Close encounters, emotion and Supercup euphoria: How the Allianz FC Bayern Team Day went

At the Allianz FC Bayern Team Day, the FC Bayern Campus was transformed into a grand stage for the men’s and women’s first teams, as well as for our fans: In front of a sell-out crowd of over 2,000 at the FCB Women home ground, the presentation of both teams first took place before Vincent Kompany’s side worked intensively on fitness, tactics and fine-tuning ahead of the start of the season – with top striker Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano back in action for the first time since the World Cup, alongside several talented youngsters from the Campus.

“An excellent event with the perfect partner”

“Allianz is the perfect partner for us. We work together on many initiatives designed to promote our shared values. Today’s event as a whole is excellent. It allows people to experience FC Bayern first-hand,” said a delighted board member for marketing and sales Rouven Kasper. Nathaniel Brown revealed the players were also impressed: “When you see how many fans are here, it’s absolutely mind-blowing,” said the new arrival from Frankfurt: “It’s great fun. I’m incredibly proud to be here and I’m really looking forward to the new season.” Klara Bühl from FCB Women added: “It’s a pretty cool event to have the fans here and enjoy the moment. Representing the club together like this is something special.”

“It went well; it was my first full training session with the team. When you’ve had a three- or three-and-a-half-week break, you don’t really know how you’ll feel on your return. I felt good and looked lively,” said Kane, looking back on his first training session. “Now it’s all about getting back into the swing of things. As far as fitness is concerned, you don’t lose too much during that time. It’s more about regaining composure in finishing, shooting and passing, and getting to know some new teammates. That’s what the next few weeks will be all about.”

Kimmich: “A very special club”

Between fulfilling numerous requests for autographs and selfies, the official team presentation by stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann and the men’s intensive training session, there was also a group photo taken of the women’s and men’s teams together. “It’s part of the club’s philosophy to hold lots of open training sessions. That’s what makes FC Bayern such a special club,” said Joshua Kimmich. And Giulia Gwinn added: “It is something special. We’re delighted that it’s taking place on our home turf. It’s always nice when both teams come together and you receive such support from the club. It’s also exciting for us to watch the men’s training session for a change.”

Donation to ‘buntkicktgut’

Josip Stanišić revealed the main focus of the training session: “This week, the emphasis is on fitness and working through the tactics with everyone who’s returned.” As well as match simulation drills, head coach Vincent Kompany had his players take all sorts of shots at the goalkeepers before the players set off to various locations for a range of social media challenges – amongst other things, a donation of €25,000 was raised for the street football initiative ‘buntkicktgut’ by the players, fans and content creators.

The women’s side, who had already triumphantly celebrated their Supercup victory over VfL Wolfsburg in the season opener on Saturday evening, were feted at the Allianz FC Bayern Team Day: “First match, first title – that feels absolutely brilliant,” revealed Bühl: “We celebrated a bit, but even so, our focus is already on our first Bundesliga match next week.”

Final friendly before the Supercup

The men’s team will take the final major step towards the start of the season on Tuesday evening with a friendly at Bundesliga 2 side 1. FC Heidenheim – live on FC Bayern TV PLUS. It's the final dress rehearsal ahead of the season’s first competitive match, the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup in Dortmund against BVB. Captain Manuel Neuer believes his team are well prepared for it: “Overall, our pre-season is going very well. We’re all in good spirits and looking forward to this classic clash in the Supercup on Saturday. We’re really raring to get out there and win this match.”