FC Bayern were handed an attractive draw in the Champions League group stage on Thursday. Last year's finalists Tottenham Hotspur, Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade stand in the German record champions' way en route to the knockout stages. "I think we can be satisfied with the draw," said CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić warned against "underestimating any team." However, Bayern's ambition is to "make it to the last sixteen and win our group." Coach Niko Kovač commented: "I'm looking forward to our opponents and their stadiums."
Reaction to the draw
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: "I think we can be satisfied with the draw. It's important to start with great motivation and focus, and to have respect for all our opponents."
Hasan Salihamidžić: "We can live with the draw. It's our ambition to make it to the last sixteen and win our group. However, we'd be well-advised not to underestimate any team. Not only highly motivated opponents but also very emotional crowds await, especially in Piraeus and Belgrade."
Niko Kovač: "It's a very interesting group, I'm looking forward to our opponents and their stadiums, which promise great atmosphere. I'm confident we'll reach the knockout stages."
Manuel Neuer: "We've been handed two strong teams in Olympiacos and Red Star, but I think the race for first and second place will be between Tottenham and us. Tottenham have a very good team, they proved it in the Champions League last season and at the Audi Cup in Munich during pre-season. But I'm also looking forward to the other opponents, the atmosphere will surely be heated on the road."
Thomas Müller: "Tottemham Hotspur are very interesting opponents, I personally haven't played against them so far. Our two matches against last year's finalists will definitely be thrilling. I expect a heated atmosphere in Piraeus, and with regard to Belgrade I'm looking forward to seeing my former Germany team-mate Marko Marin. But taken altogether our goal has to be to progress to the last sixteen as group winners."
Joshua Kimmich: "I'm particularly glad last year's Champions League finalists are in our group. It's a good chance for us to prove we're at a top European level against Tottenham. As FC Bayern, our ambition must be to win the group."
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