‘Bayern provided with great facilities at Aspire’

A large number of fans gather for German giant Bayern Munich’s training in Doha yesterday

German football giant Bayern Munich held its first open training session Wednesday morning in Aspire Zone Foundation. Running until January 11, the training session was attended by a large number of football fans alongside local and international media.
Following the session, head coach Carlo Ancelotti held a press conference, where he covered topics such as the team’s performance and its preparations for upcoming matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Commenting on the occasion, Hussain Ali al-Qahtani, Manager of Communications in Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome one of the biggest football teams in the world, Bayern Munich in Aspire Zone.
Qatar and the region feel a strong passion towards the game and the reception that was waiting for Bayern when they arrived at the airport demonstrates the local love for the game.”
He added: “There are many factors that make Aspire Zone the preferred choice for these amazing teams every year.
Everything needed to hold a successful training camp to the highest international standards is provided by Aspire Zone and the organisations affiliated with it, from facilities and programmes to rehabilitation centres and accommodation. That, in addition to Qatar’s warm winter, makes it the ideal training location.
“Bayern’s decision to come to Doha year after year is a proof of our capabilities. Bayern is one of the most decorated football teams in the world and knowing a team such as this chooses Aspire Zone as its preferred destination is testament to our standards.”
Meanwhile, Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti said in response to a question on Doha’s rapid development in recent years: “Qatar is continuously developing and now provides some of the best training facilities in the world.
The great warm winter weather in Qatar is also an ideal environment for players, making it our preferred training destination at this time of year.”
Some of the world’s biggest football stars are participating in this years’ training camp, including World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philip Lahm.
Other international players include Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben and Spanish midfielders Tiago Alcantara and Xabi Alonso. Jerome Boateng is recovering from a shoulder injury and has not travelled to Doha.  
In addition to Bayern Munich, Aspire Zone’s world-class pitches also attracted the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, KAS Eupen, FC Schalke 04 and Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.
Ancelotti also said he would not oppose a loan move of Badstuber which could allow the Germany defender more matches in the second part of the Bundesliga season.
“If he decides to stay we are happy. If he decides to play at another club for six months we are open for discussions,” Ancelotti said. Badstuber, 27, has been at Bayern since 2002 but has been plagued by injuries ever since rupturing a cruciate knee ligament for the first time in 2012.