DiazEra

• Who will form the double pivot? Would Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlović be a suitable duo? Nagelsmann: "We need a slightly different profile for the more attacking role, but one of them definitely has a good chance of playing. Pavlo is incredibly consistent, almost always playing at the same level. Felix has more dips in form, but also some truly exceptional moments. He has incredibly impressive physical attributes: he's brutally fast, tall, super agile. His performance still lacks consistency; he needs to smooth out those fluctuations. Pavlo always plays the same game. That sounds negative, but it's meant very positively." [@kicker]

Leon Goretzka speaking to @DIEZEIT • You went through a difficult period at Bayern, you were considered a potential sale candidate, but fought your way back. Do you want to stay in Munich? Goretzka: "If the conditions are right, yes. But that's not automatic. Munich is a beautiful city with a high quality of life. I feel very comfortable here." • You'll be 31 in February. Your last chance to move is approaching. Will we see you somewhere else soon? Goretzka: "That's an option, of course. I find the idea of ​​going abroad exciting during my career. I've considered it twice already, but consciously decided against it. I know I'm in a comfort zone in Munich. Stepping outside would also be a step towards my personal development. Experiencing something new would enrich my life." • Do you approach clubs yourself? Goretzka: "I read that I supposedly contacted Hansi Flick in Barcelona. I can deny that here and now."

The DFL also gave a statement to @SPORTBILD about Bayern's dominance, stating that they're in favour of introducing a salary cap: "FC Bayern played an outstanding first half of the Bundesliga season, they've also been once again very successful internationally, and are thus making yet another enormous contribution to the positive perception of the quality of German football. Regarding the international marketing of the league, we know from our international partners that an exciting title race, top stars with global appeal, strong club brands, and international success for clubs and the national team are the key success factors. In the past three seasons, there have been two different German champions in the Bundesliga, a title decider in the final quarter of an hour of the last matchday, and usually excitement until the end of the season, including in the battle for European qualification and relegation. In the Bundesliga, as in the entire European football system, competitive balance remains one of the key issues – influenced by numerous factors, including revenue from international competitions. In recent months, the DFL and German clubs have clearly spoken out in favor of an absolute salary cap, which would promote the competitive balance of all European football"