Created on 05-09-2010 at 00:00 AM
The south of Europe has been the pre-season destination of choice for a number of Bayern teams this summer. The first team, the reserves and a number of youth squads have all made their way to the picturesque north Italian region of Trentino for training camps. The U-19, U-17 and U-15 teams all benefited from the superb conditions in bella Italia.
Louis van Gaal and his men were stationed in Riva del Garda, but the U-19 players and coach Kurt Niedermayer were in the east of the Trentino region in Fiera de Primiero. In the shadow of the Bedolé and Pala mountains, the club’s most senior youth players enjoyed “outstanding conditions,” according to Niedermayer, as they worked on the foundations for a decent season in the junior Bundesliga.
Every wish fulfilled
The U-17 squad were quartered some 100 km to the west. After first testing the location in 2009, Stephan Beckenbauer’s group stayed in the Val di Sole resort of Pejo for the second year in succession. “It’s always easier when you know your way around,” said Beckenbauer, explaining the decision to return to the training base in the heart of the Stilfser Joch national park.
The coach and his staff had been “very satisfied” with the facilities last year, making it a relatively simple call in favour of Pejo this time. “The hotel and its services are very good. Everyone’s done everything they can to make our stay as pleasant as possible,” continued Beckenbauer. “They knew what we wanted even before we could ask.”