Squad Arrives Home, Tired But Satisfied

After six days, eight punishing training sessions and two friendlies, the annual summer training camp in Trentino concluded with Friday evening's narrow 3-2 defeat to Napoli, after which the squad arrived back in Munich just before midnight feeling tired but satisfied. Even the narrow defeat to the southern Italians failed to dampen the overall positive mood.

"The players have worked very, very well, even in the heat. Their attitude was fantastic," commented boss Jupp Heynckes. "We worked our way through the program," agreed Matthias Sammer, "the coaching staff issued clear instructions, and we worked with the players as individuals. I liked that." The new board member for sport enjoyed his first training camp with the club, praising the conditions in Riva del Garda and in Arco, venue for all the workouts and matches. "We had a super hotel, excellent food, a super training ground and lots of peace and quiet," Sammer said.

In the stunning location on the north shores of Lake Garda, surrounded by imposing peaks and lush vineyards, the stars made light of temperatures up to 35°C as they worked on the fitness basics. The football itself was absent entirely from two of the sessions, although ...