Bayern will take on Bochum following their return from a trip to the Middle East for a training camp. The club has come under criticism for going to Saudi Arabia and not addressing the human rights issues there; however, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the CEO of FC Bayern München AG, issued a statement on the official Bayern website addressing the issue. Bayern trained well and will now look to defend their domestic titles successfully as well as win back the European Cup from Real Madrid. The time off has allowed players to recuperate. Philipp Lahm is back on his feet; this is very good news to all associated with the club. Bastian Schweinsteiger had a minor scare in a recent friendly but his ankle seems to be fine.
While the Bavarians have not added any big names to the first team roster in the Winter Transfer Window, they have let go of Xherdan Shaqiri and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg. Hojbjerg has gone over to FC Augsburg on loan; Augsburg does not have the option to buy the youngster. Shaqiri moved to Inter on loan as well; however, Inter has the option to sign him permanently after six months. Whether he will come back to Bayern is highly doubtful, considering how little playing time he got under Pep Guardiola.
Bayern's opponent in this friendly is a team which was once known for its ability to survive relegation. Bochum has not been part of Bundesliga history recently though. While their Ruhr rivals, Schalke and Dortmund, have gone on to do well, Bochum has stayed behind. During their time in Germany's biggest league, they provided entertainment to their fans including a 3-3 draw against Jürgen Klinsmann's Bayern in which the Bavarians were leading 3-1. It took all of six minutes for Bochum to turn the game around.
Can they provide such a surprise?
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