Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski Out for 4 Weeks After Suffering Knee Injury
Feb 26, 2020
Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski reacts during the German Cup DFB Pokal final football match FC Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on May 19, 2018. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: ACCORDING TO DFB RULES IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO IS NOT ALLOWED DURING MATCH TIME. MOBILE (MMS) USE IS NOT ALLOWED DURING AND FOR FURTHER TWO HOURS AFTER THE MATCH. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DFB DIRECTLY AT +49 69 67880 / (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is facing a month on the sidelines after he suffered a knee injury at Chelsea on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.
The German club confirmed Lewandowski picked up the problem during Bayern's 3-0 first-leg victory in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge.
The Polish hitman scored the third for his club against the English side, but he now appears set to miss the second leg on March 18.
Lewandowski's absence is a big blow to Bayern manager Hansi Flick considering his frontman has scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League this term.
Der FCB have managed to keep Lewandowski fit for much of his time at the club, but they now face a conundrum in how to replace one of Europe's deadliest finishers.
His absence puts the Bayern attack in a weaker state as the team prepare for Saturday's Bundesliga fixture against Hoffenheim.
David Alaba Compares Robert Lewandowski with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo
Feb 26, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski deserves to be placed in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and is "maybe the best striker in the world," according to his Bayern Munich team-mate David Alaba.
The Poland international was vital to Bayern's 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
As well as scoring the German champions' third in the first leg of the last-16 tie, he also set up both Serge Gnabry's goals soon after half-time:
Alaba was full of praise for Lewandowski after a performance that put Bayern within touching distance of the Champions League quarter-finals, per Nick Ames of the Guardian:
"He is a world-class player and a world-class striker. We all know that he can score goals and he showed today another side of himself by putting assists. We know he is very important to us and we are grateful to have him in our squad. He shows it every weekend, I guess. He is one of the best, and maybe the best, striker in the world. He scores goals in almost every game and, of course, I think he deserves to be at the top and spoken about with those guys [Messi and Ronaldo]."
Lewandowski's goal in west London was his 11th of the season in the Champions League, putting him to the head of the goalscoring standings in the tournament:
Robert Lewandowski now has 11 #ChampionsLeague goals this season 🔥
The 31-year-old is also leading goalscorer in the Bundesliga with 25 goals, at least four more than any other player, and is second only to Lazio's Ciro Immobile in the race for the European Golden Shoe.
He has already set a personal best for goals in a single Champions League season and is just six goals from eclipsing his previous best return for a German top-flight campaign.
Barring an injury, it seems almost certain Lewandowski will eclipse the 30-goal high he reached in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
And if he stays in the same form, he will have a key role to play in Bayern's run-in.
With 11 rounds remaining in the Bundesliga this term, the Munich giants have a one-point lead over RB Leipzig at the top of the table:
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick's side have been installed as favourites to win the Champions League after their superb performance against Chelsea, per Caesars Palace.
Bayern host the Blues in the return leg of their last-16 clash at the Allianz Arena on March 18.
In the interim, they have Bundesliga matches against Hoffenheim, Augsburg and Union Berlin, and a German Cup quarter-final against Schalke.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Hints Hansi Flick Could Stay on as Bayern Munich Manager
Feb 26, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Hans-Dieter Flick, Head Coach of Bayern Munich reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hinted Hansi Flick could remain as manager beyond the end of the season after giving him a symbolic gift for his birthday.
Flick turned 55 on Monday before masterminding a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of the victory, which put Bayern within touching distance of the quarter-finals, Rummenigge presented a gift to Flick and hinted that a permanent contract could be coming his way soon, per Goal:
"Our coach turned 55 yesterday. This is a good age. We'll give you a pen in this red packet. Sometimes you sign papers with pens."
German football expert Raphael Honigstein picked up on the hint:
Flick originally took over Bayern on an interim basis in November after Niko Kovac was sacked in the wake of a 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.
It was then confirmed in December he would stay in charge until the end of the season.
Under his stewardship, Bayern have won 15 out of 18 matches in all competitions and risen from fourth to first in the Bundesliga.
