Daily Schmankerl: Jonathan Tah not a topic for Bayern Munich...at ...

For the most part, Bayern Munich’s backline — led by center-backs Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae — has been solid this season. Eric Dier is the third center-back in the mix, but has been rarely used by Vincent Kompany.

Given the injuries and wear-and-tear that Upamecano and Min-jae have dealt with this season, most observers think that Bayern Munich will be in the market for another top-flight central defender to add to the roster for next season.

If you listen to sporting director Christoph Freund, it will not be Bayer Leverkusen free-agent-to-be Jonathan Tah, though.

“That’s not a topic for us at the moment. You can see that our defense is currently doing well and has really become solid. We are conceding few goals. That’s why we are very, very satisfied at the moment,” Freund told Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Regardless of what Freund says publicly, it is hard to believe that Bayern Munich would not be at least kicking the tires on options to help alleviate some of the weight on the shoulders of Upamecano and Min-jae.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic could be eyeing a longer stay in Italy with AC Milan:

USMNT winger Christian Pulisic is set to sign a new contract at AC Milan, reports Nicolo Schira. It is said that the 26-year-old is now just “one step away” from reaching total agreement with the Rossoneri, on an extension worth €5m per year that will secure his future at the San Siro until the summer of 2029. Pulisic has been in impressive form so far this season, having scored 12 goals while assisting another seven in 30 matches across all competitions.

Bayern Munich earned a point during its trip to BayArena, but doubt and frustration with the squad’s recent performances have some fans feeling uneasy.

This is still a very good team (let’s not forget!), but exactly how good is a massive question these day. Let’s talk about all of that and more on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show! This is what we have on tap:

• The aftermath of Bayern Munich’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen — the good (there was some believe it or not) and the bad.
• Joshua Kimmich did not do enough against Die Werkself. Is he wearing down — and has Vincent Kompany fallen into the trap of relying on certain players too much?
• Is it now time to start having some doubt about Kompany? Yes, yes it is.
• Jamal Musiala’s signing went official — and he has the rumored release clause in hand. Let’s discuss it all.

Bayern Munich is keeping its eyes on Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios per Sport Bild journalists Christian Falk and Heiko Niedderer:

Bayern are monitoring Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios (21), with Chelsea also interested. Atlético want to keep the player.

Barrios profiles as a No.8-type central midfielder, which might not exactly be a necessity for Bayern Munich next season, unless Joshua Kimmich leaves the club. Bayern Munich already signed Hoffenheim central midfielder Tom Bischof for next season.

Frenkie de Jong could enter the final season of his contract at FC Barcelona with no guarantee of an extension:

There has been no contact between Barcelona and the agents of Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international, who is about to move into the final year of his contract, will be moved on if an agreement isn’t reached.

Bayern Munich have long been admirers of De Jong, but it does not appear as if the club would really need him if Kimmich extends his contract.

Bayern Munich came away with a performance they would like to forget quickly in a 0-0 draw against Leverkusen. The Bayern performance left far more questions than answers; did Vincent Kompany want to play this way by design? However, Bayern maintained their eight point gap at the top and the Bundesliga title race seems all but decided:

• The lineups of both sides and what they looked like on the pitch.
• Some mouthwatering combinations across the pitch from Bayer Leverkusen.
• What was Leverkusen missing today?
• Did Bayern mean to play this way?
• What does this performance say about Bayern’s future opponents?
• Has Bayern already won the Bundesliga?

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is one of the few people, who can genuinely say he is living out his childhood dreams.

“As a kid, all I dreamed about was becoming a footballer. That was everything—I’d go to bed thinking about it. But as you go through the process, you realise how much hard work and discipline it takes to reach this level. Sometimes, I think back to those carefree days of playing just for fun, and I try to channel that same mindset in big games to take the pressure off. I remind myself to enjoy being on the pitch because I’m in such a privileged position, and I want to keep doing this for as long as possible,” Kane said.

Kane seems have a really solid perspective on things and a great appreciation for everything the game has brought him.

Christian Pulisic might not be the only USMNT star to get a new contract in Serie A. Weston McKennie could see his contract extended by Juventus:

Juventus are set to move forward with plans to offer USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie a new contract, reports Calciomercato. Despite McKennie signing a new deal at the Allianz Stadium last summer, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is said to be keen to reward him for his form this season under manager Thiago Motta, and the Bianconeri are preparing an offer that will secure the 26-year-old’s future at the club until either 2028 or 2029.

Bayern Munich is in the midst of an insane stretch of games where they will be tested thoroughly.

February is a make-or-break month in every way for the Bavarians, who have passed each test so far. Treacherous terrain awaits the Bundesliga leaders, but aside of that, there is plenty to talk about, so let’s get to it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

• Florian Wirtz will have a lot of eyes on him this weekend. Where do things stand with Bayern Munich? Does the club have any hope of getting him this summer?
• Why is Vincent Kompany reluctant to use Eric Dier and Josip Stanišić?
• Per a report, Paul Wanner laid down his expectations for next season. Is this a bad sign for Bayern Munich?