• Official press conference kicks off Audi Cup

• Coaches of all four teams look forward to tournament in Munich

• Matches broadcasts live from Allianz Arena on Friday morning Brunei time on Astro SuperSport channel 811

The super stars are here: AC Milan arrived in Munich as the last of the four participants in the Audi Cup. Manchester United, Boca Juniors from Argentina and host FC Bayern München have already been in town since the beginning of the week. The press conference in the afternoon officially kicked off the summit meeting of the four World Cup winners.

“I am sure that the spectators will have lots of fun,” announced Bayern’s new coach Louis van Gaal during the press conference at the official team hotel “The Westin Grand München Arabellapark.” Together with his colleagues Leonardo (AC Milan), Alfio Basile (Boca Juniors) and Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) he answered the questions of more than 70 journalists this afternoon. All of the coaches clearly stated that so shortly before the start of the new season the Audi Cup is a real and ultimate litmus test for all the participants, and not a practice tournament.

The players started getting down to business as early as on Monday: At the training grounds of FC Bayern on Säbener Straße all the teams completed several units to prepare for the games in front of a full house at the Allianz Arena. The event will kick off with the guests from Argentina, who will play against Manchester United in the first game on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. At 8:45 pm the second semi-final between FC Bayern München and AC Milan will follow. On Thursday, the first game will be played for third place, followed by the winner’s of the previous day playing for the Audi Cup. If a game is tied, a penalty shoot-out will immediately follow after 90 minutes.

The players are already promising fans that they will be in for a soccer festival.” The Audi Cup is the absolute highlight of our entire preparation,” says Bayern’s most prominent new signing Mario Gomez. “It’s the perfect litmus test before things get really serious for the first time next weekend.” The rivals share this opinion. “A tournament with these international top-class teams during preparation is something really special for us. Obviously, we want to make a good showing there,” says Manchester’s super star Wayne Rooney.

Those who have not been able to secure a ticket for the Arena can look forward to two thrilling soccer nights in front of their TV sets. Astro will broadcast the games live on Friday, starting at 12:25 am (local time) with the final at 2:40am with repeat broadcast at 10.30pm the same day. Spectators will also experience another premiere on this occasion: The new double consisting of sportscaster Katrin Müller-Hohenstein and expert Oliver Kahn will make its debut. In addition, summaries of all games and current reports about the Audi Cup can be viewed at www.audi.tv.

The 3rd & 4th placing match will be aired on Friday 31st July at 12:25am and The Audi Cup 2009 Final at 2:40am with repeat broadcast at 10.30pm same day. Another repeat of the final will be aired on Saturday 1st Aug 11.30am all on Astro SuperSport channel 811.

[Source: T.C.Y. Motors]