Tuesday was perhaps the best result of Flick's tenure so far.
Bayern were superior to Chelsea in every area of the pitch, and although it took them until the second half to break the deadlock in west London, the visitors were more than worthy of their 3-0 win.
Serge Gnabry scored twice in three minutes soon after the break before Alphonso Davies put the ball on a plate for Robert Lewandowski after a superb run down the left flank:
As a result of their convincing victory which will almost certainly see them advance to the last eight after March 18's second leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern have been installed as favourites to win the Champions League this season, per Caesars Palace.
The Bundesliga title race, meanwhile, is incredibly tight with Bayern boasting just a one-point lead over RB Leipzig:
But when Kovac left the club, Bayern trailed leaders BorussiaMonchengladbach by four points.
Flick has got the German champions' 2019-20 campaign back on track, and Rummenigge is at least thinking about rewarding him with a long-term deal.
Serge Gnabry Talks London 'Power' After Double in Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich
Feb 26, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Serge Gnabry FC Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Serge Gnabry has said he enjoys playing in London after he scored twice in Bayern Munich's 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.
Gnabry twice combined with Robert Lewandowski in three second-half minutes to get Bayern on their way before the Polish striker all but put the tie out of Chelsea's reach with his 76th-minute strike:
The former Arsenal winger has now netted six goals in London this season after his four-goal performance against Tottenham Hotspur back in October in the Champions League group stage:
Gnabry played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016, and he explained after Tuesday's victory why he likes coming back to the English capital, per BT Sport (h/t MailOnline's Oli Gamp):
"I've got a lot of friends here. A lot of them were in the stands tonight, and it seems like they're giving me some kind of power. I always enjoy coming back."
The 24-year-old added that, despite their three-goal cushion, Bayern "need to be prepared" for the second leg at the Allianz Arena on March 18 as the tie is "still open" for Chelsea:
"I've got a lot of friends here, a lot of them were in the stands, they must be giving me some kind of power. I always enjoy coming back."
Another successful return to London for Serge Gnabry 👊
Realistically, though, the German champions already have a foot in the quarter-finals.
When the last-16 draw was made, Bayern were fifth favourites to win the Champions League behind Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
After the completion of six of the last-16 first-leg fixtures, they now head the market, per Caesars Palace.
Last season, they were knocked out by eventual champions Liverpool in the last 16, but they look a different proposition this term under Hansi Flick.
Bayern last reached the final of the Champions League when they won it in 2012-13, but they have reached four semi-finals since then.
After Tuesday's performance there will be plenty backing them to get a sixth title this season, and come the quarter-final draw, the German giants will be a club to be avoided.
Serge Gnabry's Brace Lifts Bayern Munich Past Chelsea 3-0 in UCL Leg-1 Clash
Feb 25, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Serge Gnabry of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chelsea's chances of reaching the quarter-final of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League look doomed after losing 3-0 at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the last 16 on Tuesday night.
Serge Gnabry bagged a brace to add to the four goals he netted in London against Tottenham Hotspur during the 7-2 win in the group stage back in October. Gnabry's latest goals were both assisted by Robert Lewandowski, who returned to his more natural role of goalscorer to add a third for the Bundesliga giants at Stamford Bridge.
Lewandowski was unplayable, with Marcos Alonso's nefarious attempts to stop him earning the left-back an 82nd-minute red card after a VAR review. Alonso and Jorginho will both miss the return game after the midfielder was booked during the first half.
The result leaves Frank Lampard's young Blues with it all to do during the second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, March 18.
Bayern were the more controlled side during an entertaining and even first half. The visitors made intelligent use of space, with Thomas Muller superb playing as a natural No. 10.
Muller's runs were dragging the Chelsea back three out of shape and giving Die Roten a man over in midfield. Bayern were also bossing the engine room thanks to the assured distribution of Thiago Alcantara.
Thiago and Muller combined to play in Kingsley Coman for a chance, but the winger drilled his effort into the side netting. Next, Lewandowski went close when trying to meet a through pass from Gnabry, only for Willy Caballero to be quick off his line and collect.
