With a record-equalling sixth title in their sight, Bayern Munich are no short of motivation as they face African giants Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium today.
In the last seven years of the competition featuring continental club champions, a European club has gone on to win the title and it more or less looks the same this time, barring a shock. For, the European champions Bayern are arguably the best football team in the world right now, with a mix of exciting youngsters and experienced stars.
Since Hansi Flick took charge of the Bavarians in November 2019 replacing Niko Kovac, they have elevated to a different level to the rest. Under Flick, Bayern have won five titles – Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and DFB-DFL Super Cup, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup – this season, and will be looking to emulate Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, who achieved a rare feat of winning maximum six titles in 2009.
Bayern are on a five-match winning streak, with their latest victory in the Bundesliga at Hertha Berlin on Friday, giving them a seven-point advantage at the top.
The only setback Bayern have had prior to their match against Al Ahly is a nine-hour flight delay to Doha. The club’s players had to spend the night in the plane after Berlin airport refused to give their plane clearance for takeoff at midnight due to a night-time flight ban.
Finally when they left Berlin, they had to complete their trip to Qatari capital via Munich.
The Germans had only one day of training yesterday, but Flick believes his players are in good shape to take on Al Ahly. “Our aim is to win this competition. We know that it’s considered as something of a burden, but we are motivated, and we want to cap off an outstanding year with a sixth title. We have a match every three days, so we’re just taking it one step at a time in training,” he said yesterday.
Despite the huge gulf in class between the two sides, Flick said Ahly would be tricky opponents. “Ahly is a big team and they want to put on a spirited display, as they always change their tactics in the frontline, making use of their two wingers. Ahly have a very brilliant coach, I just met him for a short while, and he is working to develop his team, so I like his way of thinking,” Flick said.
Bayern’s defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich admitted his side were heavy favourites. “I am happy that we are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup along with having a chance to win the tournament’s title. We are favourites to win the game,” he said.
“We know that Ahly is a tough opponent, they are the Bayern Munich of Egypt, but the UEFA Champions League winners are the teams most likely to claim the title,” he added.
Ahly, who defeated hosts Al Duhail 1-0 on Thursday, are on a 32-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. But the Egyptians will know that they are up against a mighty opponent.
The Red Devils have kept nine clean sheets in 11 games, a record which ensures that Bayern cannot afford to be complacent against a well-drilled opposition. Pitso Mosimane’s side dominated against Duhail in the first half, but their performance was below-par in the second half.
Mosimane said Al Ahly deserved to play against Bayern, but was against any excessive hype towards the anticipated match. “Sure, it’s an important and historical game, but I don’t think it will be the most important game in Ahly’s history,” the South African said yesterday.
“Ahly deserve to reach the World Cup semi-final after beating Al Duhail, and also because we are the African Champions. You should enjoy your work, and we play football for success and amusement, and we are fully aware of how the fans are waiting for this big match,” he added.
Bayern Munich stars Robert Lewandowski (left) and Joshua Kimmich train in Doha yesterday. (Bayern Munich)
