Reaction to Friday’s UEFA Cup draw

Bayern have been handed an attractive UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie in Friday’s draw. “I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere at the stadium in Aberdeen,” commented Germany international Philipp Lahm. Mark van Bommel agreed wholeheartedly with his team-mate, but also expressed delight that the draw spared Bayern a potentially tricky trip to St. Petersburg.

Reaction to Friday’s UEFA Cup draw:

Ottmar Hitzfeld: “A very interesting, but also very tough draw. We’ll have to be fully prepared for the physical challenge against the Scots. But I have no doubt we’ll go through, where we’d again face quality opponents, the winners out of Anderlecht against Bordeaux. However, our priority is to prepare well during the mid-season break, and then make sure we go through against Aberdeen.“

Mark van Bommel: “I’m happy we’ve been spared the trip to St. Petersburg. Aberdeen is an attractive draw, there'll be plenty of atmosphere at both games, and I'm already looking forward to it. You should never underestimate a physical, battling Scottish team. Their national team had a fantastic run in Euro 2008 qualifying and put Scottish football back on the map. However, we should still have it in us to qualify for the next round.“

Philipp Lahm: “I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere at the stadium in Aberdeen. It won’t be easy there, but we’re Bayern Munich and we’ll get through. If it’s still open after the first leg, we’ll settle the tie at home.“