Schoolboy trains with Bayern’s senior squad

BERLIN: Antonio Trograncic has lived a schoolboy’s dream after the 15-year-old was invited to train with Bayern Munich’s senior squad by the Bavarian giants’ coach Pep Guardiola.
With the bulk of his squad away on international duty, Guardiola took the unusual step of promoting Trograncic from Bayern’s Under-15 squad to train with the seniors on Friday.
The teenager ran out alongside the likes of ex-Germany captain Philipp Lahm plus Brazil defenders Rafinha and Dante in front of 200 spectators at Bayern’s training ground.
Despite being just 1.50m tall (4ft 11ins), the pint-sized midfielder held his own, going hard into a tackle on Lahm, drilling home a penalty and earning praise from Rafinha.
With Guardiola having given the rest of the squad time off until Tuesday, Friday’s session is likely to be a one-off for baby-faced Trograncic, who will not be involved in Bayern’s Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Trograncic, who has played four matches for Croatia’s Under-14 side, spent two years at Red Bull Salzburg before joining Bayern.
The German Football Association (DFB) has invited him to a training session with the junior squads.