Feeling Peppy Despite Lack of Prep: Tuchel and Bayern's Cologne Challenge
Tuchel's Upbeat Attitude on Cologne Preparation
What makes a good mood under unique circumstances? According to Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel (50), it's when the chances to prepare for the next Bundesliga clash are limited - quite the contrary situation he found himself in as he arrived at training for Cologne at 10:30 a.m., cap pulled low over his face.
Lacking Stars, Tuchel Steers Them Towards Victory
The coach mainly observed from the sidelines through much of the session, only intervening in the final game to correct a few moves. Remarkably, only six professionals graced the pitch, with just four of them being outfield players.
International Duty and Injuries Keep Stars Away
The stars of the Bayern squad, including Jamal Musiala (20) and Matthijs de Ligt (24), are spreading their wings internationally, while some, like Musiala, are pressed by injuries.
Bayern's Short Prep For Cologne Game
With such a limited roster, the Bundesliga encounter with 1. FC Cologne was set to be a challenge for the Bavarian giants.
Neuer, Ulreich, and Choupo-Moting Train with the Reserves
Only a select few players - Manuel Neuer (37), Sven Ulreich (35), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (34), and Bouna Sarr (31) - joined the Bayern II training session.
Guerreiro and Krätzig Join Tuchel for Morning Run
The arrival of Raphaël Guerreiro (29) and Frans Krätzig (20) offered some boost to the squad. Guerreiro, who had been nursing an injury, emerged after 45 minutes, wrapping his right calf in a bandage.
High Intensity Training to Ensure Court Readiness
The trio of Choupo-Moting, Sarr, and Krätzig received a special training session from the fitness chief, Prof. Holger Broich (49), focused on enhancing their fitness levels in time for the big match.
Musiala Makes Steady Progress in Rehab
Despite not making it to the Cologne game, there was a ray of hope as Musiala continued his rehab process, taking the next significant step by training with the ball after an injury hiatus of two weeks.
A Piece of Good News for Cologne Preparations
The teenager's yard session with Simon Martinello (39) primarily comprised dribbling drills and sprints with and without the ball, raising hopes of his return to action soon.
Sources:
Enrichment Insights:
- Bayern's deep playing squad and active bench make them resilient in the face of international duty and injuries.
- Players like Musiala contribute to a stable team performance even in challenging situations.
- Coach Tuchel's possession-based game strategy helps maintain control of the game, regardless of player availability.
- Players' adaptability to varying game conditions is vital to the team.
- Injury management and meticulous planning support players' maximum performance and minimal injury risk.
During the challenging preparation for Cologne, Tuchel managed to maintain a positive outlook. With some key players away and injuries on the rise, only a select few players actively participated in training. Despite this, Bayern enjoyed a successful 4-2 victory over Heidenheim, with Tuchel expressing his satisfaction with the "delightful team list." Musiala, in rehab after a two-week layoff, made steady progress in his recovery, completing a skillful morning training session under the supervision of Simon Martinello.
