Bayern Munich bring Qatar training camp to a close

Doha, Jan 10 (IANS) Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Thursday wrapped up their winter training camp in Qatar, where the team, currently in second place in Germany's top-flight, had swapped sub-zero temperatures in southern Germany for the balmy climes of the Arabian Peninsula.A number of locals turned out at the Aspire Zone Foundation complex here to catch a glimpse of some of the team's stars, such as forward Thomas Mueller, veteran Arjen Robben and keeper Manuel Neuer, who is widely considered to have the safest pair of hands in the world of football, reports Efe news.The team took part in various exercises, making the most of the warm weather before their imminent return to Munich, where they could be welcomed home by snow and temperatures sitting around -1C (31F). Munich is set to play Hoffenheim away when the Bundesliga recommences on January 18. The German powerhouse is six points adrift of the top spot, currently held by Borussia Dortmund. Qatar is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
--IANS gau/bg