Caballero made more than one decent stop and stayed alert to danger, regularly sweeping up in support of his defence. The 38-year-old was justifying Lampard'scontentious decisionto start him ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper.
Yet as well as Caballero was playing, the amount of work he was getting through had to concern Chelsea. While the Blues played well in sporadic moments, Bayern looked like a classy and composed outfit, with Muller heading off the bar from a fine Thiago cross.
Chelsea's Argentinian goalkeeper Willy Caballero (L) saves at the feet of Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (R) during the UEFA Champion's League round of 16 first leg football match between Chelsea and Bayern Munich at Stamford Bridge in
The hosts did create one good chance shortly before the break when a one-two between Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic saw the latter tee up Alonso. His low shot forced Manuel Neuer into a smart save.
Chelsea were dealt a blow moments after the restart when Jorginho was booked for protesting a Coman foul on Kovacic. Jorginho's demands for sterner punishment than the yellow card Coman received, earned him an omission from the second leg.
A minor setback became full-blown disaster when Gnabry found the net twice in three minutes. Lewandowski played in the winger on both occasions, finding space behind raiding right-back Reece James and delivering inch-perfect passes for a finisher who is inruthlessform in the Englishcapitalthis season.
Gnabry should have had a hat-trick moments later when Muller teed him up, but the former's technique deserted him and he blazed over.
Bayern's momentum was temporarily stalled when Coman had to be withdrawn after pulling up with an apparent hamstring problem. Philippe Coutinho came off the bench to replace him, ensuring Die Roten maintained their high levels of guile and skill in midfield.
It's been an indifferent campaign for Coutinho, but the Barca loanee could have put the tie to bed shortly after his introduction. However, his scuffed volley from Muller's cross drifted harmlessly across the face of goal.
The miss proved to be only a temporary reprieve for Chelsea, with Lewandowski adding a third 14 minutes before time. His tap-in was created by a buccaneering run from left-back Alphonso Davies, who skipped clear and fizzed a cross into the path of anin-formNo. 9 who needed no second invitation.
Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scores their third goal past Chelsea's Argentinian goalkeeper Willy Caballero during the UEFA Champion's League round of 16 first leg football match between Chelsea and Bayern Munich at Stamford Bridge in
Lewandowski's movement was causing problems, and Alonso took matters into his own hands when he felled the striker with an open arm. A look at the VAR monitor encouraged the referee to change his initial booking to a straight red card.
Chelsea's best chances to earn a slight foothold in the tie came from substitutes Willian and Pedro, both of whom angled teasing crosses across the box, but neither found a teammate alert enough to apply a telling touch.
The lack of sharpness in front of goal summed up the gulf in class between the two teams. Bayern exuded cool experience and machine-like efficiency, defending without a fuss, taking care of the ball and maximising the best chances.
Those are habits Lampard's youthful charges still need to learn, while the 41-year-old will likely reassess the wisdom of trusting a back three and leaving proven talents like Willian and Pedro out of the starting XI.
What's Next?
Chelsea are away to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, the same day Bayern travel to Hoffenheim in the German top flight.
Thomas Muller: Bayern Munich Was 'A Bit Wild West' After Pep Guardiola's Exit
Feb 24, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen gestures during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Muller has said the club felt the departure of Pep Guardiola as manager in 2016 and described the team as being "a bit Wild West" in the years immediately following his exit.
Die Roten won a European and domestic Treble in 2013 under German legend Jupp Heynckes, while Guardiola led the club to three straight Bundesliga crowns before he left for Manchester City in 2016.
Muller—who joined the Bayern academy in 2000 and has never represented another club at the professional level—told The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein (h/t Ben Nagle of MailOnline):
"For my game, structure is super important. It has to be clockwork. I see myself as a cog. I can throw my qualities and playing characteristics into the mix, and I can help the team improve that way. I will never be a player who picks up the ball outside his own box and goes past three men.
