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Drawn against Benfica, Zenit and Leverkusen, the principality side are not counting themselves out of the running to progress to the last 16
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has faith that his team can progress in the Champions League despite being handed competitive fixtures.
The principality club have struggled for form in the early weeks of Ligue 1, winning only one of their opening three fixtures and are still beset with rumours that Radamel Falcao could leave before the transfer deadline.
Jardim, however, feels that progressing from a group consisting of Benfica, Zenit St Petersburg and Bayer Leverkusen is a fair goal despite there not being an outright weak team.
"It’s a very equal group, a very strong group, with four great clubs who will do everything to qualify," he explained to reporters.
"With concentration and a good deal of work we can qualify for the last 16."
Veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho predicts that life will be tough for Monaco, who are returning to the top level of the European game after nearly a decade away.
"It’s the Champions League, it’s hard for everyone," he said. "It’s very important to start well and to go match by match.
"Zenit have great players, Benfica are a top team and Leverkusen are a strong side. We must believe in ourselves."
Monaco’s best moment in Europe was a run to the Champions League final 10 years ago, in which they were overcome by Jose Mourinho’s Porto, and it is that level of success that Jardim's side are trying to replicate.
The French club have set their sights on winning the group, although Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists they retain a great deal of respect for their opponents
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi admits topping Barcelona in the Champions League group stage will be difficult.
The Parc des Princes outfit were paired with the Spanish club as well as Eredivisie winners Ajax and Cypriot side APOEL in Group F but, despite this challenging pool, the Qatari chief insists that it is his side’s aim to win it.
"We are going to try to win this group, even if it will be difficult," he explained to the media. "It’s not easy but it’s not very difficult."
Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations have seen the Parisians forced to cut back on their spending this summer, while their squad for the competition will be reduced from 25 to 22 as a further punishment.
However, Al-Khelaifi has not ruled out more movement before the September 1 transfer deadline as PSG aim to become European champions for the first time in the club's history.
"I don’t know if there will be another transfer. I can never say never. Anything is possible."
PSG were eliminated from the competition by Barca at the quarter-final stage two years ago, when they were held 2-2 at Parc des Princes before drawing scoreless at Camp Nou, thereby seeing them go out on away goals.
They were also eliminated at the last-eight phase in 2013-14, this time to Chelsea as a late goal from Demba Ba condemned Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co. to an exit.
The coach saw his Besiktas side beaten 1-0 on aggregate in their play-off tie but does not feel the Gunners are credible challengers for the trophy
Slaven Bilic does not feel Arsenal can win the Champions League after they scraped an aggregate win over his Besiktas side to qualify for the tournament.
The Gunners limped into the group stages of the competition with a 1-0 play-off success climaxing on Wednesday thanks to Alexis Sanchez's first goal for his new club.
The victory means that Arsene Wenger's men will compete in the competition proper of the Champions League for the 17th straight season, but the Besiktas coach does not view the 2006 finalists as challengers for this season's trophy.
"I would love it if Arsenal to reach next year's final because it would make us look like contenders," Bilic told reporters.
"If they improve they have a chance and, of course, they are going to improve, the league just started and they have got a few injuries.
"They are missing the strikers although Sanchez was good tonight. But to win it with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to compete against? Football is strange but it would be difficult."
Arsenal will discover their group-stage opponents at Thursday's draw in Monaco at 17:45CET.
The Blaugrana and the Ligue 1 champions are expected to cruise into the last 16 but the former Spain international is refusing to underestimate the threat posed by Ajax and APOEL
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has hailed Paris Saint-Germain as "a great team" but feels it would be a mistake for Luis Enrique and his troops to presume that the French champions are the only team standing between them and top spot in Champions League Group F.
The two sides met in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 tournament, with the Blaugrana scraping through on goals.
Most pundits believe that the pair wil cruise into the last 16 of this season's competition, having been drawn in a group alongside Ajax and APOEL, but Zubizarreta is not understimating the threat posed by the supposed 'underdogs'.
"When you come to this draw, you know you are always going to be drawn against a big team," the former Barca goalkeeper is quoted as saying by his club's official website.
"If you get over-confident, any team in the Champions League will make it hard for you. We’re going to be facing three very different styles of football
"We’ve played PSG before. It’ll be a great game. They’re a great team both in terms of individuals and as a unit.
"But this group isn’t just about PSG. Ajax have shown us before how good they can be. APOEL fight hard.
"Some very big teams have already found out just what a difficult opponent they are in Europe.
“These are games where every team has the right to dream. We have our dreams, and they all have their own."
