Training in minus temperatures

It was bitterly cold in Munich on Wednesday morning. Nevertheless, the Bayern squad ventured onto the training ground in minus double-digit minus temperatures for the first training session of the week in the build-up to the away game at Freiburg (Sunday, 18.00 CET). "Hats on, wrap up warm and keep moving all the time. Then you can do it," said Sebastian Rudy on his 28th birthday, revealing his tricks to overcome the cold.

Another option is to enjoy it to the full. Thiago was determined to have fun as his first action of the day was to throw a snowball in the direction of Juan Bernat. The session started with a comprehensive warm-up routine. After the players’ bodies were brought up to a working temperature it was off to various drills and practising shots on goal.

The Bayern first team showed off their skills to over 200 fans at the open session with long-term injuries Manuel Neuer and Kingsley Coman plus James Rodriguez (individual rehab session in the performance centre) still sidelined - and Rudy's advice was certainly valuable. It was a committed session as, after two days without training, it was time to start getting prepared for a busy period. "Now we face demanding and decisive weeks. We all want to be 100 per cent fit," said the birthday boy, who received a serenade from his team-mates before training, on his way back to the warm dressing room.