Ribery On CL Draw: I'd Rather Be Playing Big TeamsBayern Munich and France star Franck Ribéry will be the subject of ire in Florence in Lyon following his reaction to the Champions League draw, though depending on the intention behind his words he could have meant that big teams are somehow easier to play as they can be more complacent and predictable.Upon learning that they will be up against perennial French champions Lyon, Luca Toni’s former club Fiorentina and Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League group stage, he said: "I'd rather have played one of the really big teams like Chelsea, Manchester or Arsenal, and certainly not Lyon.
"I know from my own experience how good they are, and how difficult they are to beat."
Bayern goalie Michael Rensing was considerably more diplomatic when he said:"It's an awkward group with strong opponents, but we can be pleased enough. The Lyon games will have an edge, there's history between the two clubs.“
Big Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten said: "I think it's manageable, although we'll obviously never underestimate our opponents. I actually rate Fiorentina as our biggest rivals for top spot."
"It could have been worse," according to Miroslav Klose, "but we'll have to mind how we go nonetheless. I lost 7-2 in Lyon with Bremen, so not exactly happy memories there. Mutu and Gilardino are a strong forward line for Fiorentina. Bucharest are less well-known, which makes it even more important to take them seriously.“
Finally, Philipp Lahm said: "We need to focus on ourselves. If we perform, we'll make the next round. It's manageable, although it's by no means easy.“
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
Adani: Fiorentina Can Get Past Group Stage
Former Fiorentina defender Daniele Adani believes that La Viola have what it takes to get through the group stage of the Champions League.Fiorentina were drawn in a tough Group F with Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League, but Adani is confident that Fiorentina have the tools necessary to advance to the knock-out stages of the competition. "This year Fiorentina have what it takes to qualify, in my opinion. Perhaps on paper Bayern Munich is the favourite, but Fiorentina can play against anyone," claimed the ex-Inter player. Fiorentina were extremely active in the transfer market and brought in several new players to add depth to the squad such as Alberto Gilardino, Luciano Zauri, Juan Vargas, and Sergio Almiron among others. Adani took a moment to talk about Fiorentina's dealings in the off-season. "The summer transfer market allowed the team to grow in value, despite having lost two important players like (Tomas) Ujfalusi, who I cannot explain how he left for no cost, and (Fabio) Liverani, that perhaps lacks defensive qualities but can dictate the game like few others," Adani explained. “But players arrived in all departments and thus Fiorentina can do well in Europe and even the league." The player also mentioned that it would be beneficial if Fiorentina brought in a defender with some Champions League experience to help the squad on their European journey. Ironically, Adani was a member of the Fiorentina side that were last involved in the Champions League during the 1999/00 season. Currently, the 34-year-old is without a team after Empoli's relegation last term, but insisted he is not done playing football yet: "I'm training on my own account, waiting to find a challenging situation. Lately I've been hampered by various physical injuries but now I'm good and I want to end my career well by playing another couple of years." Adam Scime
Calcio Debate: What Are Italy’s Champions League Chances?
Fiorentina
One of the most equally balanced groups in the first phase is Group F, where all four teams are likely to take points off one another.
Lyon, who are seeded first, continued their domestic dominance by winning their seventh straight French championship last season. Les Gones have superb quality in midfield, with the likes of Jeremy Toulalan, Juninho, Kim Kallstrom, and new signing Ederson. They also have one of the best young prospects in Europe up-front in the form of Karim Benzema. Defensively though they could be a little suspect, and this is something Fiorentina will need to take advantage of.
Bayern Munich return to the Champions League after annihilating the Bundesliga last season, and they will now be hoping to reproduce this form in the Champions League. There are goals in the team up-front in Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and former Viola, Luca Toni, even if the latter two had poor Euro 2008’s. Star man is undoubtedly the brilliant Franck Ribery, who would walk into any team in Europe, while new signings such as Massimo Oddo, Tim Borowski and Breno have added depth.
Steaua Bucharest will be written off by a number of critics as the whipping boys of the group, but those who under-estimate them will be in for a rude awakening. Two-times reigning champions of Romania, and possessing a number of Euro 2008 stars such as Mirel Radoi and Dorin Goian, Steaua will cause trouble for teams at home, and Fiorentina would be wise to take note of their 3-1 pre-season win over Roma.
Prediction: Almost impossible to predict the outcome of this group. Steaua will pick up points at home but I still don’t expect them to qualify. Two from the other three.
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