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Kaka and Carvalho named in Real Madrid Champions League squad The experienced duo have both made Jose Mourinho's 25 man selection for this season's tournament, despite being linked with a move away from the club this summer
Sep 5, 2012 12:20:00 AM
By Simon Harrison
Jose Mourinho has named his squad for Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, including both Ricardo Carvalho and Kaka, who were heavily linked with moves away from the club this summer.
New signing Luka Modric has been awarded a place, after his arrival from Tottenham, aswell as loan signing Michael Essien, who has rejoined his former manager from Chelsea.
Castilla players Nacho Fernandez and Denis Cheryshev also have been given a position in the squad.
Vilanova names Abidal in Barcelona's Champions League squad
Despite the fact he is currently recovering from major surgery, Barca's left-back has been named in the squad which is to be involved in their European campaign
Sep 4, 2012 11:20:00 PM
By Simon Harrison
Barcelona have included full-back Eric Abidal in their 25 man Champions League squad, even though the Frenchman is still recovering from a liver transplant.
The Frenchman has made remarkable strides in his recovery and the club are hopeful that he may well play a part in the competition.
Eighteen-year-old prospect Gerard Deulofeu has also been named, while new signing Alex Song is included, along with Cristian Tello, who was linked with a move away from the club over the summer.
David Villa is also handed a place after recovering from a broken leg which kept him out of football for eight months.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Ancelotti sees Barcelona & Real Madrid as Champions League favourites
The 53-year-old thinks the Spanish giants will be the ones to beat this year, but believes that his countrymen could also lead Manchester City and Zenit St Petersburg to glory
Sep 6, 2012 6:10:00 PM
By Miles Chambers
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Barcelona and Real Madrid are the favourites to win this season's Champions League, but also backed some of his fellow Italians to get the best out of their respective sides.
The Liga giants both reached the semi-final stage last time around and will be pushing to go at least one step further this year.
However, Ancelotti does suspect that Pep Guardiola's absence at Camp Nou makes the Catalan club more vulnerable than in previous years.
"Two clubs stand out: Barcelona and Real Madrid," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Barcelona are strong even without Guardiola in charge, but they seem less aggressive and slightly less focused in defence now. They look more vulnerable than in previous seasons."
And the ex-AC Milan boss believes Italian-coached clubs Zenit St Petersburg and Manchester City could also be ones to watch this season.
"Zenit, coached by [Luciano] Spalletti, and Manchester City, coached by [Roberto] Mancini could surprise people," the former Serie A coach added.
"Even though City have been drawn in a tough group, with Real Madrid."
Backed by his Parc des Princes owners, Ancelotti has embarked on quite the spending spree this summer, signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Lucas Moura among others.
"I thank them [the owners] for having done that," the Italian continued. "I'll do everything I can to get them to win trophies.
"Our objective is clear: winning the league in France, getting through the group stage of the Champions League and then, who knows?"
You cannot buy titles, European Cups, history, or fans - Real Madrid boss Mourinho unworried by big-spending rivals
The controversial coach claimed that clubs with rich benefactors will still lose out on the very best players to Europe's established big names
Sep 6, 2012 9:00:00 PM
By Max Bentley
Jose Mourinho is not concerned about the seemingly unlimited funds available to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit St Petersburg, and is confident that the history and success ofReal Madrid will continue to lure players to the Santiago Bernabeu for years to come.
Zenit splashed out a reported €80 million on Axel Witsel and Hulk from Benfica and Porto respectively on Monday, while PSG spent over €100m on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Moura over the course of the summer.
But Mourinho feels that the history of Europe's elite clubs will prove most attractive when players come to weigh up their options, and is also encouraged by the impending introduction of European financial fair play regulations (FFP).
"Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich. These clubs are unique. The titles, European Cups, the history, the story, the fans ... these things cannot be bought. The best players want to be with these teams," he told AS.
"These three I mentioned and a few others that have their cabinets full of almost hundreds of trophies. It still plays a role in players' decisions.
"Platini says he will apply this [FFP] to the letter. They will impose restrictions and it will be difficult for clubs that are not well structured, even if they do have a stack of cash.
"Real Madrid have the potential and the history to keep the best players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuaín... in short, all of our squad.
"But the clubs that are living exclusively on investment from their owners will not have it so easy, because they will encounter difficulties due to their lack of structure as well as their lack of history. So the financial fair play rule will be a good thing for football."
The Portuguese trainer was also asked whether he felt Los Blancos would be able to compete for the best transfer targets, taking into consideration the amount of money ploughed into clubs by foreign investors.
"I do not know. Right now the market is changing a lot," he continued.
"What happened with Hulk and Witsel, two of the best players in the Portuguese league, will be repeated within the next few years. But to get a big star to leave a historic, title-winning club will not be as easy. It's a new reality to which we have to adapt."
