The Hindu : Sport / Football : Bayern Munich to play in IFA Shield

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Wednesday, Nov 09, 2005

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Bayern Munich to play in IFA Shield

KOLKATA: The city's soccer aficionados will be treated with German flavour when the famed Bayern Munich FC lands here to participate in the 111th edition of the IFA Chellenge Shield in the last week of the month.

Though the more celebrated stars of the senior side will be missed, the team's first envoy to land here - Martin Haegele - said on Tuesday that there will be no dearth in action as a bunch of upcoming stars of German soccer will be showcased in the tournament. The final squad is yet to be decided. The team will arrive at the city on November 29, it was informed.

Muller's presence

Calling it the `B' side of the main team that plays in the German national league `Bundesliga', Haegele said that the biggest attraction will be the presence of legendary Gerd Muller who was fondly called ``Der Bomber'' for his powerful approach.

Muller is the team's assistant coach. Haegele, who is the head of the club's international affairs department, said that the team is eager to make its first visit to India and the players have been carefully chosen to make it a competitive outfit against the home sides.

``We have toured Japan previously and that was a wonderful experience. We want to expand our base in South East Asia and India is a big football market,'' he said on the philosophy behind his team's acceptance of IFA's invitation. He was satisfied with the facilities and said the ``ground (Salt Lake Stadium) is okay. Our players are on a goodwill visit and would not complain about anything.''

Haegele also said that the team's main coach, Hermann Gerland, has a previous Indian experience, having toured the country as an assistant coach of the club, Bochum, which played in `Super Soccer' in 1986.

Revealing a few likely names, Munich FC envoy said some players with senior team experience like Andreas Ottl, Mathias Zimmermann and Ghanaian Christian Saba may accompany the youngsters. - Sports Reporter

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