Bayern have been put into a bumper Group E in this year’s Champions League, with Julian Nagelsmann’s team set to take on Barcelona, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv following Thursday’s draw in Istanbul. fcbayern.com rounds up the reaction from the Bayern camp to the group-stage opponents.
Reaction to the Champions League draw
Board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic: “I’m really looking forward to this group, it’s a very attractive one. Ideally, we want to go into the round of 16 by finishing top. Barcelona are a different team without Messi, but they still have very good players in their ranks. It’ll definitely be a great clash. Benfica are a traditional club with illustrious names who always bring through good players and have a very good youth academy. Kyiv are the Ukrainian double winners and aren’t to be underestimated. It’s an interesting task we want to manage.”
Manuel Neuer: “We can’t allow ourselves any mistakes in this group. They’re all very strong opponents. Barcelona are still very much in the minds of those of us who were here in 2020. Even without Messi it’ll be a very tough task. Benfica are a very strong playing side and there’s always a great atmosphere there. And we definitely can’t underestimate Kyiv, they’re a battling team. I’m really looking forward to this group and clashes with some of Europe’s biggest teams.”
Thomas Müller: “We’ve been given three traditional Champions League participants. I’m looking forward to facing those teams, who can all play very good football. Barcelona are still very much in our memory from the 2020 quarter-final. That was a great experience in Lisbon for FC Bayern. But we also have to be on our guard against Benfica and Kyiv. When I think of Kyiv, what immediately comes to mind is that great Mario Basler goal from the 1999 semi-final that took us into the final.”
Joshua Kimmich: “It’s definitely a very ambitious group. Barcelona is a great challenge with a lot of top players. We’re looking forward to what should be two super games. Benfica are a good team, tactically flexible and so tough to play against. Dynamo Kyiv are the champions of Ukraine, so also a hurdle you need to take with full concentration. Generally, our goal has to be to get through this group as winners.”
See how the draw went down in our live blog:
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