sublime.

• Speaking of midfielders, Corentin Tolisso (did you see that laser?) and Leon Goretzka (did you see that rocket?) were superb on the night and each scored a goal. Just days after being chided for taking a “stupid” red card by Hansi Flick, Tolisso responded with a tremendous performance. Goretzka, meanwhile, just keeps doing what he does.
• After a somewhat inconsistent and disappointing 2019/2020 season, Lucas Hernandez is showing everyone why Bayern Munich made such a huge investment in him. The back-line was solid (not spectacular) overall, but Hernandez was the true standout of the group. Niklas Süle was stellar as well (not shock to anyone who read this), while David Alaba and Benjamin Pavard were good enough, but had some lapses that eed to be improved.
• Just having Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller on the pitch creates so much space for everyone else...and that is the difference in Flick’s Bayern Munich versus years past. Back then, the surrounding cast couldn’t quite put it all together. Now, however, there is a battalion of potent players just waiting to carve up an opponent.
• It would be great to know if Flick is really just trying to “re-charge” Alphonso Davies or if something else is going on. Davies absolutely struggled with positioning at times down the stretch last season, but it is very curious that he has been relegated to the bench for much of this current season. Could Flick just be “checking” the youngster’s ego or is this just truly an extended regeneration session aimed to keep Davies fresh for the long-run?
• Seriously...take away the Hoffenheim game and this would be one incredible streak.

Anyway, if you missed our Match Awards or Observations give them a look:

Haaland potentially staying with BVB (Bild)

It has been widely thought that Erling Haaland’s career with Borussia Dortmund would only last as long as the Black and Yellows can keep clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United. But au contraire mon frère.

Per Bild+, talk of Haaland’s exit could be very premature. The Bild+ piece disputes a couple of storylines that have been circulating. The report states that Haaland does not have a release clause in his deal, does not want to leave Dortmund, and also that no clubs have even made an offer on the 20-year-old scoring machine.

For those with wheels already spinning, Haaland’s contract expires in 2024 and Robert Lewandowski’s deal expires in 2023. The timing for Haaland to ease into the role of being the Polish Hitman’s successor could work out with a little finagling.

Flick loves him some Dantas (Plettigoal)

Sport1’s Florian Plettenberg captured Tiago Dantas and Joao Felix sharing a little Portuguese Bro Time...until Hansi Flick entered the fray to show his affection for Dantas.

Dantas did not play with Bayern Munich II in the squad’s 3-2 loss to FC Viktoria Köln yesterday.

Klopp seeking VVD’s stand-in? (Transfer Market Web)

Facing an immediate future without Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp might have his eyes on RB Leipzig standout Dayot Upamecano:

Facing Virgil van Dijk’s injury-based long-term break, Liverpool are growing more and more adamant over French international center-back Dayot Upamecano (turning 22 on October 27). RB Leipzig are keeping their 80 million euros demand over the 1998-born stand still, while most A-listers around (and aspiring ones) showed some interest in him.

With the glut of center-back options on its roster, Bayern Munich’s alleged interest in Upamecano might have cooled. Liverpool, meanwhile, has already had some mild success in raiding the Bundesliga with a couple of guys named Roberto Firmino and Thiago Alcantara.

Thuram gets creative when asked for ID (@borussia_en)

Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram had to provide identification for his COVID-19 test, but did not have any available. The 23-year-old then whipped out his phone in an attempt to prove his identity:

Dybala to PSG? (Transfer Market Web)

With the realization that it could soon lose Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, or both, Paris Saint-Germain might be looking at Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala as its next “star” acquisition:

Increasingly at odds with Juventus management, once more, Argentinian international forward Paulo Dybala (turning 27 on November 16) is getting more and more likely to be picked by PSG as a replacement for either Neymar or, most likely, Kylian Mbappé. Currently on a deal with Bianconeri until June 2022, La Joya, demanding a 2-digit wage, is also tracked by most Premier League giants and La Liga ones.

Honestly, it seems like a move that would make sense for everyone involved...which means it probably won’t happen.

Boateng has Özil’s back (@JeromeBoateng)

Arsenal’s Mesut Özil is in no man’s land for his career at this stage and recently took to social media to detail his unhappiness with his current situation.

Of course, Ozil’s post was not well-received by everyone and drew a laundry list of people shouting him down. No fear, however, Jerome Boateng came through to support his Bling Bling (remember that fiasco) brother.