On Tuesday evening, Bayern Munich under manager Vincent Kompany launched their pre-season preparations - and did so with a record-breaking training session. On 22 July 2026, over 60 players gathered on the Säbener Straße pitch, including just six first-team professionals. The rest were youth talents from the U23 and U19, loan returnees, and players set to leave. Currently sidelined: Lennart Karl, Serge Gnabry. Kompany used the session to inject fresh energy into the squad.

What happened at the mega-training?

Only six Bayern first-team players took part in the opening session: backup keeper Sven Ulreich (37), Tom Bischof (21), and loan returnee Arijon Ibrahimovic (20). Joining them were three players Bayern are looking to sell: João Palhinha (31), Sacha Boey (25), and Armindo Sieb (23). The remaining 54 participants were academy talents and reserves. Kompany staged a massive casting call to spark new ideas. Over 30 youth players from the U23 and U19 took part, including top prospects like Maycon Cardozo (17) and Wisdom Mike (17).

Why it matters for Bayern Munich

The oversized session highlights how seriously Kompany is taking fresh thinking. With Dante (42), the new Bayern II boss, and U19 coach Leonhard Haas (44) on hand, 20 staff ran drills. Kompany stressed: “Even if we’re many and even if many are young: the most important thing is communication!”

The club’s leadership watched closely. Sporting director Max Eberl (52) and technical director Christoph Freund (49) were on site. João Palhinha stood out despite knowing his Bayern future is uncertain. His move to Tottenham collapsed over a €30m release clause.

What’s next?

The World Cup players won’t return until at least the Asia tour (1–8 August). Until then, Kompany will keep working with the oversized group. Meanwhile, construction at Säbener Straße rolls on: three new pitches are going up and the first-team wing is being expanded. Communication stays the priority - on and off the pitch.