Julian Nagelsmann was only in the metropolis of Kiev with FC Bayern at the end of November.
This is one of the reasons why the 34-year-old coach is very touched and dismayed by the Russian attack on Ukraine.
In Munich, too, the topic of global politics naturally overshadows the preparations of the table leaders for the top game in the Bundesliga this Saturday evening (6.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) at Eintracht Frankfurt.
"I'm shocked and also a bit scared that something like this would happen, even in a country where we were not too long ago, jogged across the square and looked at the very beautiful city," said Nagelsmann with emotion Agree with his opening statement at the matchday press conference on Friday.
Just three months ago, the Munich team played against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League in the Ukrainian capital.
Nagelsmann said it was "correct" that the German record champions would not contest the final in St. Petersburg, Russia, but now in Paris if they reached the final in Europe's premier class, following a UEFA decision.
However, the sporting path to the Stade de France is still a long way off.
Bayern are currently on course for their tenth consecutive championship in the Bundesliga and getting themselves in top form for the round of 16 second leg against Austrian champions RB Salzburg, who are plagued by a massive outbreak of the corona virus.
"He's the number one candidate"
The virus continues to affect everyday life in Bavaria.
Thomas Müller is absent in Frankfurt, which was recently able to acquire the aura of Bayern fright and also won the first leg in Munich 2-1.
The leader is infected with Corona for the second time, but only had “a minimal cold,” as Nagelsmann reported.
National player Jamal Musiala, also just recovered from Covid-19, is to replace veteran Müller as a driver on the offensive.
"He's the number one candidate," confirmed the coach.
The 18-year-old Musiala had "excellent training".
The youngster is supposed to build steam in attacking midfield until he gets tired.
Nagelsmann has to make another change in defensive midfield after the loss of Corentin Tolisso compared to the recent home win over Fürth.
Marcel Sabitzer and Marc Roca are the options.
Actually, there shouldn't be any question that Sabitzer will play.
But this has been a mystery since arriving in Munich at the end of August 2021.
After 22 appearances, the Austrian national player is still without a goal contribution.
In Leipzig, the 27-year-old was captain, manager and top performer.
He collected 43 points in two seasons under Nagelsmann.
In Munich, everyone has been waiting for months for the 15 million euro new signing to finally click.
"He has a lot more in the tank," said Nagelsmann.
“I actually believe that a key moment can help him.
A goal assist, a goal.” Nagelsmann speaks of “TV moments” that every fan notices.
Honorary President Uli Hoeneß relies on the factors of time and Nagelsmann at Sabitzer: “He knows the coach well.
And the coach really wanted him.
He just has to have a little patience.”
Nagelsmann does not like to discuss basic arrangements with a chain of three or four in view of the stuttering Bayern engine.
He thinks the system issue is overused in Germany.
"It depends on how you fill something with life."
He is in constant contact with his players about playing style and offensive orientation.
"The feedback from the team is that they are content and tactically satisfied with the path that has been taken," assured Nagelsmann.
In Frankfurt, the master class should definitely be held against an opponent with “good physical condition” and “good biliousness”.
"We want to avoid a fewer points ahead," said Nagelsmann, looking at the table and the six-point cushion over Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann is confident that captain Manuel Neuer will soon be able to make a comeback in goal for FC Bayern following surgery on his right knee.
"It's very pleasing for Manu, there are no major reactions in the knee," reported Nagelsmann.
"I'm in good spirits that we can get back to him as soon as possible." Neuer had an operation on the meniscus three weeks ago after beating RB Leipzig 3-2.
The 35-year-old national goalkeeper is in advanced training.
National player Leon Goretzka, who has been plagued by knee problems for a long time, also seems to be improving.
"He's moving faster again.
I'm happy for him, there are steps in the right direction," said Nagelsmann.
Goretzka can now do light exercises with the ball again.
Nevertheless, Nagelsmann did not want to make "a prediction" for a comeback of the midfielder in the World Cup year on Friday.
“We miss him as a guy and as a footballer.
We're happy that he has a much higher frequency on the training ground.” Goretzka last played in Bayern's victory in Dortmund at the beginning of December.