Overview
- Bayern München’s women lost 1–7 at Barcelona in the Champions League, with coach José Barcala calling the performance unacceptable as analysts cite a widening tactical and technical gap to Europe’s elite.
- Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann’s squad choices drew fresh criticism ahead of qualifiers, with Kevin Schade called up, Ridle Baku recalled, Nathaniel Brown preferred at left back over Maximilian Mittelstädt, and Oliver Baumann confirmed fit as the current No. 1.
- Injuries and limited club minutes constrain options for the national team, with absences including Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav, while Nick Woltemade is set to rejoin the squad after illness.
- At club level, 1. FC Köln secured breakout winger Said El Mala on a deal to 2030 without a release clause after rejecting a reported €15 million Brighton bid; the 19-year-old scored a Bundesliga winner on his first start and is with Germany’s U21s.
- Schalke 04 sit second in the 2. Bundesliga under Miron Muslic, where midfield anchor Ron Schallenberg has emerged as a key figure and, per reports, has an appearance-based option to extend his contract to 2027, as Gladbach captain Tim Kleindienst signals his knee return remains uncertain.