AP
Munich: Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola made a high-profile return to football on Wednesday when he led out his players at the start of pre-season training in front of an estimated 10,000-crowd at the Allianz Arena.
The former Barcelona coach, who signed a three-year contract at Bayern this year after taking a break following his departure from Barcelona in 2012, emerged from the dugout to loud cheers from thousands of Bayern fans.
"I love to attack," Guardiola had told reporters on Monday and he ordered the grass to be cut short and watered before training so the pitch was quick.
Spectators, gripped by what German media have called 'Pep-mania', paid five euros each with the money going to help for the victims of the recent German floods.
Guardiola, wearing shorts on a chilly day, was missing several players including Brazilians Dante and Luiz Gustavo and Spaniard Javi Martinez who are all on Confederations Cup duty.
Dutchman Arjen Robben and Croat Mario Mandzukic have also not returned and new signing Mario Goetze, who joined from rivals Borussia Dortmund, is recovering from a muscle injury.
Expectations are high for the 42-year-old Spaniard, who won 14 of 19 possible titles in his four seasons at the Spanish club.
Bayern last season became the first German team to win a treble of titles, including the domestic double and the Champions League, under Jupp Heynckes.
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