Bayern Munich begins their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States, facing Auckland City in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team's international players have just rejoined the squad after their national duties, including friendlies, UEFA Nations League matches, and World Cup qualifiers. The rest of the squad arrived in Orlando, Florida, shortly after.
New signings Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof will join the team for the tournament, thanks to negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim. These additions will provide much-needed depth to Vincent Kompany's squad, considering the number of injured players and those who haven't played recently.
Dayot Upamecano, who recently recovered from a significant injury, won't start against Auckland City. According to Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl from Sport Bild, the plan is to give him some minutes off the bench. He could return to the starting lineup in the next match against Boca Juniors in Miami.
While Upamecano's gradual return is crucial, Bayern isn't underestimating Auckland City. Many of their players have full-time jobs and took vacation time to participate in the tournament.
Bayern is expected to perform well, with a strong chance of advancing from their group and potentially winning the tournament.
Bayern Munich Holds Back Dayot Upamecano To Prevent Burnout
Bayern Munich's strategy to gradually reintegrate Dayot Upamecano into the team after his injury.