Intensive training sessions, two friendly victories and countless happy fans in the holiday resort of Tegernsee. Bayern’s eight-day training camp in Rottach-Egern, their first since 2006, was a complete success in the eyes of the record champions. “We’ve had super conditions and have been able to train very well,” concluded sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. “We just feel comfortable here. Everything’s worked out really well.”
Before their journey back to Munich, the squad completed one final open training session. And just as they did for the 20-2 win in the friendly against local side FC Rottach-Egern on the previous day, around 2,500 spectators came to the facility at Birkenmoosweg to marvel at the Bayern stars up close, cheering and clapping their every successful move.
Along with the four open practice sessions, there were also four behind-closed-doors sessions in which the players sweated in temperatures of above 30 degrees, normally for over two hours. “The lads have really got on board and shown full commitment. You certainly can’t accuse them of not giving everything,” praised Salihamidzic. “It’s enjoyable to watch them and I’m looking forward to the new season.”
Praise for Kovac and hosts
Salihamidzic also had some words of praise for coach Niko Kovac. “Niko is a very, very hard worker who’s explained a lot of details to the lads,” he said. “He’s changed some things which are important for him. In terms of conditioning we’ve worked a bit differently to recent years.” Kovac has shown himself to be particularly flexible when it comes to training workload, cancelling the odd session in order not to overexert his players.
Competitive action starts on Sunday for Bayern with the Supercup showdown against DFB Cup winners Eintracht Frankfurt, which will show if the hard work of the last six weeks has borne fruit. “It’s the first proper match, which we obviously to win. We want to get the first trophy. Now things get serious,” continued Salihamidzic.
The Reds’ sporting director ended by paying tribute to FC Rottach-Egern. “We’ve received a very nice, friendly welcome here and everything’s been spot on.” With their week on Tegernsee having “gone so well”, the club might not leave it 12 years until the next one. “We’re pleased that we’ll probably be able to come here again next year.”