"When we manage to have stability, when we're in control of the buildup and the game, I find it easier to have a positive impact. We weren't able to do that in the years after Pep. It was a bit Wild West, at times.
"The control that we had stood for as FC Bayern was gone. There was sense (sic) that anything could happen. Maybe it was more entertaining that way for the spectators."
It was confirmed in December 2015 that Carlo Ancelotti would be the man to take over from Guardiola when he left the following year. However, the former lasted only one full season at the Allianz Arena and was sacked in September 2017, with Heynckes taking control in an interim capacity (his fourth spell as manager).
Niko Kovac was appointed Bayern's next permanent manager in the summer of 2018. Again, he lasted only one full season and left by mutual agreement in November 2019, with incumbent chief Hans-Dieter Flick taking over in his stead.
Club chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Kicker (h/t Get German Football News) the team is enjoying the "attacking dominant ball possession" football of old with Flick in charge:
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praises philosophy of Hansi Flick: "The team is as tactically orientated as with Louis van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes or Pep Guardiola with attacking dominant ball possession football."https://t.co/yziHLSyMVk
Muller in particular has benefited from Flick's appointment at the helm, scoring seven goals and recording 11 assists in 17 appearances since the former assistant to Kovac took the senior job.
The 30-year-old was less prominent under Kovac and had just four direct goal involvements in his first 10 league appearances this season.
He set up Bayern's first two goals in a 4-1 rout of Cologne in mid-February:
Muller sympathised with those who found Bayern's domestic supremacy boring under Guardiola but added: "I understand why some found our extreme dominance under Guardiola boring, but that sort of total control can't be reproduced as a carbon copy. You can't say: 'They've learnt all that stuff from Pep. They simply have to keep playing that way.' That's not the issue. You have to work at it every single day."
The Athletic's Adam Hurrey lauded Muller for refusing to be drawn into comparisons between managers, though it seems evident the tenures of Ancelotti and Kovac were considered less stable:
Flick, 55, has helped Bayern reclaim a dominant position in the Bundesliga, where they currently lead RB Leipzig by a single point. They have also won each of their six UEFA Champions League group games.
Guardiola took Die Roten to the semi-finals of Europe's top-tier tournament in each of his three campaigns in Bavaria, but Flick will target their first run to the final since winning the title in 2013.
The German giants travel to face Chelsea in the first leg of their last-16 matchup on Tuesday, when Muller will hope to make only his fourth European start this season.
His resurgence has been one notable achievement for Flick, who might yet earn the Bayern job on permanent terms if he can put together a successful end to the 2019-20 campaign.
Robert Lewandowski Talks Nearly Joining Manchester United in 2012
Feb 21, 2020
Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Minich and SC Paderborn 07 in Munich, Germany, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. ( Peter Kneffel/dpa via AP)
Robert Lewandowski moved up to fourth in the all-time Bundesliga scoring charts on Friday, but the Bayern Munich frontman's time in the German top flight could have ended as early as 2012 had Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United gotten their way.
Lewandowski struck a brace during Bayern's 3-2 win over Paderborn, helping Die Roten increase their lead at the top of the table to four points. The Poland international is on course to win an eighth title, a sixth with Bayern, having also lifted the trophy twice with Borussia Dortmund.
During his time with Dortmund, Lewandowski was courted by the Red Devils. He told the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg how Ferguson got in touch:
"I was speaking with him after two years at Dortmund and at that time I was really thinking about a move to Manchester United. Because of Ferguson and because of Manchester United. Borussia Dortmund said: 'No, that's that.' That was the first time I was thinking about the move because if you get a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson, for a young player it was something amazing. That was a special day for me."
Dortmund's stance had significant implications, both in Germany and beyond. Lewandowski stayed put and helped the Westfalenstadion club reach the 2013 UEFA Champions League final, but they were beaten 2-1 by Bayern at Wembley Stadium.
The trophy has eluded Bayern and Lewandowski since, but he is convinced "one day we will play in the Champions League final and we will win it."
Bayern face Chelsea in the last 16, with the first leg taking place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. A striker as prolific as Lewandowski gives Hansi Flick's team a great chance of not only progressing but also going all the way.
