Al Jazira to take on German giants Bayern

Abu Dhabi: FC Bayern Munich, who are currently training in Dubai, will play Al Jazira in a friendly match at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday, January 10.

The 21-time German league champions will arrive in the capital on January 9 with their 22-member squad and the match will kick-off at 5.05pm.

The German club have been in Dubai since January 2 and the Abu Dhabi fixture will be the first of their five friendlies before they appear in the second half of their domestic season.

Mohammad Thani Al Rumaithi, head of administration of Al Jazira Club, said such friendly matches against strong teams like Bayern Munich was a big boost to his first team, who are currently leading the UAE league table.

"We always look to improve football here through friendly matches against strong international teams. The friendly match between the two teams is just a step in paving the way towards an advanced level of good relations between Al Jazira Club, the sponsoring companies (Ipic and MAN), and the Bayern Munich Club," Al Rumaithi said.

The Bayern squad under coach Jurgen Klinsmann is in the UAE after a 19-day Christmas vacation and includes new signing Landon Donovan, on loan from MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy.