FC Bayern are preparing intensively at their base camp in Orlando for their Club World Cup opener this Sunday against Auckland City. On Thursday, board member for sport Max Eberl spoke to the media about his first impressions, his expectations of the tournament and transfers.
Eberl: "Trying to prepare ourselves as best we can''
"I think the trip has been superbly organised. The hotel is perfect, the pitches are good and we haven't had any injuries in the first 48 hours, which is always the most important thing. Accordingly, everything feels good so far and it all starts on Sunday," said Eberl.
The 51-year-old explained that FC Bayern would of course be going into the Club World Cup to be as successful as possible. At the same time, however, it's also "a bit of a journey into the unknown. We don't really know what to expect yet. Other teams are more familiar with the conditions here. We're trying to prepare as best we can and are obviously here to win the games and progress as far as we can."
With the players who were recently on international duty not due to arrive at base camp in Orlando until Thursday evening and Friday, Eberl said with a view to the start on Sunday: "All the internationals will certainly not start against Auckland. The other lads have already acclimatised a bit. We'll definitely put out a strong team." In general, the aim is of course to progress past the group stage. However, Eberl also warned: "With Benfica and Boca, you have two teams who have achieved great things. We know Benfica, we last played them in the Champions League and that wasn't an easy game."
Leroy Sané to join the squad on Friday
Leroy Sané, who is leaving FC Bayern at the end of his contract on 30 June to join Galatasaray, will join up with the squad in Orlando on Friday. "If the player gets another offer and accepts it, that's absolutely normal. It's legitimate, and the fact that there's no resentment is also shown by the joint decision that he'll still be here for the group games and, possibly, the round of 16 at the Club World Cup."
In general, FC Bayern is continuing to work on potential transfers for the new season even during the Club World Cup. "The focus is on the squad we have here. We've brought along some young players, and now we've added two Germany internationals in Tom Bischof and Jonathan Tah, who have come in on free transfers. That's already a big step," said Eberl and continued: “We have a clear plan on how we want to implement things. But there's still a lot to do. I'm certain we will have a very strong squad."
All FIFA Club World Cup matches are being broadcast live and for free by streaming service DAZN, although broadcasters will differ in some countries.
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