Running, riding bikes interspersed with measurements and analysis. The FC Bayern international players ended their summer holiday on Friday and appeared for the obligatory performance tests. "The holiday did me a power of good and I was able to recharge my batteries. Now I'm looking forward to finally getting stuck in again," said Manuel Neuer. "The pre-season is obviously a very intensive period but it is also fun. Last season you could see all the hard work paid off particularly at the end of the season."
In addition to Neuer, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Süle, Sven Ulreich, David Alaba, Robert Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman and new signing Benjamin Pavard demonstrated in the strenuous drills that they hadn't just been lying in the sun during their time off.
The last named has another exciting date in the early afternoon. From 13.30 CET, Pavard will field questions from the media at the Allianz Arena along with Hasan Salihamidzic. The press conference with the World Cup winner is available live and free of charge at fcbayern.com and can also be followed with our live text commentary service. The next session for the returnees is tonight’s open training session (17.00 CET, also live on fcbayern.com).
Together with the other FC Bayern players, who return to training on Monday, coach Niko Kovac will then have his squad almost complete. Only Alphonso Davies is still on holiday as he was playing for Canada at the Gold Cup up to the end of June. In addition, Lucas Hernandez is still working on an individual rehab programme following his knee operation.