Robert Lewandowski ⚽️⚽️
The Bayern striker is now the Bundesliga's outright fourth highest goalscorer of all-time 👏👏#UCLpic.twitter.com/my26v40zCc
Consistency in front of goal has been the hallmark of the 31-year-old's game. He has combined power with quick feet, underrated skill and a natural coolness when finishing.
Those qualities have helped Lewandowski maintain an awesome average that is the envy of most top marksmen on the continent:
Robert Lewandowski's goalscoring record per season in the Bundesliga since arriving in 2010 is the definition of consistency.
United might have stayed near the top of the English game in the post-Ferguson era had the club been able to rely on Lewandowski's uninterrupted output. Instead, the Red Devils went from champions in 2013 to also-rans who now fall in and out of the top four.
A lack of consistency at centre-forward has been a major reason why. Several high-profile moves have failed or been nothing more than stop-gap solutions, with Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku coming and going.
Contacting Lewandowski eight years ago proved Ferguson wanted a rising young star to be the focal point of a new-look team. His failure to land his primary target impacted both United and rivals Arsenal.
The Lewandowski move didn't happen, but Ferguson had more success once he switched his attention to Robin van Persie. He'd hit 37 goals for the Gunners during the 2011/12 season, a campaign United ended in second behind champions Manchester City on goal difference.
Van Persie was in the final year of his contract and had no intention to renew, and United won the race to sign him. The Dutchman's goals propelled Ferguson's men to the title, a prize the Red Devils haven't lifted since.
Robin van Persie: 280 games for Arsenal: 132 goals, 55 assists 121 games for Feyenoord: 46 goals, 15 assists 105 games for Man Utd: 58 goals, 21 assists 87 games for Fenerbahce: 36 goals, 7 assists 102 caps for Netherlands, 50 goals
— Dutch Football 🇳🇱 (@FootballOranje_) May 12, 2019
Meanwhile, Arsenal haven't had a centre-forward who combines technique and goals as well as Van Persie. The fortunes of the two signature rivals of the Premier League era could have been very different had Dortmund consented to letting Lewandowski go earlier.
But Bayern profited from acquiring one of the most reliable finishers of his generation. Lewandowski continues to score at will, and few players would deserve a Champions League triumph more.
Bayern Munich's David Alaba Says He 'Can Imagine Playing Somewhere Else'
Feb 16, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) David Alaba of FC Bayern Muenchen gestures during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
David Alaba has said he can see himself playing somewhere else in the future, but he is currently "very focused on Bayern Munich."
The Austria left-back has been a regular feature in Bayern's first team since 2011-12, when he fully established himself in the senior side after graduating from the academy.
He has sporadically been linked with some of Europe's other top clubs, including Barcelona, but he has never really looked to be close to the exit door at the Allianz Arena.
However, after being asked by the Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft whether he could see himself playing in England, Alaba did not rule out the possibility:
"We'll see. I know the Premier League very well because I followed it a lot when I was younger. I supported Arsenal. Patrick Vieira was one of my favourite players. At the moment I don’t think too much about it but I can imagine playing somewhere else. I am very focused on Bayern Munich. We really want to reach our goals and I really want to help the team."
Alaba's contract at Bayern only runs to 2021, so the German champions will need to make sure they have him tied to new terms by the summer to prevent rumours emerging that he could leave the club.
The 27-year-old would arguably improve any club in the world, not least because, as a defender, he may not yet have reached his peak.
His immense consistency is shown in the fact that he has twice been included in the Bundesliga's team of the season, three times in the UEFA Team of the Year and has been named Austria's Footballer of the Year six times.
As well as being one of the most consistent left-backs in the world, he can also play as a centre-back or in central midfield.
As a result, the Austria international's latest comments will likely pique the interest of Europe's top clubs, particularly in the Premier League.
It is clear for now, though, that Alaba is only focused on helping Bayern in the second half of 2019-20.
