Champions League Discussion- Week 1

jibers wrote:I fear for Dortmund tbh. They have struggled to break down teams that play on the counter, which is what Arsenal and Napoli will do. I guess you could say this is the next step in Klopp's coaching evolution. That is why they lost so many points last  season. They are superior this season so we will see.

Tomwin Lannister wrote:If Conte doesn't start rotating i'm gonna set things on fire ffs.



Can't wait for Dortmund - Napoli and I am genuinely worried for Milan.

El Shaarawy wrote:Has Digne made his debut for PSG?

"Real Madrid are favourites for the Champions League trophy," the 21-year-old told a press conference.

"It shouldn't become an obsession, but we will give everything for la Decima.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti recently faced criticism for letting Mesut Ozil leave for Arsenal, but Isco is convinced the club's new signings easily make up for the loss of the valuable assist creator.

"After Mesut Ozil's departure, not much has changed. Now we have Gareth Bale and we are tyring to help him.

"With new additions this summer, we can clinch the title this season."

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has branded his side as Champions League underdogs, but "dangerous ones" at that.

The Bianconeri join Real Madrid, Galatasaray and Copenhagen in Group B and Conte feels his side have a good chance of proceeding to the knockout stages by coming out on top.

"Juventus can be considered as Champions League outsiders, but dangerous ones," the 44-year-old told reporters at the press conference leading into the first group-stage encounter against Copenhagen.

"We're realistic, but we won't place limits on how far we can go.

"The added year of experience could be fundamental. In the Champions League groups you only have six games and it's difficult to recover after any slip-ups.

"What won't change is the team's philosophy. I'm convinced everyone will give me the responses I'm looking for.

"On paper you would say that Juventus and Galatasaray will battle it out for second place, yet Copenhagen could cause an upset."

And Conte believes that Madrid, fresh from splashing out €100 million on Gareth Bale, are rightly being strongly-tipped to wrestle the trophy from Bayern Munich.

"It's a fascinating group. Real Madrid are chasing their 10th Champions League title and have spent a lot of money. They're favourites."

Juventus will play their first Champions League match of the season on September 17 against Copenhagen.

How to face the challenge of the Tenth?

It is important not to become obsessed with winning the Champions League. We all have great enthusiasm and desire to win. We will give everything. It is important to start well and that we will try to do.

Does the coach insisted they required to win the Tenth?

In the vesturario nobody has talked about obsession. It's a dream to win the Tenth. There are team and confidence and is only to work hard to achieve the goal. We will give everything.

Galatasaray is much stronger at home. Are you worried?

We know that at home, with their environment, is doubly strong. Has up very dangerous people, but we will try to play our game, which is most important.

Did this may be the season of their revalidation in Europe?

I hope to help the team as much as possible. We face the best teams in Europe and we must do everything possible to pull this off. The team has been strengthened well enough to try to conquer the tenth Champions League, but we hope this is the year.

Are you playing where he likes?

I feel comfortable where I put the coach and look forward to taking minutes. The important thing is to play.

How does the rotation in goal?

We have two portrazos who are in a spectacular way and whoever plays we will have the goal covered.

How is that adaptation of Bale?

He has trained around with us, but is seen to be a great player. As demonstrated with the draw at Villarreal and I hope we continue to give much more.

Do you feel more responsibility after the departure of Özil?

I feel the same responsibility as Mesut. It has been a significant drop for us but Bale has come, it also helps us a lot in the offensive side.

How about Drogba?

Sneijder, Drogba, Yilmaz ... They are all over the net and we'll have to do a great job to stop them. Striker Drogba is a very powerful and strong.