Juventus will not make same mistakes again in Champions League, says Marotta
By Stefan Coerts
Aug 29, 2014 09:52:00
The Bianconeri director is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the knockout stages in European club football's elite competition
Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is confident the Serie A champions have learned from their mistakes in the Champions League and can reach the knockout stages this term.
The Turin side failed to survive the group stages in 2013-14 as Real Madrid and Galatasaray proved to be too strong. This time, they have been paired with Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Malmo during Thursday's draw.
And Marotta has little doubt the Bianconeri will do better this time around, but admits there is a large void between them and the elite clubs in Europe.
"We now have a proven group of players that, in recent years, was undone by a lack of experience. I think what happened last year will help us to not repeat the same mistakes again," Marotta told the official Juventus website.
"Having said that, we must be aware of our club’s history and remember that qualification is certainly attainable. We're satisfied with the outcome of the draw.
"In the Champions League there is a considerable gap between ourselves and the big clubs.
"We hope to progress as far as possible in Europe and you can be sure that we’ll give our all in every single match, because we are well aware that this is a competition which can be decided by the smallest details."
Juventus kick off their European campaign with a home game against Malmo on Tuesday September 16.
Atletico braced for 'difficult' Champions League clashes with Juventus
By Mark Doyle
Aug 29, 2014 00:51:00
The champions of Spain finished as runners-up last season but they are taking nothing for granted this time around, having been placed in the same pool as the Bianconeri
Jose Luis Caminero has conceded that Atletico Madrid face a difficult task in trying to beat Juventus to top spot in Champions League Group A.
The Rojiblancos reached the final of last season's competition, only losing out after extra-time to city rivals Real.
However, Caminero is taking nothing for granted after Atletico were drawn in the same pool as Juve, Olympiakos and Malmo.
"All of them are the reigning champions of their respective leagues," Atletico's sporting director pointed out.
"They have great players and I’m sure they will make it difficult for us to get through to the knockout stage.
“Juventus have won the Scudetto for the past three seasons and broke the league’s points record last year. They are one of the historic clubs in this competition and they are used to gaining success.
"They have top players such as [Andrea] Pirlo, [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Paul] Pogba, [Arturo] Vidal, [Fernando] Llorente and [Carlos] Tevez ... Both games are going to be difficult."
Hummels: Dortmund expect to progress to Champions League last 16
By Mark Doyle
Aug 28, 2014 22:59:00
BVB have been drawn in the same group as Arsenal, Anderlecht and Galatasaray but the Germany international believes Jurgen Klopp's men can reach the knockout stage
Mats Hummels says Borussia Dortmund are confident of progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Friday's draw for the group stage of Europe's premier club cup competition pitted the German outfit against Arsenal, Anderlecht and Galatasaray.
BVB faced the Gunners in last season's competition, with both sides scraping into the knockout stage at the expense of Napoli, after all three sides had finished with six points from six games.
Hummels believes that BVB, who finished as runners-up to Bayern Munich in 2013, have sufficient quality to make the last 16 once again this term.
"With Anderlecht and Galatsaray we have drawn new and interesting teams," the centre-half mused. "Arsenal, somehow, are a part of our Champions League experience.
"But we expect from ourselves to progress."
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp also acknowledged his side's familiarity with Arsenal but was more intrigued by the unknown quantities in Group D.
"We will meet familiar and new faces," the 47-year-old coach stated. "I have never been to Anderlecht and Istanbul before.
"We did not wish for an opponent ahead of the draw, so we will take it as it is. On Saturday, we will start collecting information about these teams, but we know Arsenal best, that is for sure."
Meanwhile, BVB midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is particularly excited about his side's home-and-away clashes with Galatasary.
"Because of my Turkish roots, matches against Turkish opponents are something special for me," the Germany international explained.
"Arsenal is a top team and these matches will give us and our fans the possibility to meet some guys from the national team again. It will be emotional.
"And everybody who followed Anderlecht a little recently know, how they have great talent and quality."
Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre labelled his team's UEFA Champions League group as "difficult".
The La Liga giants face three league champions – Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1), Ajax (Eredivisie) and APOEL (Cypriot First Division) – in Group F.
Mestre said Barca had been handed a tough draw, even wary of arguably the group's weakest team – APOEL.
"For me, it's a difficult group," he said.
"PSG are a tough team. Ajax we played last season and are tough as well. APOEL in the beginning could be an easy team, but we don't trust in that kind of thing."
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said he had the utmost respect for Barcelona and Ajax.
"We are also a great club this season I think," he said.
"I respect Barcelona a lot obviously. That's a great club, they've won it four times. Do not forget Ajax, they've won it four times.
