Jupp Heynckes already has his first victory of the week: against the feverish cold which had plagued him since the weekend. The FCB head coach returned to the training field on Thursday morning and had double reason to celebrate. With the sole exception of the still-recovering Manuel Neuer, all his players took part in the training session.
20 outfield players and three goalkeepers ran, tackled and shot behind closed doors. Preparation for the Bundesliga game in Wolfsburg on Saturday (15:30) is at full blast. Having to leave out some players from the 18-man squad doesn’t worry the coach. “It’s a luxury to have lots of alternatives,” he said a few weeks ago. And as the first Champions League game after the winter break approaches, there are plenty of opportunities to rotate.
Hummels can’t wait
Anticipation among the players for the upcoming challenges, especially the Champions League, is huge. “When you look ahead at the games and know you’ll be playing in them next week, that’s a great feeling,” said Mats Hummels after the first Champions League last 16 matches, which took place earlier this week.
Next Tuesday Besiktas will visit the Allianz Arena for the first leg. The return leg will be three weeks later (14 March) in Istanbul. “I can’t wait for the matches and especially to hear the Champions League anthem after a long break,” added Hummels, “It’s been more than two months.” After Heynckes‘ illness it’s Champions League fever that’s now seized FC Bayern.
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