It is not only at Ajax that there is a predominantly good feeling after the draw for the group stage of the Champions League. Opponents Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Portugal and Besiktas also see plenty of opportunities for a place in the next round of the billion-dollar ball. There is relief in Dortmund circles in particular, because BVB is in any case not classified in a so-called pool of death.
“It is a very interesting group with only traditional clubs,” technical director Michael Zorc told the German media shortly after the draw. That opinion is shared by general manager Hans Joachim Watzke. “We have nothing to complain about, it is a balanced group. We have good chances to continue in the Champions League. Captain Marco Reus also realizes that Dortmund could have faced much tougher opponents in the group stage.
Ajax plays against Sporting Portugal, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas
The opponents of Ajax in the Champions League were announced on Thursday.
“They are certainly interesting opponents, such as Ajax”, the playmaker looked ahead to the group matches with the champion of the Netherlands. To immediately add: “But the real big clubs are not in this group. In that respect we can only be satisfied, although we must of course be well prepared.” Reus does not want to label Dortmund as the big favorite. “I don’t care either, we just want to qualify for the next round.”
Sporting Portugal technical director Hugo Viana also had a good feeling about the Champions League draw. “We have every confidence, although I can well imagine that the other clubs feel the same way,” said the Portuguese driver. “With the champions of the Netherlands and Turkey, among others, we will meet three great opponents. Whether we could also have been classified in a worse group? As far as I am concerned, there are no good or bad groups. We will look at it per game and then we’ll see what happens,” concludes Viana.
Ahmed Nur Çebi, chairman of Besiktas, opens with a good wish to the opponents in the group stage. “They are all good and special clubs. For Turkish football it is important that we get points with Besiktas, so I hope that all clubs will do well. I would like to invite the presidents of the other clubs to join our matches in the Come and watch the Champions League in the stadium.” Board member Kemal Erdogan, responsible for contacts with UEFA and the Turkish Football Association, is particularly looking forward to the diptych with Ajax. “My daughter lives in the Netherlands and I would like to visit her.”