:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26385197/460903825.0.jpg)
While we have to wait another couple of weeks until Bayern Munich returns to the field in a competitive match, we have some news coming out of their winter break training camp/vacation in Doha, Qatar. Are you excited about players returning early from injury like I am?
Let's get right to it.
Robben, Schweinsteiger returning for 'Gladbach?
As you can see from the picture above, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger returned to training with Bayern in Doha on Monday. With three weeks until Bayern return to Bundesliga play with the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Pep Guardiola is hopeful that both players will be ready to go by that time.
"It's personally very important to have my vice-captain here. I'm aware of his importance to this team, the whole club and German football."
Also, Pep expressed his feelings for Robben, and it should put to bed any lingering questions about Guardiola's feelings about the Dutchman.
"In the whole of my career as player and coach, I've maybe seen one or two players who are as professional as Arjen. He has an unbelievable mentality. He was playing unbelievably well before his injury. I hope he makes a comeback as soon as possible and maintains his superb form."
Robben's contract expires at the end of next season. There's no doubt in my mind that he will be re-signed.
Three young reserve players go to Doha
In an interview on FCBayern.de with Matthias Sammer, it was revealed that three young players had made the trip with the first team to Doha. When asked about Julian Green, Alessandro Schöpf, and Ylli Sallahi, Sammer had this to say.
"First of all it's a signal from the coach and the club that we continue to believe in two pillars, established pros on the one hand and talented youngsters on the other. These three have put themselves forward and they're coming along very well. We have faith in all three, but now it's up to them. They have to go for it."
Green and Schöpf traveled with the first team for the preseason camp, so it's good to see that they showed well enough to Guardiola that he's bringing them along for this trip. It's somewhat surprising to see Sallahi in Doha, if you consider that the left back spent the majority of FC Bayern II's season in the Regionalliga as a substitute. However, as the first half of the season came to an end, he found himself in the starting position more often.
Bayern turned down Schalke's friendly offer
If you were unaware, Schalke are also spending their winter break training camp in Doha. Horst Heldt was on Sky Sports News and said that they asked Bayern if they wanted to play a friendly while the two were in Qatar. Bayern apparently declined. Sorry, Schalke.
Pep wants more possession
Just when you thought that Bayern's possession game was looking good, Pep Guardiola is here to let everyone know that he's not satisfied.
"We want even more control. We want even more of the ball."
So, if you love a possession-based offense, it's about to get even better for FC Bayern. If you don't like it, um, sorry?
Raul visits Bayern training
The Spanish legend now lives in Qatar and plays for Al Sadd. He stopped by training today to say hello to the Bayern squad including his old teammate Robben.
