Julian Nagelsmann’s unofficial debut at Bayern Munich ended in a defeat on Saturday. The reigning national champion of Germany lost 3-2 against 1. FC Köln in the first game with the new trainer on the bench. In any case, the misstep does not come as a surprise, because the European Championship visitors of the Rekordmeister from 26 July or even later.
Nagelsmann called on many youngsters, let Sven Ulreich make his comeback under the bar and allowed Dayot Upamecano and Omar Richards their first unofficial minutes. The goals of Bayern were accounted for by Joshua Zirkzee and Armindo Sieb. “The first practice match is always interesting,” said Nagelsmann. “Some players have played very well. A few others still need match rhythm, that’s normal. It was an entertaining match. There are positive things to discover.”
Bayern await some difficult practice matches in the remainder of the month. The German top club will practice against Ajax next Saturday and Napoli will be the opponent three days later. “Those practice matches will be completed with the current selection. That will be difficult”, acknowledged Nagelsmann. “We have to see how we get through it.”
From 26 July it’s all about integrating the European Championship-goers as quickly as possible. “Of course we don’t have enough time towards our first game and our first game in the Bundesliga. But I am convinced that we will start the season well.” Bayern are waiting to meet Bremer SV in the first round of the DFB Pokal on August 6. A week later, Borussia Mönchengladbach is the first Bundesliga opponent.
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