UEFA Youth League opener for U-19 juniors

The FCB seniors set out in search of renewed Champions League glory this week, but Philipp Lahm and Co will not be the only Bayern team in search of points at an international level, as an important new European competition also makes its debut. Tuesday sees the launch of the UEFA Youth League, a contest that pitches the U-19 teams of the Champions League contenders against each other, parallel to the group stage of the elite competition itself.

“We’re looking forward to this competition, which Karl-Heinz Rummenigge helped create,” said Wolfgang Dremmler, head of the FCB junior team youth section. The former Bayern stalwart emphasised the importance it will have for the players: ”It will be a tough challenge for our U-19 team, playing against the other youth teams from the best teams in Europe.” Coach Marc Kienle added: “It will be an exciting experience for our boys. We want to do as well as we can.”

In their opening match, Kienle’s troops will be playing their counterparts from CSKA Moscow on Tuesday 17^t September. For organisational reasons, the match will be played in the suburb of Heimstetten (kick off 2 pm). The remaining games against Plzen and Manchester City will be played at Grünwalder Stadion. “This tournament gives every player the chance to take a further step in his development, both in terms of skill and personality,” Dremmler commented.