FC Bayern's Last-Ditch Decision on Winter Training Camp
Sporting director Christoph Freund has revealed that FC Bayern is in the final stages of deciding whether the Munich soccer pros will attend a January training camp as recommended by coach Thomas Tuchel. With two Bundesliga games lined up against TSG Hoffenheim (January 12) and Werder Bremen (January 21), a short sojourn in southern Europe could be on the cards, according to Freund.
But the decision is not a done deal yet. As Freund explains, they are "currently clarifying" whether they can incorporate and implement this plan, and whether the conditions are right. Thankfully, the rescheduling of Bayern's canceled home match against Union Berlin on January 24 provides some flexibility.
A winter training camp isn't in the cards for FC Bayern to start the year. The short Christmas break and the expiry of their sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways have put paid to their traditional pre-season training trip to Qatar. Instead, they'll be retracing their steps to Munich after their vacation on January 2, and taking on FC Basel in a test match in Switzerland on January 6 to prepare for the second half of the season.
Tuchel had hinted at his desire to head south for some sun and fill up on vitamin D after the Hoffenheim game, as well as to capitalize on the tactical benefits of training in different climates. A training camp abroad would give the team more time together, with players able to train longer without risking the chill, and focus more intensely on tactical strategies.
While no official confirmation of the training camp has been made yet, FC Bayern and their die-hard supporters will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the situation as we head into the New Year.
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- In the national league, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and SV Werder Bremen stand between FC Bayern and their next two Bundesliga games, scheduled for January 12 and January 21 respectively.
- Flight plans to a training camp in southern Europe could be up in the air for the Munich team between these two matches.
- The final decision on the training camp depends on whether FC Bayern can make it work overall, with certain conditions still under discussion.
- Tuchel's desire for the winter training camp in Europe stems from the opportunity to train more extensively in smaller groups, focusing on tactical strategies and enhancing team bonding.
- FC Bayern isn't expected to embark on a winter training camp at the beginning of the year as they had done in the past.
- A test match against FC Basel in Switzerland takes the place of their traditional pre-season training trip.
- The debate over FC Bayern's attendance at a January training camp is building, as the club faces a crucial period in its national league schedule.
Bear in mind that, as of now, FC Bayern has not officially confirmed plans for a training camp in January between their matches against TSG Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen. Keep an eye on official communications from the club for the latest updates.