Having been drawn in a Champions League group with Manchester City, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, Mourinho took time to run the rule over the opponents he sees as a threat to his side's chances of making the knockout rounds.
"Three out of the four of us in the group are champions of the top three of leagues in Europe," he continued.
"Dortmund are the German champions, they are a finely tuned team full of internationals, lots Germans and the two best Polish players. They are gaining Champions League experience, have an impressive stadium and fans that support them all the way. With Ajax, you never know. They could cause an upset.
"Manchester City are a strong team because of their money, their players, their world-class players. City are a team brought together to win the Champions League, brought together with that intention. The investment that they are making year after year has the aim of lifting the European Cup. It's going to be tough."
However, Mourinho is confident that his side can navigate their tricky group.
"It's not going to be easy. But knowing my team, my players, also I have to be honest and say that intense matches are matches that I find, rather, we find, easier to prepare for than others. I am reassured in the knowledge that Real Madrid have developed a hugely competitive spirit."
Madrid kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Manchester City on Tuesday, September 18.
Kompany unconcerned by Manchester City's 'difficult' Champions League group
Roberto Mancini's men have been drawn against the champions of Germany, Holland and Spain in the shape of Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Real Madrid in the group stages
Pirlo: Juventus want to do well in all competitions
The influential playmaker is full of ambition and has set his sights on silverware both in Italy and in Europe following last year's success
Reus underlines ambition to progress in the Champions League
The 23-year-old Germany international has revealed that there is a real sense of belief within the Bundesliga champions that they can progress from a difficult continental pool
Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit watch on as Uefa gets tough over new Financial Fair Play ruling
Two of Europe's biggest spenders will be forced to take note after Atletico Madrid were among 23 clubs to be denied prize-money by the European governing body
Sep 11, 2012 12:15:00 PM
COMMENT
Julian Bennetts
Every uprising starts with a show of defiance, and this morning Uefa gave notice to Europe’s top clubs that there is more to their demands for financial sustainability than words alone.
The announcement that 23 clubs have had their prize-money from last season’s European competitions withheld due to their financial issues will have drawn a mixed response from all four corners of the continent.
The likes of Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Fenerbahce and Sporting Lisbon have until September 30 to either settle their debts or explain to European football’s governing body exactly why they have not paid players, other clubs or the taxman.
It is the first blow in what is likely to be a long and bitter battle in which lawyers and accountants will have more impact on our game than centre-backs or second strikers. That Atletico, the reigning Europa League champions, were included on the list will have drawn a sharp intake of breath from all clubs.
In Spain, where the financial crisis threatens to strangle everyone bar Barcelona and Real Madrid, there will be genuine fear of what may follow from Michel Platini’s baby, the Uefa Club Finance Control Body (CFCB), who have chosen this opportunity to flex their muscles.
In the blue half of Manchester and the townhouses of Chelsea, comes the acknowledgement that spending must be curbed. In Paris and Russia, the shining beacons for players and agents seeking a healthy pay-day, there will be a large dose of trepidation.
And for Arsene Wenger, the man who has embraced Financial Fair Play (FFP) from the very beginning, there will be a quiet smile of satisfaction.
FFP is Platini’s grand plan, one in which European clubs must reduce their debts over an audited period of time. Between 2011 and 2014, no club is allowed to lose more than £39.5 million. Between 2014 and 2017 that is reduced to £26.3m and then, hopefully, all clubs will break even.
If not, the punishment is simple; clubs that fall foul of the rules will be banned from the Champions League and Europa League. And when Platini’s ideas come to fruition, this will be seen as an important moment in this well-advertised sea-change. Yet the actions of some clubs suggest they do not take him seriously, not yet at least.
Qatari-backed Paris Saint-Germain are a gilded club with an impressive history, but it will be interesting to see how they reduce their losses by 2014, as Uefa require, having spent around £120m on the likes of Zlatan Ibrahmovic, Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi this summer.
Similarly, Zenit St Petersburg – whose average attendance was 3,000 less than Reading last season – have just spent £64m on Hulk and Axel Witsel. These are not the actions of clubs who feel financial Armageddon is coming. Yet Platini has never deviated, never changed from his insistence that the day of reckoning was near.
"These rules were unanimously approved by all clubs, politicians, judges and the European Union. There's no going back from here on,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport at the end of August. “FFP is a hard rule for any team, regardless of whether we're talking about PSG, Juventus, or any other team.
"I have spoken with directors from all clubs. They have all stressed that they would follow the new rules. It seems that some worry a bit more about FFP than others, though. "Financial Fair Play does not stop clubs from buying players. Clubs can still spend as much as they want as long as their budget accounts for it."