"We respect them as a football club. We will try to win all our games and get the three points, always."
The Northern Irishman believes being paired with the reigning European champions is just reward for the Reds' surprise second-placed finish in last season's Premier League
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is thrilled at the prospect of facing Real Madrid in this season's Champions League group stages.
Thursday's draw in Monaco pitted Liverpool in Group B alongside the titleholders, as well as Swiss outfit Basel and Ludogorets of Bulgaria.
Liverpool's second-placed finish in the Premier League last season earned them a place in the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10, and being drawn against Madrid gives the club the chance to repeat the feats of the 2008-09 season, when the Reds dispatched the Spanish giants 5-0 on aggregate in the second round.
As 10-time winners of the competition, Real have twice as many crowns as Liverpool, and Rodgers is eagerly anticipating the contests ahead.
"Initially, we're excited," he told the club's official website. "That was last season's hard work, what we were working towards - getting Liverpool back into a competition where we are synonymous.
"To be back in it again, no matter who we were going to play, it was always going to be exciting. But to have Real Madrid in your group, the champions last season, is going to be special.
"I'm already thinking of Anfield on that night. But there are two other good teams in it along with us. It's a tough group but we'll really look forward to the challenge of getting out of the group."
Despite the sense of anticipation, Rodgers is refusing to get too carried away by planning for life beyond the first round.
"The notion for us was to get out of the group stage - we can look no further than that," he said.
"It was great excitement and hopefully it was great for the supporters to sit and watch the draw for the first time in five years.
"Now we know the teams that we're playing, we'll focus to get out of the group. That's as far as you can look. Once you get out of the group stages, you take it from there.
"Preparation will start straight away. Some of the teams we're well aware of; we watch the likes of Real Madrid nearly every week and we know their players.
"But as soon as the draw is finalised, the work and the focus will be on that. We have our analysis team behind the scenes who will do all the preparation work we need for our opponents. It will be exciting for them as well."
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said the UEFA Champions League draw his team were handed was "not an easy" one.
The Bundesliga outfit will face Arsenal, Galatasaray and Anderlecht in Group D in a decent draw.
Klopp is wary of the teams in the group, but said Dortmund would deal with the challenges presented.
"I don't know much about Galatasaray, but the city is very interesting. I've never played there or was there as a coach. It would be a very exciting trip for us," he said.
"Arsenal we know already. The team is little bit new but it's still an old acquaintance. It's not an easy draw.
"And Anderlecht, well you say that Belgium is the next power in the football. They have many talented players. Anderlecht have played really well over the last few years but in the end they always lost. But now they have more experience and it's not going to be easy.
"Our advantage is that most of our fans can go there [Belgium] by car which is very comfortable.
"It's not an easy group. We're starting to deal with it now. And when the fixture is clear we will be well prepared."
Klopp described Group D as "balanced" but said every group was tough in the Champions League.
"This is not a bowl of cherries. We were not wishing anything and this is what we got. And we have to look what we can do," he said.
Manuel Pellegrini hopes there will be no repeat of the racist chants aimed at Yaya Toure when Manchester City face CSKA Moscow in October.
Ivory Coast midfielder Toure was subjected to abuse from supporters of the Russian club during City's 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory at the Arena Khimki last year.
UEFA reacted by launching an investigation, which resulted in the governing body ordering CSKA to close part of their stadium for a subsequent clash with Bayern Munich.
Premier League champions City have been drawn in the same group as CSKA again in this season's Champions League and Pellegrini hopes lessons have been learned from the last meeting between the two sides in Moscow.
"I hope they have learned about that," said the City manager. "I don't think we will have any problems this year.
"There was also a problem with the pitch. But hopefully it is a lesson they will have learned."
City will also face Bayern and Roma in Group E of Europe's premier club competition.
Pellegrini knows his side could have had a more favourable draw, but the former Malaga coach is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
"I think it's a similar group to last year, a difficult group. With Roma also in a group, it's difficult but we must play and try to qualify." said the Chilean.
"Maybe other draws aren't as difficult as ours but that doesn't matter."
When asked if it was fair that Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal would appear to have easier groups, Pellegrini said: "It's the rules of the draw, maybe there are different systems but now there is one system and there's nothing we can do to change that.
"I don't know if there is a better system than they [UEFA] use now."
Pellegrini also played down concerns over Sergio Aguero's fitness after he went down under a challenge from Aleksandar Kolarov in training on Thursday, revealing that the striker is fit to face Stoke City on Saturday.
