“James! James! James!” were the cries from the group of Colombian fans at Bayern’s training session on Thursday. Indeed, hundreds of fans have been flocking to the Aspire campus in Doha every day this week when Bayern have been training, applauding and cheering their heroes and celebrating every goal.
A few famous faces have also been among the crowds. Coaching legend Bora Milutinovic observed training on Thursday. The 73 year-old, who has represented five different teams at the World Cup, was seen chatting keenly to sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. Milutinovic has been a regular spectator in Doha in recent years.
Salihamidzic also welcomed Ian Rush, Liverpool’s record goalscorer, to training. The 56 year-old, who now works as a TV pundit among other things, also spoke to Jupp Heynckes and was impressed with what he saw. “They play as a team, not as individuals. They’re like a family, they’re very focussed. And that’s the key. You don’t win anything as individuals, only as a team,” he said.
Earlier in the week, tennis pro Jan-Lennard Struff dropped by training after being knocked out of the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament in Doha. The 27 year-old German Davis Cup player and big football fan was delighted to meet Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller – just like all the fans who have been busily collecting autographs and selfies with the Bayern stars.