The question now is how PSG, Zenit and the rest can justify it. Over-inflated sponsorship deals have been discussed, as have an increase of equity for their owners in exchange for greater finance. But the example of Malaga is one that Platini is sure to refer to time and again.
The list announced today gives the clubs named until September 30 to settle their debts or explain why they had not paid either players, other clubs or the tax authorities money that was owed. In the case of Malaga, the answer is simple; because the billionaire owner, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani of the Qatari royal family, seemingly lost interest and the funds dried up.
Santi Cazorla was then sold at a knock-down price to Wenger and Arsenal, solely so that the players could be paid. Withholding prize money will only exacerbate the situation, but Platini had to make a stand.
Clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG and Malaga are all indebted to owners that they could not cope without. The Frenchman, a football politician who is surely destined for Sepp Blatter’s chair at Fifa, will not countenance that. And, under the leadership of former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, CFCB have been told to crack down.
No-one has been banned from European competitions – not yet, at least. But Atletico could lose out on up to £7.9m in prize money, an eye-watering figure for any accountant. And the message that is coming from Uefa’s HQ this morning is loud and clear; Platini is watching, and the day of judgement is coming.
Chelsea named European Club of the Year after Champions League success
The Blues were rewarded for their stunning victory on penalties against Bayern Munich in May with the prestigious title, given to them by the European Club Association
Sep 11, 2012 3:30:00 PM
By Tom Marshall-Bailey
Chelsea have been rewarded for their Champions League win last season by being crowned the European Club of the Year by the European Club Association.
Roberto Di Matteo led his men to an amazing victory on penalties against Bayern Munich in the German giants' own back yard, and their inaugural European trophy has been praised further after being given this title.
The Blues were handed the award on Monday from their respective peers at the third annual ECA Awards at the Association's General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
Di Matteo's side were disappointing in the league, finishing sixth, and they would have been forced into the Europa League were it not for their penalty heroics against Bayern.
Nevertheless, the club were "recognised for their outstanding achievement during the 2011-12 season on a European and domestic level," according to a statement.
Chelsea are one of the teams that makes up the ECA, the independent body that replaced it's predecessor - the G14 Group and the European Club Forum - when both were dissolved in 2008.
The first ECA awards were introduced in 2010, designed with the aim of "rewarding outstanding club performances, encouraging best practice and highlighting successful club management."
The award represents yet more good news for the Blues, whose double last season has been followed up by a perfect start to this season's Premier League campaign.
And despite a disappointing 4-1 loss to last season's Europa League winners Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup, plenty of early-season optimism around the club will only be reinforced with this latest achievement.
Buffon fired up for Champions League return
The Azzurri shot-stopper missed hearing the signature music during the Bianconeri's recent absence from European football's elite competition
Celtic’s Efe Ambrose: I'll stop Lionel Messi in the Champions League
The former Ashdod player is excited about the prospect of facing the Blaugrana superstar as he begins life with the Scottish champions
Ibrahimovic targets Ligue 1 & Champions League success with PSG
The Sweden international is confident that the club's big spending will pay dividends as he sets his sights on domestic and Continental success
Aguero insists Manchester City can compete with Europe's finest ahead of Real Madrid clash
The forward, who used to play for Los Blancos' closest rivals, believes the Premier League champions have the quality to challenge Europe's elite for the biggest trophy of all
We cannot repeat last season, says Gladbach boss Favre
The 54-year-old coach has disappointed fans by telling them that last season's superb campaign won't be repeated
Atletico Madrid and Malaga release Financial Fair Play statements
The Liga pair have given their thoughts on having prize money withheld by Uefa, following investigations into their finances
Sep 11, 2012 3:50:00 PM
By Alex Mott
Atletico Madrid and Malaga have today released statements regarding revelations that the two Spanish clubs have had their European prize money withheld. Uefa confirmed on Tuesday that 23 clubs have not been paid prize money, pending further investigation, for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
But the La Liga pair have come out fighting, issuing press releases saying they are fully behind the initial decision and will remain 'transparent' throughout.
A statement on Malaga's official website read: “Further to the previous statement made by the club, a complete internal restructuring process got underway over a month ago, aiming to guarantee the future viability of the club.
"The starting point of this process was to address the financial commitments, and find a balance between income and expenditure, in order to meet with the Uefa fair play requirements. “The club is still fully immersed in this process, and has now stabilised the financial situation with other clubs, employees and players, and is in negotiations with ‘Hacienda’.
"Although a definitive agreement has not as yet been reached, the amount owed by the club has been significantly reduced over the last month. Malaga Club de Futbol has informed Uefa of this situation, and there is a transparent relationship between both organisations.
“The inclusion of Malaga Club de Futbol in the list published today by Uefa is a precautionary measure and not a penalty, which can be lifted as soon as an agreement is reached with the "Agencia Tributaria," something which the club has been working towards for several weeks.”
