Bayern ready for next tasks after high-scoring finish to training camp

Skender Nuraj provided the finishing touch. The youth player scored FC Bayern's 15th goal in the friendly at FC Rottach Egern and completed a fitting scoreline for the German record champions on a high-scoring evening at Tegernsee. Three Bayern players scored braces in Felipe Chavéz, Arijon Ibrahimović and Maycon Cardozo, while World Cup participants Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović were also among the goals against the at times helpless minnows. “It was great fun with the guys, everyone was up for scoring goals and playing football,” commented Pavlović after the final whistle. “Defensively we also stood up well.”

Of course, the 15-0 scoreline ultimately has little sporting significance for the German record champions’ management. The friendly, which the Munich club traditionally hold during their Tegernsee training camp, is more of a thank-you for the ideal conditions that they’ve been enjoying there in the summer for years. “We’ve felt very well looked after and have been able to start working on some sporting aspects,” summarised Christoph Freund.

Optimal conditions at Tegernsee

The support that the double winners were shown, not far from the Bavarian state capital, particularly impressed the sporting director. “When you see what’s been going on here in the last few days, it was wonderful. We’ve had a full house every day and now the match, very close to the fans. It’s been a nice week.” It wasn’t just at the match that almost 3,000 fans watched on the sidelines; the stands at the Birkenmoos stadium were packed for the three open training sessions earlier in the week, too.

The goalfest against the Kreisliga outfit therefore rounded off a successful training camp for the record champions. In the intensive sessions against the scenic backdrop of the hills of Tegernsee, Vincent Kompany’s men were able to practise processes and start working on finer details. “We’re only concentrating on football and on raising our level in pre-season,” said the head coach at full time. “Of course, not all the guys are here yet, but those we do have are all looking really good, which is important – because eventually everything has to come together.”

After only a handful of first-team players started pre-season in mid-July, Kompany has at least had the first World Cup returnees available again since Tuesday. Luis Díaz is set to link up with the team at the Audi Summer Tour in a few days, whereas Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala and new signing Ismael Saibari will not travel to South Korea and Hong Kong, instead continuing their rehab in Munich. Other players, including Harry Kane and Michael Olise, are still on their well-earned post-World Cup break.

Even though the squad isn’t yet at full strength, the focus on the coming days should be on continuing to gel. To that end, Max Eberl stressed that sporting matters should be the priority in Asia. “Obviously we also have PR engagements, but the training determines everything,” explained the board member for sport. On top of that, there are two friendly matches against high-class opponents in Jeju SK and Europa League winners Aston Villa during the trip. “The Asia tour is a nice moment to grow closer as a group,” added Eberl.

Particularly for the new boys in the team, every day spent with their new team-mates is crucial in the short pre-season. “For me it’s even more important because it means I’m with the guys every day, so the training camp is a very, very good thing,” said Nathaniel Brown at his unveiling on Wednesday. Having never been to Asia before, the new signing is also looking forward to “getting to know the guys even better” and “working even more specifically on the things we need to improve” in training.

Jonathan Tah thinks the team are on the right track. “I’m raring to go and I get the feeling that all the lads feel the same,” revealed the centre-back, who’s been back in training since Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the new season. It’s about working hard every day, preparing well in every training session and winning every match.” Roll on the next tasks.