Two new arrivals & loads of good vibes: a look back at the training camp

Under the soft Spanish sun, FC Bayern Women have been working hard at their winter training camp in Seville over the past few days, preparing themselves in the best possible way for the second half of the season. From 9 to 16 January, head coach José Barcala took advantage of the ideal conditions in Andalusia to get his team in the right frame of mind for the job ahead. In addition to tactical and athletic sessions, the programme also included a friendly against US CONCACAF champions Gotham FC, which provided valuable insights for further development. But it wasn't just on the pitch that the team worked hard: a padel tournament strengthened team spirit and ensured a terrific atmosphere. The Munich women are now returning from Seville following an ideal week of preparation and with a fresh team spirit. A look back at the past few days in southern Spain.

📺 Check out the recap of the training camp on our YouTube channel:

Start of the 2026 winter training camp

Early on Friday morning, there was a flurry of activity at the FC Bayern Campus. Accompanied by head coach José Barcala and his team, the players bid farewell to the winter cold of Munich and made their way to the airport together. There was an expectant mood, with a sense of excitement in the air, as the winter training camp always marks a special moment in the rhythm of the season.

After a flight of just under three hours, the plane touched down in Seville. There wasn't much time to enjoy the Andalusian warmth, however: no sooner had the players checked into the hotel than the coaching staff summoned them to their first training session. The opening exercise was short but intense – just right for shaking off the effects of the journey and adjusting to the new surroundings. Magdalena Eriksson, Momoko Tanikawa and their teammates quickly found their feet on the Spanish turf, ready to lay the foundations for a successful Rückrunde.

Intensive sessions on the pitch and in the gym

In addition to the daily sessions on the training pitch, where passing accuracy, running patterns and teamwork were practised over and over again, the training camp also focused on specific sessions in the gym. Under the guidance of the athletics staff, the players worked intensively on their physical condition, placing particular emphasis on strength and stamina, thus laying the foundation for the upcoming challenges of the second half of the season.

But the focus wasn't solely on physical fitness: the coaching staff also used the time in Spain to fine-tune tactical skills. In detailed discussions and on the pitch, playing systems were analysed, processes optimised and coordination within the team further improved. The aim was to sharpen the players' instincts and take team coordination to a new level. But there was no shortage of fun, as Giulia Gwinn, Mala Grohs and their teammates proved time and time again.

Amani & Imade bolster FCB Women squad

Bernadette Amani, the latest addition to the FC Bayern Women's squad, also took part in the training camp. Just a few days earlier, the 28-year-old Ivory Coast captain had penned her contract with the German double winners, thus turning a new page in her career. Amani, who most recently played in midfield for Spanish first division club CD Tenerife Femenino, arrives in Munich not only with international experience, but also leadership qualities and individual class. Even in the first few sessions on Spanish soil, it was clear how quickly she was integrating into the team and enriching the Munich women's midfield with her presence.

🗣️ Get to know our new number 1️⃣5️⃣ a little better in this interview:

New signing Edna Imade was also welcomed to the Munich side. The 25-year-old Spain international joined the team at the beginning of the week and was quickly made to feel at home by her new teammates. Just last weekend, Imade caused a sensation while playing for Real Sociedad: she scored a hat-trick in the spectacular 5-5 draw against Atlético Madrid, bowing out of the Primera División with an impressive performance.

No sooner had she arrived in Spain than the centre forward slotted seamlessly into the FC Bayern Women's team. Imade showed flashes of her talent in the friendly against Gotham FC, promptly getting on the scoresheet for the first time. Her debut left us wanting more and gave us a glimpse of how invaluable her attacking qualities could be for the Munich side in the Rückrunde.

🗞️ Take a closer look at Edna Imade in our profile:

Oberdorf and Naschenweng toil tirelessly

There was also some hard work being done off the pitch at the training camp in Spain. Lena Oberdorf and Katharina Naschenweng, both currently sidelined through injury, made intensive use of their time under the southern sun. Oberdorf, who suffered a cruciate ligament rupture last autumn, completed her rehab programme, demonstrating the same indomitable will that sets her apart on the pitch.

Alongside her, Katharina Naschenweng also put in some solid work. The Austria international suffered a partial tear of the lateral ligament in her left foot in the last Bundesliga match of the year at Bayer Leverkusen and has been sidelined ever since. Naschenweng showed full commitment in Spain – whether in the gym, in individual running sessions or during her first exercises with the ball. For both players, the training camp wasn't just about waiting around, but actively moving forward.

Tough test under palm trees: FCB go head-to-head with Gotham FC

The training camp programme featured a special clash for FC Bayern Women: behind closed doors, the Munich side took on reigning CONCACAF champions Gotham FC from the USA. The friendly not only provided exciting moments on the pitch, but also plenty of heartfelt encounters off it. For example, Georgia Stanway was reunited with her former teammate Rose Lavelle, with whom she once played for Manchester City. Germany internationals Linda Dallmann, Ena Mahmutovic and Co. also took the opportunity for a catch up: Ann-Katrin Berger, the current Germany keeper, was also at the camp and chatted away with her teammates.

Exciting padel tournament to wrap up the training camp

To wrap up the training camp, there was a padel tournament, where players and staff competed against each other on the court. In randomly selected teams, everyone battled for points with great determination, but above all with a lot of enjoyment. Whether experienced padel players or just novices with rackets, everyone participated enthusiastically, and the sound of laughter could be heard echoing throughout the complex well into the evening.

Barcala: "Training camp was invaluable"

Head coach José Barcala was thoroughly satisfied after the intensive days in Andalusia: "The training camp in Spain was invaluable for us – not only to work on the physical and tactical details, but also to bring the team even closer together. The players completed every session with remarkable dedication and high intensity, and the atmosphere within the team was very good from the outset. I was particularly impressed by how quickly our new signings integrated and brought fresh energy and new impetus to the team."

Looking ahead to the coming weeks

Following the highly productive training camp in Spain, FC Bayern Women return to their home turf and the Campus, where the final phase of preparations will now begin. On 25 January, the Munich women will first host RB Leipzig, before turning their attention to the major challenges of the coming weeks. In addition to their Bundesliga fixtures, they face quarter-final ties in the DFB Cup and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

There's a special highlight coming up in early April: the quarter-final home tie in the premier club competition in European women’s football will once again take place at the Allianz Arena. Whether it's Manchester United or Atlético Madrid, the Munich women can already look forward to a real football festival in front of a big crowd.

Reserve your tickets for the quarter-final at the Allianz Arena now via this link!

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