Atleti were also swift in their response and released the following statement:
"On May 10, 2012, Club Atletico de Madrid SAD obtained from the Committee of First Instance of the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] the right to participate in Uefa competitions. Subsequently, Uefa announced our admission on June 15, that the club could participate in the Uefa Europa League 2012/13.
"Therefore, Club Atletico de Madrid S.A.D. fulfilled in the first instance with every one of the requirements of regulation and licensing Uefa Financial Fair Play to participate in European competitions. "This regulation establishes a monitoring procedure or permanent financial control for those clubs who have been licensed with Uefa, which implies the obligation to submit, on a quarterly basis, certain financial information that reliably demonstrates compliance with the monitoring requirements imposed by the panel of financial control.
"In the quarterly monitoring of June, Club Atletico de Madrid SAD submitted all documentation required by Uefa agencies.
"However, we would like to clarify that the measure notified today by Uefa assumes no seizure of any amount to Club Atletico de Madrid SAD, but it is an injunction issued in Uefa licensing regulation until the adoption of a control panel final decision, which we believe will be favourable.”
Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti declares Thiago Silva is 'ready'
The Italian tactician is preparing to hand his new €40 million defender his first appearance of the season when the French outfit kick off their Champions League campaign next week
Vieira savouring Manchester City's Champions League challenge
The former France captain says that the Premier League champions have learned from their failure on the Continental stage last season and will improve in the coming campaign
Kolarov relishing Ronaldo test in Champions League clash with Real Madrid
Manchester City face the Liga champions on Tuesday and the Serbia defender is confident that the Premier League club will enjoy a "great night" at Santiago Bernabeu
Lichtsteiner: I want Champions League glory with Juventus
The defender is very happy with life at the Bianconeri and has set his sights on winning European club football's elite competition, in just his second season at the club
Strachan: How to beat Barcelona? Visit a church or chapel and just hope
The former Scotland international has nothing but praise for the Catalan giants and feels it is all but impossible to defeat the Blaugrana
Sep 13, 2012 9:00:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan believes the Scottish champions face a nearly impossible task to beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
The former Manchester United midfielder took on Barca when he was in charge of Celtic in 2008, and remains impressed with their possession based style of play. "How to beat Barcelona? Well, you visit a church or chapel – whatever your preference is – and just hope," Strachan was quoted as saying by the Daily Record.
"Everybody has tried to take Barcelona on and they’ve all tried different systems. But trust me, it’s good players who make the difference. Good men win games.
"When we played Barca in 2008, that was when everyone realised this was a special team. It was hypnotic football. It was passing we’d never seen before. They just kept the ball moving, then they go bang-bang, goal.
"When Manchester United came to play us they got 340-odd passes. I think AC Milan made 360 or so. But Barcelona came to Celtic Park and completed 700 passes. We did analysis with our Prozone system. I looked at the analyst the next morning and said ‘there’s something wrong with Prozone’."
Celtic lock horns with Barcelona on October 23 at Camp Nou.
UEFA Champions League Group A preview: PSG back in the big time
17 September 2012
Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain mark their return to the Champions League with a clash at home to Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday.
The Ligue 1 giants will compete in Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2004/05 when they welcome Kyiv to Parc des Princes for their Group A encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have made a solid if unspectacular start to their league campaign, drawing three games and winning their past two.
Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proven unstoppable since arriving in France, netting five league goals.
The Swedish international will need goalscoring support from the likes of Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi if PSG are to progress in the Champions League.
In further good news for PSG, defender Thiago Silva, who joined with Ibrahimovic from AC Milan, is set to make his debut.
The Brazilian has been recovering from a thigh injury suffered at the London Olympics, delaying his first appearance for his new club.
Kyiv have made a strong start in the Ukrainian Premier League, losing just two of their opening nine games.
Nigerian Ideye Brown has provided a strong option up front with eight goals, while former Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar has also settled well.
The Croatian international, whose side knocked out Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Champions League playoff round, has netted four league goals.
Elsewhere in Group A, Liga Sagres champions Porto visit Stadion Maksimir to take on Dinamo Zagreb.
Without striker Hulk, who moved to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, Porto will rely on Lucho Gonzalez and James Rodriguez for their goals.
Dinamo Zagreb, meanwhile, are unbeaten this season with Brazilian Sammir leading the way to see them sitting top of the league.
It is a Zagreb side looking to atone for their miserable showing in the Champions League last season, when they lost all six games and conceded 22 goals in the group stages.
Included was a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Lyon, a result which led to allegations of match-fixing.
UEFA Champions League Group B preview: Giroud returns to Montpellier
17 September 2012
Olivier Giroud makes an emotional return to Montpellier as Arsenal start their Champions League campaign on Tuesday.