Alvaro Negredo is the only member of Pellegrini's squad absent through injury, although recent arrival Eliaquim Mangala is not yet ready to feature.
Bayern Munich president Karl Hopfner said his side had got the hardest group of all after being drawn with Manchester City, Roma and CSKA Moscow in Champions League Group E.
Andreas Jung (C) hand overs the cheque to Karl Hopfner (L) and Franz Beckenbauer after the 19th FC Bayern Muenchen Charit
Friday 29th August 2014
The 2013 Champions League winners renew acquaintances with City, whom they met on their way to the title that season and again last term, winning 3-1 away and losing 3-2 at home.
Moscow were also in a group with Bayern and City last season, but the addition of Roma makes the task of reaching the knockout stages all the more complicated.
"It's the most difficult group," said Hopfner. "But we don't have any fear."
The draw also provided an immediate return to Italy for Mehdi Benatia, who completed his move from the Serie A club to Bayern only on Wednesday.
"It's fantastic, I'm so delighted," the Moroccan posted on Twitter. "What fortune - I can't believe it. What a draw."
The Gunners' midfielder believes the North London club have what it takes to go the distance in Europe, and doesn't believe his side need to be scared of their Group D opponents
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil believes his side can reach the Champions League final this season.
Arsene Wenger's side qualified for the competition for a 17th straight campaign with a 1-0 aggregate win over Besiktas on Wednesday, but have failed to breach the round of 16 over the last four campgains.
However, the 25-year-old German international reckons that belief needs to be high after drawing Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Anderlect in Group D.
"We've strengthened our squad. We also want to show that we can play better in the Champions League," Ozil told reporters.
"It's a difficult group, and we know Borussia Dortmund well, but we don't need to be scared of anyone. They know exactly how strong we are. We have the potential to reach the final. We should always believe everything is achievable.
"Not many people thought Atletico Madrid would get to the final. If you work hard anything is possible."
Ozil came in for criticism during Germany's successful World Cup campaign, during which he was deployed on the left of midfield.
The former Real Madrid man said he was happy to play anywhere for his team - but his preference is the number 10 role.
"The opinions of fans are important to me and I'm happy they have such high expectations of me. I have high expectations of myself," Ozil said.
"I know what I can do and in the past few years I've shown that I belong to the select group of best players in the world as a No.10. What's important is that the manager gives me his trust and in Joachim Low and Arsene Wenger I have two managers who do exactly that.
"Both coaches know that my favourite position is the No.10. I've played on the left in a World Cup and for Arsenal but my best performances come as a No.10."
The Liverpool captain believes the Champions League holders are the opponents which the Reds really wanted and look forward to testing themselves against the world's best stars
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard cannot wait to pit his wits against Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Gerrard's side return to Europe's elite club competition following a five-year absence this season and Thursday's draw in Monaco paired them with Real.
Basel and Ludogorets complete Group B, but it is the prospect of facing a stellar Real team - who defeated rivals Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 final - that has captured Gerrard's imagination.
Former England skipper Gerrard has fond memories of Champions League meetings with Real, with the 34-year-old having scored twice in a 4-0 rout of the Spanish giants at Anfield at the last-16 stage of the 2008-09 competition.
And while a repeat of that scoreline appears unlikely, Gerrard - who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005 - believes Liverpool can compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. this time around.
"They were one of the sides that all of the players wanted, and certainly the supporters," he told the club's official website.
"For us, it's a chance to go and compete against the best. We're not in this competition to make the numbers up, we're not celebrating and going out to enjoy this competition - we want to compete and go as far as we can.
"We're going to treat every team in the group the same - but, of course, it's going to be an exciting encounter when Real come to Anfield and also us going away as well. I can't wait.
"It's a chance for us to compete against some of the best players in the world - the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.
"We're quite a new team, so it's a great chance for our lads to compete and see how good we are and how far we've come.
"We've got a lot of respect for Real Madrid but we certainly have confidence we can compete with them."
Garcia: Roma squad size crucial for marathon season
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Aug 30, 2014 07:48:00
The 50-year-old believes that his new signings and his large team will be able to handle the pressures of playing in Serie A and in a tough Champions League group
Roma coach Rudi Garcia believes that the size of the club's squad will be crucial in helping the Serie A outfit achieve success both domestically and in the Europe this season.
Roma start their new league campaign with a tough test against Fiorentina on Saturday, before having to play Bayern Munich, Manchester City and CSKA Moscow in a difficult Champions League group in September.
Garcia, though, is confident that he has the required depth in his team to be able to make a mark in both competitions this term.
