A special visit to FC Bayern's training session on Thursday morning: Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, popped by to watch the German record champions' players and coaching staff at the training ground in Orlando. The long-serving Arsenal head coach (1996 to 2018) told fcbayern.com: "FC Bayern made a strong start to the tournament, the team set a good tempo, I was particularly taken with Michael Olise," said the Frenchman about the 10-0 thrashing of Auckland to open the FIFA Club World Cup and the subsequent 2-1 win over Boca Juniors. The former Arsenal coach didn't watch the final group game against Benfica live.
Wenger reckons FC Bayern missed too many chances to score against Benfica: "When you've already qualified, the third game isn't that easy and concentration levels can drop." The 75-year-old believes the German champions have the advantage going into Sunday's round of 16 clash against Flamengo in Miami. "For me, FC Bayern are favourites. Although Flamengo surprised me in the first few matches: using their good football culture, the Brazilians play fast and very well out from the back. They're dangerous up front. I think it will be a close game - but my money is on FC Bayern," he added.
The local fans' support at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where many Flamengo supporters tend to turn up, will also be important. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
All FIFA Club World Cup matches are being broadcast live and for free by streaming service DAZN, although broadcasters will differ in some countries.
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