Bayern Munich executives oversee pre-season start amid squad transition

Bayern Munich commenced its 2026 pre-season preparations with a training session at Säbener Straße on July 21, attended by senior club executives including sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund. The event marked the beginning of the new campaign, with the club’s management structure, including Eberl’s assistant Bastian Wernscheid, campus manager Michael Wiesinger, and Bernhard Seonbuchner, the new head of transition with game and coach development, observing proceedings.

Six first-team players participated in the session, including Sven Ulreich, Tom Bischof, and Arijon Ibrahimović. The group also featured returning loanees João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, and Armindo Sieb. Palhinha trained without holding back despite reports indicating he has no future under manager Vincent Kompany and is expected to leave the club, although a transfer deal has not been confirmed.

Bryan Zaragoza was absent from the training due to ongoing knee inflammation, with the specific nature of the injury and his expected return timeline not detailed. His absence highlights the physical management challenges facing the squad as it enters the pre-season phase.

The session also served as a talent scouting opportunity for youth players, with more than 35 participants from the U23 and U19 squads. Notable attendees included Maycon Cardozo, Wisdom Mike, Guido Della Rovere, Felipe Chávez, and Filip Pavic. U19 coach Leonhard Haas and Bayern II coach Dante were present at the event, which was described as a key moment for integrating young prospects into the first-team environment.

The attendance of the sporting directorate underscores the institutional focus on squad composition and development pathways. As the club navigates player departures and integrates new talent, the pre-season training period will be critical in assessing the balance between experienced personnel and emerging youth assets.