Bayern Munich and Al Ahly are impressed with Qatar’s facilities and hosting abilities, saying players and fans would thoroughly enjoy the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

“It’s always special to play here and we as Bayern Munich want to win every match,” said coach Hans-Dieter Flick.

“We have perfect conditions – I just had a look at the pitch and the conditions are top-notch, the stadium is beautiful,” said Flick referring to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

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 on Monday 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.”

Al Ahli’s Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed El Shenawy praised the tournament organisers, saying fans had much to look forward to when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup in under two years’ time.

El Shahat, who scored the winning goal in Al Ahly’s second-round match against Qatari champions Al Duhail SC, said: “In terms of organisation, everything has been world-class. The training sites and stadiums are of the highest level. Qatar is doing a very good job and this is something which makes all Arabs very proud.”

Winger El Shahat continued: “We hope it will be a fantastic World Cup and I wish Qatar all the best. I hope to be here with the Egyptian team in 2022.

“I think the fans will have a lot to enjoy here in 2022. Hopefully by then the pandemic is over and we will see full stadiums. I hope the fans will enjoy this atmosphere.”

El Shahat also praised the Qatar-based Al Ahly fans, who turned out in force for the 1-0 victory over Al Duhail at Education City Stadium.

He added: “There are many Al Ahly fans all over the world. I was very happy to play in front of a large crowd here in Qatar – I love a passionate atmosphere. I hope the crowd will continue to be with us throughout the tournament.”

Al Ahly goalkeeper El Shenawy, meanwhile, said the players had adapted well to the stringent health and safety protocols implemented by Qatar in order to protect everyone from the spread of Covid-19.

“We are all in the medical bubble but the atmosphere is very good,” said El Shenawy. “We abide by the restrictions and thank the tournament organisers for their professionalism. We understand the circumstances we are in and realise we need to be resilient for the sake of the tournament. Everyone is aware of the significance of this event. Overall, everything is going well – the hotel is excellent and the stadiums are world-class. The players are happy and the atmosphere is very good.”

El Shenawy said the tournament was excellent preparation for the World Cup, which he believes fans from across the globe will enjoy.

“Everything is very well organised here and the stadiums are world-class. I am sure the fans will enjoy the World Cup in Qatar. The stadiums are all close to each other – and if fans want to watch two matches a day, they can.”

Related Story