The French striker impressed for the Ligue 1 champions last term before making the move to the English Premier League.
But he has taken time to settle at the Emirates Stadium, still goalless for the north Londoners heading into the Group B encounter at the Stade de la Mosson.
Arsenal enter the clash on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of newly promoted Southampton, an outing Giroud was axed for.
Arsene Wenger admits Giroud, who has said he will not celebrate if he nets against his former club, is no certainty to start in France.
"I felt he was under a lot of pressure at the moment and sometimes it's good to get a little breather," the Arsenal manager said.
"I honestly don't know what I will do against Montpellier in the Champions League this week.
"I just felt the time had come for him to not be under so much pressure."
German forward Lukas Podolski has had no such problems settling, taking his tally for the league season to two goals with a stunning free-kick against Southampton.
In contrast to the unbeaten league start Arsenal have made to their campaign, Montpellier have struggled.
Rene Girard's men have won just one of their first five matches this season, with their latest defeat a 3-1 loss to Reims on Friday.
Adding to their problems, Nigerian international John Utaka picked up a thigh injury and is in doubt for the meeting with Arsenal.
In the other Group B game, Schalke make the difficult trip to the Karaiskakis Stadium to take on Greek league champions Olympiacos.
Olympiacos have made a bright start to their title defence, winning all three of their opening games, while Schalke are also unbeaten to start the season.
Rafik Djebbour has filled the void left by Kevin Mirallas, who moved to Everton in July, netting four league goals.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar looms as a huge threat for Olympiacos - the Dutchman has been prolific with the Bundesliga side since joining in August 2010.
UEFA Champions League Group C preview: Milan hoping for liftoff
17 September 2012
AC Milan will look to bounce back from a slow start to the season against Anderlecht in Group C of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is already under pressure, with the club having lost their first two home matches of the Serie A season.
A 3-1 win at Bologna just over a fortnight ago sees Milan 10th on the table but the players were booed off after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta on Saturday.
"To lose your first two home games of the season isn't pleasant," Allegri said after the surprise defeat.
"We have to improve and forget the results we've had ... Tuesday for us is a chance to pick up the pieces and move on.
"At the moment we're playing a bit in bursts, so we should look to play with a bit more conviction, otherwise it all becomes more difficult. On Tuesday we have to play a different game, not technically, but we have to have more conviction and believe in ourselves."
There is no question that this year's Milan side is not as strong as it was last season.
Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Thiago Motta both made big-money moves to French club Paris Saint-Germain while they also lost a chunk of experience with Alessandro Nesta, Filippo Inzaghi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Mark van Bommel and Clarence Seedorf all departing.
Striker Antonio Cassano also left the club - in a part-exchange for Inter's Giampaolo Pazzini - but due to financial issues, Allegri has only been able to spend small amounts of money on midfielder Nigel de Jong and defender Francesco Acerbi.
Despite the departures, Milan fans will demand they qualify from the group stages but they may face a tricky challenge against Anderlecht, who are unbeaten in seven domestic fixtures in Belgium.
After scoring 14 times last season, Democratic Republic of Congo forward Dieumerci Mbokani has started the current campaign well with three goals in five fixtures for Anderlecht.
The other Group C match sees La Liga outfit Malaga host Russian side Zenit St Petersburg with both teams in good form domestically.
Malaga may have lost playmaker Santi Cazorla to Arsenal in the off-season but they have started well, sitting second in Spain - a position normally reserved for Barcelona or Real Madrid - with their miserly defence having conceded just twice in four matches.
Zenit are also keeping things tight at the back, having conceded just six goals in eight matches, with Luciano Spalletti's side in fourth on the table.
Despite losing two of their past three, Zenit are only three points from the top of the table, with striker Alexander Kerzhakov topping the scoring charts in Russia with six goals.
The Russians have recently splashed huge money on Brazilian forward Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel and the 2008 UEFA Cup winners will be tough to beat at their own Petrovsky Stadium.
But they may struggle first-up in the heat of Spain against a red-hot Malaga outfit who have defied their own financial problems with a terrific start to the season.
UEFA Champions League Group D preview: Real, City the star attraction
17 September 2012
Real Madrid host Manchester City as Group D of the UEFA Champions League kicks off in stunning style on Tuesday.
The champions of Spain and England meet at the Santiago Bernabeu in the most-anticipated match of the group stages, with City desperate to improve on last season's showing in the competition.
Roberto Mancini's men failed to make it out of a difficult group – which contained Napoli, Villarreal and eventual finalists Bayern Munich – despite winning 10 points from their six matches last term.
And progression will be even tougher this year for the Etihad Stadium outfit, with the group also including Borussia Dortmund (champions of Germany) and Ajax Amsterdam (champions of Holland).
It has every right to be called the 'Group of Death' and not one match will be easy for any side, something City midfielder James Milner is well aware of.
