Bayern Munich departed for South Korea on Saturday to launch their pre-season Audi Summer Tour, the fifth time the club has travelled to Asia under the tour banner. Head coach Vincent Kompany scheduled the first of six planned training sessions shortly after landing following an eleven-and-a-half-hour flight to Jeju Island.
The squad was met by enthusiastic crowds at Jeju airport, with captain Manuel Neuer greeted by fans waving jerseys. Club legends Giovane Elber and Roy Makaay signed autographs upon arrival. World Cup returnees Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic and Luis Diaz joined the touring party, while new signing Ismael Saibari remained behind for rehabilitation. Nathaniel Brown, acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt for roughly 50 million euros, is also in the squad.
Bayern face Jeju SK FC on Tuesday before travelling to Hong Kong on Wednesday, where they play Europa League winners Aston Villa on Friday. The competitive season opens on 22 August in the Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund.