DOHA CALLING

FOLLOWING their winter break, German league champions Bayern Munich will camp in Doha from January 3 to 11 to prepare for Bundesliga’s second phase and Champions League’s knockout stage.

German coach Jupp Heynckes and Spaniard Pep Guardiola had previously taken the Bavarians to Doha at this time of the year while it will be the first time they travel to Doha under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian, however, is familiar with the facilities at Aspire, having overseen the camp of Paris Saint-Germain on three occasions. He had also been to the Qatari capital as coach of AC Milan and Real Madrid teams.

Ancelotti will be eager to make the most of their stay in Doha after they failed to live up to their lofty expectations in Bundesliga’s first phase. They, however, defeated surprise packages Leipzig 3-0 in a top-table clash at the Allianz Arena last week to head into the winter break three points clear on top.

“It was an important win against our nearest challengers. It gives us a lot of confidence for the rest of the season,” Ancelotti said.

Bayern will resume their league campaign with a match against SC Freiburg on January 20. 

In the Champions League last-16 draw, they are drawn against familiar foes Arsenal, with the first leg to be played on February 15.