They are involved in an extremely tight Bundesliga title race and return to UEFA Champions League action on February 25 when they visit Chelsea for the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Jerome Boateng 'Not Opposed' to Germany Return, Talks Joachim Low Relationship
Feb 13, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Jerome Boateng of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has said he would be open to playing for the Germany national team again.
The defender also said he had a positive relationship with manager Joachim Low, despite the boss stating publicly in March last year that Boateng, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels were no longer part of his plans.
"I think that the national coach expressed very clearly that he wants to go to the European Championship with young players. You have to respect that, that's his line.
"But you never know in football: If there's a chance at some point, I'm not opposed."
On Low, he added: "I spoke to the national team coach. I absolutely appreciate him as a person and a coach. We had a lot of success in the national team and I developed as a player under him. That's why everything is fine."
Low made the decision to move on from the trio after a disastrous 2018 for Germany.
Die Mannschaft finished last in their group at the FIFA World Cup behind Sweden, Mexico and South Korea, before suffering relegation by finishing bottom of their UEFA Nations League A group behind Netherlands and France.
The three players in question played an important role in Germany's World Cup win in 2014, but they were no longer at their peak.
Muller has shown he can still make a significant impact at the top level, though:
His vulnerability to pace is an issue, though. In Sunday's 0-0 draw with RB Leipzig, Boateng had to be withdrawn in the 67th minute because he was struggling, per football analyst Michael Caley:
Boateng's Bayern team-mate Niklas Sule will miss UEFA Euro 2020 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
However, Low has plenty of options to call upon before he needs to consider bringing Boateng back into the fold.
Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger and Borussia Monchengladbach's Matthias Ginter will be among them, while Emre Can has also provided cover at centre-back on plenty of occasions for club and country.
Beyond them, the likes of Jonathan Tah, Thilo Kehrer and Niklas Stark will also be hoping for a place in the squad this summer.
Germany have friendlies with Spain and Italy in March, where their defenders can stake a claim by impressing against other potential contenders for the trophy.
Thiago Says Bayern Munich 'Didn't Control the Game' in RB Leipzig Stalemate
Feb 9, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Konrad Laimer of RB Leipzig and Thiago of FC Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has criticised the team's performance in their 0-0 draw with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Bayern had the chance to pull four points clear at the summit of the table, although they were below their best at the Allianz Arena, with Leipzig digging in to earn a creditable point.
After the game, Thiago commented on a difficult night for the defending champions, noting that they struggled to express themselves at times in the contest, per Patric Ridge of Goal:
"We didn't play the game that we had to play. We were playing at home and we have to win all of the games which we play here.
"We played very well in the first half but then we let it go and didn't control the game. It's not about attack or defence, it's about the team and it's a team game. The energy was not enough to be dominant in the game, we were not in our best mood in the game, that's why we didn't enjoy it.
"The good thing is each game depends on us. That's a good thing. We work a lot to be in the place where we are right now but we have to improve a lot."
Per DW Sports, the draw means the title race is wide-open in the German top flight:
While there were no goals in the game, the match was full of positive attacking moments from both sides. However, none of the stars on show were able to convert their opportunities.
Bayern thought they had been awarded a penalty in the second half, although the decision was rescinded after an offside was picked up by VAR in the buildup.
Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated commented on what was a positive night for Leipzig and a difficult one for the Munich giants:
Good result for Leipzig to get a point at Bayern Munich. Fun to see Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies go at each other in the biggest European game of the weekend.
While Bayern were below their best, Thiago continued his impressive recent form, as he bossed the match for long spells in midfield.
The former Barcelona man's touch, dribbling skill and passing ability made him the standout performer on the pitch. Football writer Michael Caley doesn't think there is a better midfielder in the world at the moment:
Although they were unable to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack on Sunday, Bayern are still the big favourites for Bundesliga glory because of their experience and quality. Leipzig, who have struggled for some form as of late, at least showed they have the stomach for the fight with this diligent draw.
Thiago has been part of a number of successful title pushes, with six Bundesliga prizes to his name as a Bayern player. He'll have a big role to play if the Munich club are to add to their haul.
