Bayern Munich kicks off Asia tour with flight to Jeju, friendlies against Jeju SK and Aston Villa lined up

Departure and itinerary

Bayern Munich departed for their Asian tour on Saturday, slightly delayed, in a blue-and-white striped charter aircraft bound for South Korea. The traveling party, led by head coach Vincent Kompany, included captain Manuel Neuer and national team captain Joshua Kimmich. The first stop is Jeju Island, followed by a move to Hong Kong in the middle of the week.

New signing excitement and absentees

New arrival Nathaniel Brown, signed for around 50 million euros from Eintracht Frankfurt, expressed particular enthusiasm for the trip. He values the daily time with teammates and described the training camp as very positive.

“I think for me it's even more important, because then I'm just with the guys every day. That's why training camp is something very, very good.”

Moroccan World Cup participant Ismael Saibari, who joined from PSV Eindhoven for a similar fee, missed the tour. Sport director Max Eberl said Saibari is eager but must first complete his rehabilitation in peace. Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl and Jamal Musiala also stayed in Munich to work on their fitness.

“Ismael is already raring to go, Ismael would love to take part in the Asia tour, but he should finish his rehab in peace first.”

Match schedule

The team faces Jeju SK FC in South Korea on Tuesday at 13:00 local time. Three days later, on Friday at 14:00, a tougher test awaits against Europa League winners Aston Villa in Hong Kong as part of the Audi Football Summit. Six training sessions are also planned. Sport director Max Eberl called them great games that are good for the squad.

Timeline of the summer

The first competitive fixture is the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on 22 August against runners-up Borussia Dortmund. French internationals Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano, along with England captain Harry Kane, remain on holiday after the World Cup and will rejoin the squad later. Kompany noted that not everyone is present yet, but those who are with the team are in very good spirits, which he said is important.