Badstuber: We want to enjoy this trip

While Xabi Alonso and Holger Badstuber have experienced a lot in their careers, the two Bayern pros have surely never been welcomed by a cheering crowd like this for a talk. Audi invited the Munich men to a podium discussion alongside AC Milan players Riccardo Montolivo and Gianluigi Donnarumma, where they chatted freely to the delight of the numerous Bayern fans, who subsequently collected autographs and selfies with the stars.

“Of course we're thinking of our fan base in the US,” explained Alonso, “the people here are very interested and follow the news on our team. The fans are great, and it's nice to see football becoming more and more popular in the States.” Badstuber is equally pleased, considering himself and the Bayern family as representatives of the Bundesliga as a whole: “I hope we can make the Bundesliga an even bigger thing in the US. That's our goal!”

Ancelotti in control

The toughest opponent the Bavarians have to face is jet lag: seven hours of time difference between central Europe and Chicago are not to be underestimated. “Of course the time change is the hardest thing, but we'll manage. We'll do everything and have fun despite the sleep deficit.” The Reds have reason to look forward to the tour as they cross swords with AC and Inter Milan as well as Real Madrid: “These are good friendlies which will help us improve, learn the language and meet nice people. We want to enjoy the trip,” according to Badstuber.

The technological development in football was one of the core themes of the talk. “It's become a crucial issue, it's changed many things in football,” said Alonso. However, the experienced Spaniard also sees a downside, as he revealed with a wink: “Every move is recorded via GPS. You can't cheat in training.” Much to Carlo Ancelotti's delight.