"To get the group of champions is obviously a bit unlucky," Milner said.
"But you play in the Champions League to play against these top teams. And we know we can beat anyone on our day. It will be a very tough group but it's down to us to play well."
The former Leeds United and Aston Villa man said his side were 'unlucky' last season but they had learnt from their experience.
The true test of that will come in Madrid on Tuesday, with Jose Mourinho's men sure to come out breathing fire after a lacklustre start to La Liga so far.
Whereas City are unbeaten and sitting fourth in the English Premier League, Real Madrid have won just once and sit 14th domestically, with reports continuing to circle about the future of Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's admission that he was 'sad' for professional reasons in the wake of Real's 3-0 La Liga win over Granada has filled plenty of column inches and Mourinho needs to make his main man happy if Real are to stay in touch with table-toppers Barcelona, who are already eight points clear.
The other match sees Ajax travel to the Westfalenstadion to face Borussia Dortmund.
In front of an always raucous home crowd, Juergen Klopp's side will be favoured to win and they have performed well in the Bundesliga this season, winning two of their three matches including a 3-0 success over Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The acquisition of attacker Marco Reus from Borussia Moenchengladbach has proved a wise one, with the 23-year-old proving a handy replacement for Shinji Kagawa, who joined Manchester United in the off-season.
Ajax will be no easybeats though, with Frank de Boer's men also unbeaten in the league this campaign.
The Dutch giants have become accustomed to losing their best players in recent years and despite the off-season departures of defenders Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint-Germain) and utility Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) – for a combined total of approximately 20 million pounds – have coped well.
Midfielders Thulani Serero, Tobias Sana and Siem de Jong have all scored three times in the Eredivisie this season as Ajax sit third on the table and they are sure to present the Germans with a challenge.
Mourinho backs Manchester City for future Champions League success
The two-time European Cup winner likened the Blues' rise to prominence to that of his former club Chelsea under Roman Abramovich, while also dismissing talk of pressure at Bernabeu
Allegri urges AC Milan troops to move on from disappointing start
The Milan boss tells his team to pick up the pieces and move forward after a poor start to the season, believing that they will need to be at their best against Anderlecht
Iniesta targets Champions League glory with Barcelona
The Spain midfielder is determined to make up for last season's semi-final loss to Chelsea, and is hoping to recreate previous Wembley triumphs in the upcoming campaign
Szczesny out of Arsenal's Champions League opener against Montpellier
Vito Mannone is expected to step in for the Pole, as he did during the 22-year-old's Premier League absence earlier in the season against Stoke City and Liverpool
PSG can win the Champions League this season, claims Aragones
The former Spain coach has given his opinion on the capital club's current project, saying that Carlo Ancelotti's men can, in theory, triumph in Europe but it will be hard
Robben uncertain over Valencia return
The Bayern Munich winger missed his side's 3-1 win over Mainz on Saturday with a groin injury, and is staying cautious as he looks to recover full fitness
Aguero to travel with Manchester City squad ahead of Real Madrid clash, confirms Mancini
The Argentine has been sidelined since the opening day of the season with a knee injury, but his Italian boss has hinted at a possible starting role at Santiago Bernabeu
Yaya Toure: Manchester City do not need Barcelona's help to beat Real Madrid
The 29-year-old, who enjoyed a fruitful three-year spell with the Catalan club, is confident the reigning English champions can defeat Jose Mourinho's side on Tuesday
Klinsmann: Borussia Dortmund or Manchester City can win the Champions League
The former Germany boss feels that the Bundesliga champions could spring a surprise, while he also sees City as outsiders to go all the way in this season's competition
Bayern Munich's Neuer looking to bounce back from last season's Champions League disappointment
The German international believes die Roten should not dwell on previous European heartache and focus on ensuring they get off to a flying start this time around against Valencia
Mourinho only aiming for qualification from tough Champions League group
The Portuguese tactician has acknowledged Los Merengues have been given a difficult set of fixtures and believes just getting into the next round of the draw is acceptable
Galatasaray boss Terim eyes upset against Manchester United
The Turkish side, matched up against the Red Devils in Group H, will look to replicate the away-goals win they had over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side during the 1993-94 season
Montpellier coach Girard Rene calls for improvement ahead of Arsenal game
The 42-year-old was visibly distressed following his side's third loss of the season, which leaves them eight points adrift of the league summit
Montpellier return will be emotional, says Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
The 25-year-old makes an immediate return to his former club, where he was top scorer and won Ligue 1 last season, but insists he will put feelings aside and try to win the game
Puyol expected to miss four to six weeks following strained knee ligaments
The Catalan veteran appeared to have shrugged off his injury shackles, but pulled up after twisting his knee in just over 50 minutes of action against Getafe
De Boer places Champions League hopes on homegrown Ajax talent
