FC Bayern have been handed some attractive opponents for the group stage of this season’s Champions League campaign. Coming up against Paris Saint-Germain, Anderlecht and Celtic, the German record champions will face “household European names,” as Thomas Müller described shortly after the draw. The meeting with the Parisians has particularly got the Bayern squad excited: “Spectacular” (Hasan Salihamidzic), “a cracker” (Manuel Neuer) and “a great challenge” (Corentin Tolisso).
FCB reaction to the draw:
Carlo Ancelotti: “It’s an exciting group with great teams and PSG the pick of them. That’s a nice story for me to come up against my former club. Celtic have great support as everyone knows and Anderlecht are the Belgian champions so not one to underestimate. Three different but difficult opponents.”
Hasan Salihamidzic: “PSG is a spectacular draw. The club with the biggest name and I’m really looking forward to it. I played against Celtic myself in 2003 and it was the loudest stadium I’ve ever been inside. I also faced Anderlecht and they also have a good atmosphere with loud support. The biggest mistake would be to underestimate them. We have to prepare well for all our opponents if we want to top the group.”
Manuel Neuer: “It’s an interesting draw. PSG is of course a cracker – I’ve never played them before so am really looking forward to it. I’ll also be facing Celtic for the first time. Celtic Park is known for its amazing atmosphere so this draw gets me excited for the fans too. Anderlecht aren’t easy opponents either and we can’t underestimate them. They’ve claimed some big scalps in the past so we have to ready for that.”
Thomas Müller: “There are some household European names in our group. PSG are interesting opponents – I’ve never faced them before. It’ll also be a show against Celtic with their great support behind them. Either way, we want to progress from the group.”
Mats Hummels: “It’s a good group. Our objective is of course to progress but PSG is very appealing. They’re a spectacular side so bring it on! It’s a chance to test ourselves against some of the best. I’m also pleased there aren’t any long trips on the cards.”
Corentin Tolisso: “I think we’ve been given a really nice group. PSG of course will be a great challenge. They’ve really strengthened this summer with Neymar and Dani Alves so it’ll be two great games. But we also have to win our games against Anderlecht and Celtic, which is doable. Of course I’m looking forward to seeing my France teammates in Paris like Alphonse Areola and Adrien Rabiot.”
Kingsley Coman: “That’s by no means an easy draw but I’m really looking forward to facing PSG. I only got the chance to play once at that amazing stadium during my first year there so I’m looking forward to returning with Bayern even more. But we also have to concentrate on the games against Anderlecht and Celtic and not just assume they’re a given. If we manage to play to our ability in these games then we can absolutely win the group.”
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