Jerôme Boateng was first up, followed by Mario Götze, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and finally captain Philipp Lahm –Bayern’s 's World Cup-winning heroes are back in Munich, where they accepted thunderous applause from the 65,500 sell-out crowd at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. “Crazy, just crazy,” declared Lahm as the fans went into raptures at the official Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation.
“The stadium is full to capacity and that's fantastic. It shows just how much our fans identify with FC Bayern. Thank you all for coming,” said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, “I'm certain we'll have a good and successful season.” Prior to the emergence of the six World Cup winners, the other squad members and the coaching staff were individually introduced onto the pitch by stadium announcer Stephan Lehman. Once everyone was present and correct, the players lined up in front of last season's four trophies: the championship shield, DFB Cup, World Club Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Ribéry unable to train
“That's a great start to the season,” commented Lahm. The first league fixture is on 22 August when FCB entertain VfL Wolfsburg in the official 2014/15 opening match, “and by the end of the season we’re aiming to collect another trophy or two,” Lahm continued. All the players were called out individually, from David Alaba and Holger Badstuber through to Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben, and the four summer signings Robert Lewandowski, Sebastian Rode, Juan Bernat and Pepe Reina, who inked his new contract the previous day.
The team presentation was followed by a live performance from singer Andreas Bourani, after which Pep Guardiola supervised his men in a demonstration training session, the first time since May that the head coach has taken charge of a full squad. The only stars missing were long-term injury victim Thiago and Franck Ribéry (knee). Diego Contento was also not involved as the left-back is poised to join French top-flight outfit Girondins Bordeaux.
Admission to the Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation cost €5, with all proceeds earmarked for a good cause, as the total revenues of €327,750 will be donated to the Allianz foundation for children in need.
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