The Amsterdam side can count on the services of excellent products raised from their youth ranks, a circumstance the coach believes places his team in good stead for Europe
Effenberg: Bayern are Champions League favourites
The former Germany international believes last year's finalists are one of the teams to beat, and has urged Borussia Dortmund to change their style of play in Europe
Ancelotti: Paris Saint-Germain ready for Champions League
The Italian coach believes his side are ready for their return to Europe's premier competition after recording a second successive victory in Ligue 1 at home to Toulouse on Tuesday
Buffon: Juventus have missed playing Champions League football
The goalkeeper is eagerly anticipating the Bianconeri's return to the Champions League, and believes their two-year absence could prove to be beneficial
Montpellier boss Girard: Arsenal will have to work for victory
La Paillade head coach has warned Arsene Wenger the Gunners will have to be at the top of their game against the French Champions when the pair meet for the first time next Tuesday
Sigthorsson injury blow for Ajax
The powerful attacker faces yet another spell on the sidelines due to injury and could be out of action until 2013
Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti declares Thiago Silva is 'ready'
The Italian tactician is preparing to hand his new €40 million defender his first appearance of the season when the French outfit kick off their Champions League campaign next week
Vieira savouring Manchester City's Champions League challenge
The former France captain says that the Premier League champions have learned from their failure on the Continental stage last season and will improve in the coming campaign
Kolarov relishing Ronaldo test in Champions League clash with Real Madrid
Manchester City face the Liga champions on Tuesday and the Serbia defender is confident that the Premier League club will enjoy a "great night" at Santiago Bernabeu
Lichtsteiner: I want Champions League glory with Juventus
The defender is very happy with life at the Bianconeri and has set his sights on winning European club football's elite competition, in just his second season at the club
Buffon fired up for Champions League return
The Azzurri shot-stopper missed hearing the signature music during the Bianconeri's recent absence from European football's elite competition
Celtic’s Efe Ambrose: I'll stop Lionel Messi in the Champions League
The former Ashdod player is excited about the prospect of facing the Blaugrana superstar as he begins life with the Scottish champions
'PSG have waited eight years for this moment' - Ancelotti savouring Champions League return
The Italian trainer is eager for his that his side can get their European campaign off to the ideal start when they face Dynamo Zagreb on Tuesday
Sep 17, 2012 5:45:00 PM
By Michael Cerna
Carlo Ancelotti is eagerly awaiting Paris Saint-Germain's upcoming Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev, emphasising the value of starting off on the right foot with their first appearances in almost a decade.
The capital club managed a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season, sealing their qualification for Europe's top competition, and their coach has urged his side to grasp their opportunity this term.
"The club has waited eight years for this", the former Chelsea coach stated at a press conference. "There was a lot of waiting. Everyone is exciting and ready to play the first match.
"There is no special pressure for the first match. Here, we don't have 38 games ahead of us, we have only six to qualify. But I'm sure the team will give 100 per cent."
Ancelotti went on to speak about his goals from the competition, and says he is perfectly aware of what it takes to do well in the tournament.
"I hope we will be competitive in this competition. We have a lot of experience, we have a coach with a lot of experience," he joked.
"The first group match will be very important for our future in the Champions League. PSG are not the favorites, but we have a lot of ambition.
"This is the most important competition in Europe. The goal is just to qualify for the next round. Kiev are a team that have experience in Europe, but we are ready.
"We have to focus on the first match, then the last 16. Then we will see what out ambitions are."
'Every year is harder & harder' - Lampard wary of Juventus threat
The Chelsea midfielder has revealed his respect for the Italian ahead of the Blues' Champions League group stage opener at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening
Sep 17, 2012 7:30:00 AM
By David Lynch
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has expressed his respect for the club's upcoming Champions League opponents Juventus.
The Blues face the Serie A champions on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge hoping to get their European campaign off to the perfect start.
However, the 34-year-old admits it will be a tough ask to beat a side who did not lose a single game in the Italian top flight last term.
"Every year is harder and harder. Real Madrid and Barcelona are stronger than ever, but we have to keep focused and do well since it is the first match of the group," he told reporters.
"We know that the match against Juventus won't be easy. They are a very strong team that is part of football's history.
"They won the last Serie A unbeaten, they have invested a lot and in the right way, so they are a hard nut to crack for us."
The England international went on to reveal his favourite games of last year's victorious campaign and dismissed suggestions that winning the competition has quelled his desire this time around.
"Particularly the two matches against Barcelona in the semi-final were exciting," he continued.
"It's great to have the trophy and medal in the drawer, but it is not the case to relax. Since we did it once, why not try it again?"
