The smell of freshly mown grass and the sun on their faces – that’s how Saturday started for numerous FC Bayern fans who had come to Säbener Straße to see the open training session in the morning. Around 2,500 fans followed every move by Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise & Co. on the training ground. Between tackles, selfies and autographs, we talked to some of the spectators about how they experienced the day and what their hopes for the new season are.
Calvin and Michael were delighted they got to see the FCB pros up close. It was a special trip for them: they travelled more than 800 kilometres from Bremerhaven to see the open training session. “I’m absolutely thrilled, we’re so close,” said Calvin. Michael, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, was particularly pleased about a little souvenir: “It’s just great to collect selfies and autographs when you have the chance.”
FCB fan Damian from Bonn also got numerous autographs: “He’ll hang them up, he’ll remember it for a long time,” said his father Fabian. As a long-time Bayern fan, it’s very special to be so close to the players during the training session. “It feels like they’re two feet away. That doesn’t happen every day.”
Markus and his son Julian came from Kufstein. Markus is happy for the children: “It’s a great chance to be so close to the pros. Of course we hope for autographs and maybe some selfies.” Markus, who stopped in Munich on his way to his holiday destination, enjoyed the perfect conditions: “The weather is great, it’s a nice atmosphere here,” he said, adding that it’s a special experience for every fan to see the pros “in action.”
Fernanda and her sons had already attended the open training session on Monday, but that didn't dampen their excitement on Saturday. “My boys woke me up at 5 am so we could get here on time,” she reported. “We want to say thank you for the opportunity to gain these amazing insights. Every person here is a football enthusiast, and everyone's really excited." Claudia and her daughter Alicia, on the other hand, are first-time visitors to an open training session – and the wait was well worth it. “It's really exciting. What a great initiative from FC Bayern.”
With razor-sharp focus and the fans right behind them, coach Vincent Kompany's men are preparing for the tasks ahead. The supporters hope that Harry Kane and his teammates will be just as successful in the new campaign as they were in the last. “I expect them to win the league again,” says Claudia. Fabian would like to see his heroes win the DFB Cup as well as the Meisterschale, and also do well in the Champions League. “A semi-final would be great,” he declares.
Mark is taking a wait-and-see approach for now. “Let’s wait for the first three or four matches, and then I hope we win as many trophies as possible.” Markus clearly sees Bayern as favourites in the Bundesliga, but is also aware of the challenges in the Champions League: “The competition is getting stronger and stronger, especially from England. Winning the DFB Cup would be a great achievement.”
The support of the fans is a key factor in sporting success. On Saturday, it was once again possible to feel this special sense of community. “At FC Bayern, the fans are right in the thick of it, they’re part of the club and very important,” says Calvin. Michael agrees: ‘You can feel the “Mia san Mia” spirit, you’re part of this family.’