On Wednesday, FC Bayern concluded their preseason preparation. The 2017/18 season is now officially underway. First up, Bayern travels to Borussia Dortmund on August 5 to compete for the German Super Cup, which is the Bundesliga Champion against the German Cup Champion.
Looking back at the preseason, Bayern started strong early in the preseason, winning against three Bundesliga teams and clinching the Telekom Cup. But then it went downhill from there. In the Audi Summer Tour, Bayern played in the International Champions Cup in China, losing to FC Arsenal, and AC Milan. Then, in Singapore, Bayern won against Chelsea and lost to Inter Milan. In the Audi Cup, Bayern lost against FC Liverpool, and Napoli, finishing fourth. In summary, out of the last six matches against top European teams, Bayern managed to squeeze out just one win, and rather unconvincingly. It should be noted, in the last match against Napoli, Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti lined up mostly young players, perhaps to rest the first team for the Super Cup on Saturday.
David Alaba, Thiago, and James Rodríguez had to be taken out in the match against Napoli due to injuries. Later, it was announced that Alaba is good to go for individual training on Thursday. Thiago will not play in the Super Cup, and Rodríguez has been ruled out for a few weeks.
During the Audi Summer Tour in China, club president Uli Hoeneß voiced his concern about the team playing 4 matches in such a tight schedule, and that he may rethink his team’s preseason schedule for the future.
Bayern fans shouldn’t worry yet because preseason matches are never taken seriously. The match against Borussia Dortmund, which is deemed the The Klassiker (the German El Clásico), is the first real test for Bayern.
FC BAYERN MUNICH BLOG 