Failure won't be tolerated: Fergie warns United he won't accept Euro flop like last year
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 10:21 GMT, 17 September 2012 | UPDATED: 10:27 GMT, 17 September 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant his side will avoid the embarrassment of an early Champions League exit they suffered last season. The three-time champions of Europe limped out at the group stage a year ago despite what appeared on paper to be a straightforward placing alongside Basel, Benfica and Otelul Galati.
No complacency: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his team to give their all
This time United, who won the tournament in 2008, are grouped with Galatasaray, Braga and Cluj, and Ferguson won't tolerate another below-par showing.'We've had opportunities in the competition,' he stated.
'We've lost two finals to Barcelona and won two in the last decade or so but we want to do better. 'Certainly, we’ll do better than last year - no question about that. 'The European Cup is incredible. There’s an atmosphere in the build-up to a European final and great charisma about it. Also, without question, it elevates your status within the game like the Real Madrids and AC Milans. 'We want to be up there in terms of the number of trophies won in European football.
Flops: Manchester United were dumped out at the group stage last season
'The only thing you can think about is qualifying. Manchester City are with Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Real Madrid and it’s going to be a tight group. It doesn’t mean to say City can’t get through as the other teams will be saying City are strong but the two who go through will deserve it. 'If we don’t go through, we will be criticised and pilloried for it and quite rightly. We’ve had our warning and I don’t anticipate going out this time.'
Having been to 'hell' and back before, Giggs knows what to expect from Galatasaray
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 15:00 GMT, 17 September 2012 | UPDATED: 15:29 GMT, 17 September 2012
Ryan Giggs will never forget his first visit to Istanbul. November 1993. Champions League second knockout round, second leg. Galatasaray away. Welcome to Hell.
'I remember it vividly. It will always stick with me,' the veteran Manchester United midfielder said.
Welcome party: Galatasaray fans welcome the Manchester United players at Ataturk Airport in 1993
Hostile atmosphere: Banners surrounded the pitch during the game in 1993
'I was 19 and, when we arrived at the airport, there were all the banners and fans. Thousands of fans screaming at you. 'There were things being thrown at us when we were driving away on the coach. Outside the hotel their fans were chanting all night, making sure we didn't get any sleep. People were phoning the hotel room. 'Prior to the game, the manager told us to go on the pitch and sample the atmosphere.
'The fans had been in the ground for hours and hours. The atmosphere was buzzing 90 minutes before kick-off. 'We were stood in the middle of the pitch watching the fans chant. It was one stand to another.' Nineteen years on, Giggs recalls it as being a brilliant experience - at least until the final whistle when United, who had Eric Cantona sent off, were knocked out, triggering a frenzied reaction from their hosts.
Welcome to hell: Galatasaray fans celebrate their win over Man United in 1993
Shock: Galatasaray celebrate scoring at Old Trafford in the same year
'When we came off the pitch, it was chaos,' Giggs said. 'Eric had already been sent off and the way back to the dressing room was underneath the pitch. 'There were armed police either side - not the kind of people you would ever mess with. They had helmets, batons, were all ready. And it just kicked off. 'I was just trying to get back to the safety of the dressing room as quickly as possible.
'Obviously not at the time because we lost and went out, but it was a great experience for us. 'They were a good team then and they will be a good team now.' Giggs' last comment is particularly pertinent as United open this season's Champions League campaign against Galatasaray at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Tough challenge: Giggs knows what to expect from the Turkish side
And they are not so much on a revenge mission for that defeat as nursing an additional sense of purpose following last season's debacle, when United tumbled out of the group stage with only two wins. After reaching three finals in the previous four campaigns, it was an unexpected blow Giggs and his team-mates are anxious to put right.
And the 38-year-old believes he knows just how to do it.
'We need to win our home games,' he said. 'Usually 10 or more points gets you through, which means winning at home and trying to draw away. 'We didn't manage it last year because we didn't perform at Old Trafford the way we have done in the past.' Robin van Persie's appearance off the bench in Saturday's 4-0 Barclays Premier League win over Wigan showed the Dutchman has no lingering effects from the groin injury that curtailed his international involvement.
Back in action: Van Persie (centre) made a cameo appearance on Saturday
It also confirmed manager Sir Alex Ferguson's determination not to take any chances in Europe this term after admitting he got his team selections badly wrong last season. And with fellow new boy Shinji Kagawa also set to return after being given additional time to recover from his arduous trip to Japan, Giggs is expecting both men to make a positive impact.
'Robin has the experience of playing in Europe with Arsenal,' said the Welshman, who became the first player to clock up 600 Premier League appearances at the weekend. 'The goals he has got will hopefully give us that extra edge this season. 'Shinji is that kind of player who will thrive in Europe, where possession is key. 'He keeps the ball and gets into positions where he is hard to pick up. 'I am sure they will both be very good additions in Europe for us.'
