After the Bayern pros completed a bike ride and running drills on Wednesday, the focus was on the ball again on Thursday, in more than one regard. The session in the morning was open to the media. Around two dozen camera teams and photographers as well as numerous journalists watched the squad train in two groups. One half completed passing exercises whereas the other players were in for a fitness programme, performing jumping ability and sprinting drills besides training with medicine balls.
Assistant coach Robert Kovac oversaw the session. Head coach Niko Kovac was at the Säbener Strasse facility and had prepared the session, but he stayed away from the training ground due to a slight stomach upset. The session was by no means less intense. The 44-year-old assistant coach instructed the group consisting of nine pros and some youngsters over the whole session, spurring the players on and correcting them if things did not go according to the coaching staff's expectations.
Vidal running, fitness checks for Alaba
Kovac also welcomed a returnee on an adjacent pitch. Arturo Vidal turned in a few laps on the grass for the first time after his knee surgery in April. His team-mate Rafinha performed a running session and a few fitness exercises after the demanding programme over the last few days.
David Alaba underwent the obligatory fitness checks in the performance centre while his colleagues worked up a sweat. The Austrian had resumed training on Wednesday after making national team appearances in June, completing performance diagnostic tests with Dr Holger Broich. The 26-year-old was put through his paces, performing stamina, speed and jumping ability drills. Besides, he underwent an orthopaedic and medical examination including balance, vision and functional movement tests.
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