While the Bayern squad completed their second training session of the day at the Shanghai Stadium, the spectators in the stands were trying to keep themselves cool. It was very warm again in the afternoon in China, but Carlo Ancelotti saw no reason to reduce the workload. Thiago did not take part in the session after picking up a knock in the Telekom Cup, and he is doubtful for Wednesday’s match against Arsenal (19:30 local time, 6:30 AM ET).
“The game against Arsenal will help us to get into shape and prepare for the start of the season,” said Ancelotti on the importance of the friendly against the Premier League side. Bayern also want to “give something” to the fans, as Thomas Müller explained. The Chinese fans fervently cheered every good bit of play on Tuesday, constantly chanting “Super Bayern”. “It makes you glad when you come here and see the support for FC Bayern.”
“We need to give our all”
Rafinha also enjoys the enthusiasm of the supporters. “The Chinese love European football,” knows the Brazilian, who is visiting China with FC Bayern for the third time. The right-back still has to adjust to the climate, though. “In Brazil it’s also very hot but this is something else,” he laughed. “Nevertheless we’re working at high intensity. We need to give our all because the training camp is important for the whole season.”
Bayern’s motivation is unwavering following five Bundesliga titles in a row. “It’s not about winning titles, for us it’s about being the best. And you only do that when you’re getting the points and sitting at the top every week,” commented Müller. “It doesn’t matter that we’ve won the title for the last five years. Our motivation is looking at the table every week and seeing Bayern München at the top. Then we’re happy and we can have a nice Sunday. That’s what we work for every day.”
