Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich with teammates during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous
Doha: UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern München are gearing up for a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC – and ahead of the match, the team had plenty of positive things to say about the tournament host nation.
Bayern’s head coach, Hans-Dieter Flick, said the conditions in Qatar were perfect for football as his team visited Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – the arena which will host tonight’s match against Al Ahly (kickoff 21:00 local time).
“It’s always special to play here and we as Bayern München want to win every match,” said Flick. “We have perfect conditions – I just had a look at the pitch and the conditions are top-notch, the stadium is beautiful.”
Flick continued: “One can tell that everything will be in great shape to host the World Cup in 2022. And for us that means we want to leave Qatar with the best result possible.”
Meanwhile, defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who today celebrated his 26th birthday, also praised the local conditions.
“We have very modern and beautiful stadiums in Germany too – but of course it is always nice to play in beautiful stadiums,” said Kimmich.
“I just went out on to the pitch and the grass is a dream – just perfect – and that’s why I’m very much looking forward to the match.”
Flick went on to say Bayern were determined to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup and win the tournament for the second time, following their maiden victory in 2013. Success for Bayern would also secure a sixth piece of silverware in the last year.
Flick said: “A lot of players and staff participated in 2013 and they told everyone how special it is. You want to compete against the best clubs from different continents – and here that’s possible and that’s why it’s a very special tournament.”
Should Bayern win their opening match tonight, they will face Mexican side Tigres UANL in the final, after the CONCACAF Champions League winners defeated SE Palmeiras 1-0 at Education City Stadium on Sunday night.
