FC Bayern is testing against Salzburg
FC Bayern Munich leaves no stone unturned to be best prepared for the party at the start of the year against RB Leipzig. On January 13, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team scheduled a game against Austrian champions RB Salzburg on the FC Bayern campus. Just a week later, RB Leipzig is again about points in the fight for the eleventh German championship in a row.
The RB Leipzig winter timetable
The sparring against Leipzig’s sister club is quite exciting, as the FCB can test many elements that are similar to RBL and RBS, especially in pressing, counter-pressing and counter-attacking behavior.
Preparations for the second part of the season begin at FC Bayern on January 3rd. On this day, the medical examinations and performance diagnostics are on the agenda. FCB are going to a six-day training camp in Doha on January 6th. RB Leipzig are preparing next door in Abu Dhabi from January 2-11.
Kahn appeals as Vice World Champion
After losing the World Cup final, former vice world champion Oliver Kahn appealed to the French stars of FC Bayern Munich. “After a lost final, it’s about getting back up and moving on. Overall, all players can be very proud of their achievements,” said the CEO of the record German soccer champions. He lost the final against Brazil in 2002.
This time Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, defeated France 4-2 (3-3, 2-2, 2-0) on penalties in the final. The South Americans had led 2-0 for a long time, then France’s Kylian Mbappé (80′, 81′) hit back late.
Bayern President Hainer: “Allez les Rouges!”
Central defender Dayot Upamecano and Kingsley Coman were allowed to play in the World Cup final, Benjamin Pavard was no longer able to play after criticism from France national coach Didier Deschamps. Lucas Hernández had to end all hopes of further appearances after tearing his cruciate ligament at the start of the tournament.
“I feel sorry for our French players,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic after the final. “They showed very strong performances.” And President Herbert Hainer emphasized: “We look forward to the return of our vice world champions, they played a strong tournament – and in 2023 it will be ‘Allez les Rouges!’ with renewed vigour.”
Apart from Hernández, Munich will have to do without captain Manuel Neuer for a long time. It is unclear when the Senegalese Sadio Mané will be fit again after missing the World Cup. Germany’s national players have to work through the frustration after the preliminary round.