FC Bayern Begins Pre-Season Preparations
The double winners FC Bayern Munich have embarked on their journey to prepare for the upcoming season, kicking off just 58 days post their triumphant victory in the DFB-Pokal final and merely a day after the World Cup final. The preparations commenced this Monday morning with fitness tests taking place at the Barmherzige Brüder hospital in Munich’s Nymphenburg district, albeit with only a handful of players present.
Early Birds at the Clinic
Sven Ulreich, the backup goalkeeper, was the first to arrive at the clinic at 7:43 AM. The seasoned goalkeeper, who recently extended his contract until the summer of 2027, wasted no time and made his way to the medical team led by Prof. Dr. Roland Schmidt. Starting at 8 AM, the players were tested in pairs for crucial health parameters such as lung function and exercise stress tests.
New Faces and Returning Players
As many of the World Cup players are still on vacation, only a select few were present for the fitness tests. Alongside Ulreich, Arijon Ibrahimovic made his way into the clinic at 7:54 AM, returning from a loan spell with Heidenheim. He is now firmly a part of Coach Vincent Kompany’s plans for the upcoming season.
Additional players, including Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl, also participated, highlighting the youthful essence of the squad. Karl, recovering from a muscle injury, and Bischof showcased their commitment to returning to peak fitness levels.
Fitness Tests for Key Players
The fitness test roster expanded to include Serge Gnabry, who arrived with a fresh haircut and eager enthusiasm. The offensive star had been sidelined due to a groin injury suffered prior to the World Cup. His commitment to recovery and readiness for the season reflects the determination within the team.
Loan Returnees and Future Plans
Three other loan returnees – João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, and Bryan Zaragoza – were also expected at the clinic but initially did not appear for assessments. Later, Palhinha arrived at Säbener Straße in the afternoon, signifying a potential opportunity for him, as Tottenham opted not to activate his purchase option, keeping interest from other clubs in the mix.
Zaragoza and Armindo Sieb also made their appearances, contributing to an intriguing mix of talents as the squad begins to take shape for the competitive season ahead.
Next Steps in Training
Following the completion of initial fitness checks, a second phase of assessments took place at the professional training facility, focusing on body measurements and lactate testing. The young players experienced their first training session under the guidance of Kompany and U23 coach Dante.
The first friendly match is slated for July 25 against Third League side SV Wehen Wiesbaden, marking the team’s return to competitive play.
Planned Training Camp and Upcoming Matches
A training camp will occur from July 27 to 30 at Tegernsee, featuring public training sessions and a friendly game against local club FC Rottach-Egern. High-profile players preparing for their imminent return include national team stars like Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich, who are expected to complete their fitness tests before joining the squad at Tegernsee.
The Bayern Munich squad is gearing up for a demanding schedule, including a match against RB Leipzig on August 15 as part of the Telekom Cup, leading into their first official competition against Borussia Dortmund for the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on August 22, and opening their Bundesliga campaign against VfB Stuttgart on August 28.
Conclusion
As FC Bayern Munich steps back onto the pitch, the excitement for the new season is palpable. With a blend of returning stars and fresh talent, the club is determined to build on its success, and pre-season preparations are a crucial step in achieving their ambitious goals. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season ahead!
