Kirchhoff “ready to go”
Munich - Though the imminent arrival of Pep Guardiola has taken centre stage in the Bavarian capital, the first member of FC Bayern Munich’s senior squad has already begun his preparations for the upcoming 2013/14 campaign at Säbener Straße.
Head over heels
While the rest of the treble-winning side are enjoying their well-earned vacations in various locations across the globe, new signing Jan Kirchhoff, who joined from 1. FSV Mainz 05 this summer, is facing the unenviable task of trying to break his way into a team that won every trophy available to them last season.
However, with the start of the campaign just over seven weeks away, the 22-year-old’s primary concern has been getting himself fit and settling into his new environment. “To be frank, I've already fallen in love with the city: the English Garden, the Bavarian cuisine, the people here and the glorious weather,” said Kirchhoff in an interview on the club‘s official website. “I've already found an apartment too. It's all come together, and I have to say I've been totally bowled over by my first few days here at the club.”
The decision to join the record titleholders, which came in January, wasn’t a difficult one for Kirchhoff even before Bayern sent countless Bundesliga best marks tumbling at will. “The whole FC Bayern package was perfect in every respect,” explained the defender. “After our talks, mainly with Matthias Sammer, I knew at once it was where I wanted to go. This is just right for me. I can identify with everything I've heard and I'll be happy here. So the choice to come to Bayern didn't take long.”
“Incredibly excited”
After undergoing surgery on his groin towards the end of the Bundesliga’s 50th season, the centre-back believes there’s “nothing I can’t do” ahead of Bayern’s first training session, due to take place in the Allianz Arena with ticket proceeds being donated to victims of the recent flooding in southern Germany. “I don't want to start from scratch next Wednesday,” explained the defender. “So I'm trying to gradually build up my rhythm. I've been working on stamina and stabilisation, and now we're moving onto acceleration and pace. I'm ready to go.”
Not intimidated by the prospect of playing for the ‘Champions of Europe’, Kirchhoff is instead relishing the opportunity to prove himself whilst working under the illustrious Pep Guardiola. “I'm incredibly excited. Simply getting to know Pep Guardiola will be an honour, and it'll be an even greater honour to work for him. I can't hide [my excitement], and I don't want to. I'm so looking forward to this unbelievable challenge here at FC Bayern.”
To read the full interview on FC Bayern Munich's official website click here.
