Football: Bayern for Salzburg “ultimate test”
That’s another reason why Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle will have a different focus than his counterpart Julian Nagelsmann. “Bayern are already much further along, they only have their first competitive game a week later. That means a big challenge for us against a professional opponent, but we’re still looking forward to it,” emphasized Jaissle.
On the sold-out Bayern Campus in front of 2,500 spectators, the people of Salzburg are about to determine their position. However, the Jaissle-Elf definitely want to prevent a “cold start” against Bayern, as well as a similar debacle as in the 7-1 defeat in the second leg of the Champions League in March 2022 in Munich. Possibly a good omen: Salzburg also won a friendly in 2014 against Bayern 3-0 in January.
From Munich directly to the training camp in Spain
On Saturday, the “Bulls” travel directly from Munich to a one-week training camp in Marbella. In Spain, test matches against Sparta Prague (January 16) and Karlsruher SC (January 20) are planned in preparation for the first competitive game on February 3 in the ÖFB Cup quarterfinals against Sturm Graz. Only the injured professionals Justin Omoregie and Samson Tijani are absent in Marbella.
“Important game” also for Bayern
The Bavarians have completed a training camp in Qatar in the past few days and will return to Munich on Thursday. Nagelsmann drew a positive conclusion. “I’m generally very satisfied,” said the coach, already looking ahead to the duel with Salzburg. “It’s an important game. It’s about setting the course for the start of the Bundesliga.”
New signing Daley Blind will make his debut for Bayern Munich, while his Dutch compatriot Matthijs de Ligt falls out with a swollen ankle. It is unclear whether the last ÖFB legionnaire Marcel Sabitzer, weakened by flu, WILL play.
There is a reunion for Salzburg with their former player Dayot Upamecano, who failed with France at the World Cup in the final. The injured Sadio Mane is making good progress after injuring his fibula tendon before the World Cup, but the striker will not feature against his former club. However, it is possible to play in the round of 16 first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on February 14. “If everything is going great, great,” said Nagelsmann.
Difficult search for a new replacement
Bayern are currently still dealing with the unresolved search for a goalkeeper. After the failure of regular goalie Manuel Neuer, who broke his lower leg on a ski tour in December, the Munich team has not yet found a replacement. “The market situation is complex. We’re trying to do something. We have a duty to get another goalkeeper, regardless of the number one,” said Nagelsmann.
This is, as of now, regular substitute Sven Ulreich, the 34-year-old, will also be in goal against Salzburg. Borussia Mönchengladbach’s word of power not to give up Yann Sommer in the winter has endured. The Swiss stand on Wednesday in the 4-0 friendly win against Arminia Bielefeld in the Gladbach goal.