Robben returns to Bayern training

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer said winger Arjen Robben has returned to the club in good condition after Euro 2012.

Robben was part of a Netherlands outfit that failed to register a point in the group stages of the European Championships, despite starting the event in Poland and Ukraine among the title favourites.

But Sammer said the 28-year-old was in a positive frame of mind as he began his pre-season with the Bundesliga club.

“Arjen returned in a good state. He was very motivated. We’ve already had a long conversation,” Sammer said.

“In regards to training he is very focused, very ambitious. It is very intense. I’ve hardly ever seen this before.”

Sammer – a former Borussia Dortmund player – said he and manager Jupp Heynckes were working closely with several of their returning international stars, as they begin to tune their preparations for the forthcoming domestic season.

“What we have to do now is discuss certain topics and have conversations with the coach. We have to work on the training and the players’ physical state to find our pace,” he said.

“The internationals don’t have as much time as the players who are in practice already. That means we need to work very carefully.”