Double winners complete performance tests

Before getting to work with the ball on the grass again this coming week, Sunday was all about the obligatory medical and athletic testing, which saw the players undergo all sorts of examinations from their head to their feet, as well as internal medicine and orthopaedics. The Werkself players then completed various exercises related to coordination, mobility and stability along with spirometry on the treadmill.

Hradecky: LOOK FORWARD TO BEING BACK ON THE PITCH WITH THE LADS

To this end, the 17 players appeared punctually in small groups throughout the day on the third floor of the BayArena. Victor Boniface and Odilon Kossounou, for example, got things under way at 9 am, followed by new recruit Andrea Natali and birthday boy Jonas Hofmann. In the afternoon, it was the turn of the likes of summer signing Aleix Garcia, Amine Adli and Edmond Tapsoba. Captain Lukas Hradecky quipped in between his tests: "Unfortunately, I've only completed the first half - the harder part is still to come with the running," adding: "I look forward less to this day, and much more to being back on the pitch with the lads tomorrow and having fun." 

first open session on monday

On the subject of being back on the pitch, head coach Xabi Alonso will welcome his players to the training ground for the first time since the summer break tomorrow, Monday 15 July. The session outside the gates of the BayArena is set to start at 11:00 CEST and is open to the public.

Euro finalist Alejandro Grimaldo and Exequiel Palacios, who is involved in the Copa América final with Argentina, will miss the start of pre-season training along with a number of other internationals, who are enjoying a well-earned holiday following their tournament appearances straight after the end of the season.

Find an overview of the first open sessions HERE.