Reaction to the CL draw: 'We want to finish in the top eight' | OneFootball

FC Bayern will face Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, Manchester United, Bodø/Glimt, Lille, Slavia Prague and Viking Stavanger in the league phase of the Champions League. This was the result of the draw held on Thursday evening in Monaco. “Overall, these are opponents we respect, but whom we want to beat,” said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. Captain Manuel Neuer added: “They're very evenly matched and interesting opponents with a rich history. Basically, we want to finish in the top eight again; that's our main objective.” fcbayern.com has put together the reaction from FC Bayern following the draw.

Reaction from FC Bayern to the Champions League draw

Jan-Christian Dresesen (CEO): “These are no easy opponents. We have it tough with Atlético Madrid, who are always a difficult team to play, and Manchester United away – at Old Trafford in front of a fantastic crowd. At home, we’ll be facing Arsenal, the English champions and last year’s finalists. Then we’ve got a few lesser-known sides like Viking Stavanger; I’m really looking forward to that match and the trip to Norway. Amongst others, we’ll also be playing at home against Bodø/Glimt, who caused a few surprises last season. Overall, these are opponents we respect, but we want to beat them.”

Max Eberl (board member for sport): “We’re really looking forward to the new Champions League campaign. We’ve got some tough away fixtures against Atlético, Manchester United, Lille and Viking Stavanger. At home, we’ve got opponents we can beat, but also last year’s finalists, including Arsenal. We want to finish in the top eight; that’s our clear objective.”

Manuel Neuer: “They're very evenly matched and interesting opponents with a rich history. Basically, we want to finish in the top eight again; that’s our main goal. The clash with Arsenal has become a classic in recent years. We’ll be playing Atlético at the venue where the final will take place, and we all hope we’ll get to play there twice this season. Bayern vs. Manchester United is, of course, an absolute classic with a rich history in the Champions League. Playing there is something special. We also won’t underestimate the clashes against Bodø/Glimt – who were a real surprise package last season – Lille, Slavia Prague, Real Betis and Viking Stavanger. We’re looking forward to these challenges.”

Serge Gnabry: “We’re hoping for another strong league phase in the Champions League. I’m really looking forward to the match in Madrid against Atlético. We played Arsenal last season, and that’s set to be another excellent and exciting match here at home. Bodø/Glimt were the surprise package of the competition last year. Manchester United are on the up; it’ll be a great clash in a stunning stadium. Betis, Slavia Prague and Lille are also teams who play good football and performed strongly last season. These are exciting and thrilling matches that we’re looking forward to.”

These are Bayern’s opponents in the league phase