Ancelotti praises, directs, motivates

“That's good,” “bravo,” “perfect,” “well done!” Carlo Ancelotti shouted on and on as his players worked out at the Säbener Strasse training ground on Sunday morning. It was striking that the 57-year-old encouraged and motivated his players again and again, applauding after successful moves, praising his players in German.

As always, the focus was on the ball. The Bayern pros exercised in different positional rondo drills on a downscaled field, with and without goals, with three touches or freestyle, challenged both physically and mentally. Besides considerable legwork high levels of concentration and speed of action were required to meet the expectations of the new Bayern head coach.

Ancelotti counts on EURO contenders for Supercup

Ancelotti was pleased with the commitment and performance his troops displayed, considering that it was only the second time he had the full squad at his disposal. When things did not go according to plan the Italian did not criticise, but helped. “Other side,” “the positions are important,” Ancelotti commented in German.

The first session in preparation for the Supercup final away to Borussia Dortmund next Sunday was over after 90 minutes. Ancelotti announced during the Team Presentation on Saturday that his plans for the clash with Borussia involve the EURO participants, who had resumed training on Friday. “I want to deploy the players I have. We have eight days until the game, we'll be in good condition then.”