Fuente : UEFA (English)
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UEFA Champions League: Contenders consider their task

/noticias.info/ Today's UEFA Champions League group stage draw threw up some fascinating contests, with FC Bayern München facing Juventus FC in this round for the second year running, newcomers FC Thun taking on experienced trio Arsenal FC, AFC Ajax and AC Sparta Praha, and Manchester United FC meeting SL Benfica in a rematch of the 1967/68 European Champion Clubs' Cup final. uefa.com rounds up the reaction from Groups A-D.

Group A
FC Bayern München, Juventus FC, Club Brugge KV, SK Rapid Wien

Juventus are definitely extremely tough opponents and we found that out the hard way last season. We should beat both Rapid and Brugge and qualify for the next round. Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro

We have to be very careful because we know Bayern very well. We played them last season and they are very strong. Brugge are also difficult to face as they are a well-organised side. We don't know Rapid as well but they have plenty of quality players and they eliminated a strong team in [FC] Lokomotiv Moskva. Juventus coach Fabio Capello

It's a tough draw, but what can you expect? Every team that made the draw is a very good one, so it could not be anything less than difficult. We have not played against those teams before, and personally I am looking forward to playing in Bayern's new Allianz Arena. Rapid are the side closest to our level, so the 'third-place match' will become very important for us. To achieve more than second place would be really unbelievable. Brugge captain Gert Verheyen

We got a very difficult group but you cannot choose your opponents. Six attractive and interesting games await us, which we are looking forward to very much. Bayern were one of the teams I personally wanted to draw, because I spent six marvellous years there and would like the chance to prove that I have developed since. It's a great group from which we can gain a lot of experience for our domestic league. Rapid captain Steffen Hofmann

Group B
Arsenal FC, AFC Ajax, AC Sparta Praha, FC Thun

We need to succeed in Europe. We have only got to the quarter-finals before and this is an interesting task for us. We are always asked the question why we do not do better as with success comes expectation. We have got to get as far as we can in the Champions League. We have played Ajax before and played in a pre-season tournament there a few weeks ago. It is interesting. Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein

Arsenal are a hell of a team, but Sparta and Thun I know very little about. Traditionally it is hard to play away at Sparta. Thun are still a closed book, we know nothing about them. But when you survive the qualification rounds by beating [FC] Dynamo Kyiv and Malmö [FF] relatively easily, then you are opponents that should not be underestimated. All in all, I would say it could have been worse, but we certainly must not think we are already there. Ajax coach Danny Blind

Arsenal have been at the top for many years and they have one of the best-ever coaches. Ajax are a better team than our fans think and we cannot underestimate Thun as they qualified in style and eliminated Dynamo Kyiv. It says much about them. Sparta coach Jaroslav Hrebík

This is an excellent group with attractive opponents. The first game [against Arsenal] in London should give us some fireworks. We are enormously pleased - some truly incredible games await us. Thun president Kurt Weder

Group C
FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos FC, Werder Bremen, Udinese Calcio

I think it is possibly a good draw. We have to play game by game and it is the same for Panathinaikos and Udinese, but German teams are always difficult. We have to be aware of our possibilities - the players are all committed to the club, work happily together and we have a good coach. Barcelona president Joan Laporta

We wanted to play a great team like Barcelona. The motivation is enormous. We know what we are up against. The first match, away at Udinese, will be of vital importance. A positive result will set the tone and help us in the next matches. In general, it's good for us that the draw was so difficult. Panathinaikos midfielder Constantinos Charalambides

Travelling to Barcelona's Camp Nou for a Champions League game has always been one of my dreams. I am very glad it has come true. Our group is very difficult but there were only great teams in the draw. Barcelona are clearly favourites to progress. Nothing is impossible and we will give everything to qualify from the group stage. Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf

I am really looking forward to our games against a huge side like Barcelona. The matches against Bremen and Panathinaikos will be extremely tough and we know how hard it will be in Athens especially. I am sure we can reach the next round. We just have to be confident. Udinese coach Serse Cosmi

Group D
Manchester United FC, Villarreal CF, LOSC Lille Métropole, SL Benfica

I think the manager will be pleased. We won't be frightened of anybody but we still have a job to do of course. We haven't conceded a goal yet and we are all pleased with how it's going. The manager and players have made a good start but it's still a long way to go. United secretary Ken Ramsden

It's a dream come true to be among the 32 best teams in Europe. We know just how difficult it has been to come this far and that from now on it will be even tougher. But everyone at the club is looking ahead to these games with optimism. Villarreal chairman Fernando Roig

We have three good teams to play but we intend to do well in this competition. To play Manchester United is a dream, to play at Old Trafford is another one. We'll have to prove we are able to improve our play. Whatever happens, it will be good for our experience. Lille striker Matt Moussilou

Lille are probably one of the best French teams. They are very dangerous on the counterattack and we must be careful. On the other hand, I think Villarreal have great ambitions in the competition and they have good individual ability. Manchester United may be the strongest opponents. They are a powerful team I know very well. They have a Portuguese coach, Carlos Queiroz, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a great player with outstanding skills. Benfica assistant coach Tonny Bruins Slot notas_de_prensa_archivo