It was a sight that immediately triggered emotions for those watching: the FC Bayern squad in all its glory in perfect summer weather at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Not only were there familiar faces like captain Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich, but also new signings Sadio Mané, Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui.
Neuer makes promise to fans
The players appeared united, head coach Julian Nagelsmann and his coaching team looked excited by the new opportunities, and the leadership team of president Herbert Hainer, CEO Oliver Kahn and board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić looked with pride at the shiny new kits. “I’m extremely excited,“ said Nagelsmann.
The official starting point of the 2022/23 season, the Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation, was a wonderful day for all involved.
Neuer immediately vowed to the fans that “we want to really go for it” as he emerged out of the tunnel in artificial fog and red light.
The spectators in the Arena stands, which were well filled, greeted this announcement with loud applause.
The cheers got even louder when Mané stepped onto the turf and declared with a smile: “I’m enjoying it. I’m happy to be here.”
The Senegalese now has the task of helping to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski’s departure. “He’s a really good man with an incredible mentality,” commented Salihamidžić in an interview with Bavarian radio. In a training match, permanently cheered on by fans with Senegal flags, he showed his strengths: his pace, goal threat and flair.
Gnabry extension causes delight
They’re qualities which Serge Gnabry also regularly displays. His live announcement that he’s extended his contract until 2026 was another highlight of the day.
Elsewhere, the spectators enjoyed t-shirts, signed balls and a fans penalty shootout against Neuer, while Müller, Alphonso Davies and Kimmich took on representatives from the American football team Seattle Seahawks in a football challenge.
In a fan survey, it was revealed that Davies was trusted as the dressing room DJ and Gnabry has the best style. In the evening, the FC Bayern U19s beat the FC Bayern World squad 4-0.
Silverware is forever in fashion at Bayern, and nothing has changed when it comes to wanting to add as many titles as possible to the trophy cabinet in the future.
Kahn lauds squad
“For me personally, a German league title is always big. However, now it’s about fighting habituation. We have a very good squad, which has quality and flexibility. We have a top squad! Everyone in it is determined to raise the bar and win more trophies than last season,” stated Kahn.
And he’s confident of achieving that. “We achieved something extraordinary with the 10th league title in a row. It was important to make adjustments and keep the motivation high. We’re going to have a lot of joy this coming season.”
The composition of the squad provides “so many options”, according to the ex-goalkeeper. “It’s going to be interesting and exciting for everyone. With so much flexibility, we’re capable of producing some surprises.”
Praise for transfer policy
Hainer, who paid a “huge compliment to the transfer policy”, also looked ahead and stressed: “We expect to win titles. I’m optimistic for the new season.”
Salihamidžić added: “I thank Herbert Hainer for the support from the supervisory board. We’ve adjusted the age structure of the squad and I think we can look forward to the season. We can be proud of the team we have. I wish the players and the coaching team the best of luck. We have high hopes.”
The Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation provided fun, entertainment and emotion. The anticipation for the 2022/23 season is literally palpable.
So, pack ma’s!
The key quotes from the press conference with Gravenberch & Mazraoui:
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