"I've read lots of things since the start of pre-season: from euphoria, as if we'd already won, to negative things," he said. "Our main aim is to enjoy ourselves when we play and make sure the fans enjoy themselves too.
"We have a bigger squad this year - it's necessary given the games we have to play. We needed two per position and we have that.
"We'll be missing a few players tomorrow but we have able replacements who can come in. My players are ready, they can't wait to start and get stuck into the competitive matches.
"Now we're just thinking about beating Fiorentina, then we'll move on to Empoli and the Champions League. We have a marathon to run this year."
Garcia has recruited several new players this summer, including Kostas Manolas, Juan Iturbe and Salih Ucan and the 50-year-old commented on all three signings, insisting that he was impressed with his new recruits.
"Manolas? He's our defender for the future," he said. "I don't know if he'll start against Fiorentina but he's available. Iturbe is improving a lot. I've been impressed by his attitude and commitment in training.
"Ucan is a talented youngster. The first thing he needs to do is learn the language, he'll be a very important midfielder for us."
Roma will be without Mehdi Benatia after the defender chose to defect to Bayern Munich in a €30 million move this week.
Xabi Alonso: I want the Champions League with Bayern
By Stefan Coerts
Sep 1, 2014 13:24:00
The ex-Spain international is full of ambition following his transfer to the Allianz Arena side and was happy with his debut at the weekend
Xabi Alonso has set his sights on winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich, after previously lifting the trophy with Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The former Spain international signed a two-year deal with Bayern last week, joining from Real Madrid, and made his debut for the club in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Schalke.
The 32-year-old says he is desperate to go all the way in European club football's elite competition again before he hands up his boots.
"It would be a dream come true to win the Champions League with a third team," the experienced midfielder said at a press conference.
Alonso added he is happy to join the Bavarian giants this summer and was delighted to make his debut against Schalke.
"I was very excited to make my Bayern debut and really enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that I started right away, but it was a decent debut.
"It is an honour and a privilege to be here in Munich. I immediately got on a plane when the clubs reached an agreement.
"Over in Spain, football fans are getting interested in the Bundesliga more and more. The league is getting stronger and its great to play here. I want to prove something to myself here. It will be a great experience."
FC Zenit will face SL Benfica and AS Monaco FC in their first two Group C games without Hulk, who could be out until mid-October with a thigh injury sustained at the weekend.
The Brazilian international was substituted seven minutes from the end of Zenit's 1-0 weekend victory at FC Lokomotiv Moskva. On Monday a scan showed he is likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks, ruling him out of the trip to SL Benfica on 16 September and the visit of AS Monaco FC on 1 October, plus several domestic fixtures.
Hulk has been in fine form this season. The 28-year-old has scored five goals in six Premier-Liga outings for leaders Zenit, who have a 100% record, and last week was on target twice in the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against R. Standard de Liège.
Published: Tuesday 2 September 2014, 13.00CET
Malmö FF's team that reached the UEFA Champions League group stage had ten local players – taking part in the UEFA Youth League should ensure future success too.
Malmö FF's UEFA Champions League squad contains no fewer than ten players raised by the club themselves. Indeed the senior side's qualification for the group stage means the club's newest crop of youngsters will take part in the UEFA Youth League – enhancing the prospects of more in-built success in the future. "It's a great initiative from UEFA and a good chance for youth to develop," said Per Ågren, who is in charge of Malmö's community-based work.
Malmö have a long tradition of bringing through their own players, most notably perhaps setting Zlatan Ibrahimović on a path which has taken him to Paris Saint-Germain via various European heavyweights. Though his feats are unlikely to be matched too often, there is every chance MFF can continue to rear international stars of tomorrow. Anders Georgson, from the youth system, said: "We keep developing all the time. Our scouting has improved and we work with more academies. Everything is just getting better and better."
A resurgent Sporting Clube de Portugal are back among Europe's elite after a six-year absence and boast an exciting young team despite some key departures.
Sporting Clube de Portugal return to the UEFA Champions League group stage after a six-year absence with Nani and a host of recruits reinforcing a talented young squad as the Lisbon giants continue their resurgence.
After arguably their worst-ever season in 2012/13, finishing seventh in the Portuguese Liga and missing out on qualification for UEFA competitions for just the second time in their history, Sporting came second last term – their highest placing in five years.
Leonardo Jardim's side surprised many by pushing for the title before ending up seven points behind rivals and eventual champions SL Benfica. Sporting did finish above perennial favourites FC Porto to seal a return to the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Highly regarded coach Jardim left for AS Monaco FC in the summer as Sporting, a club known for nurturing youth, hired another young manager. Marco Silva, who is in only his fourth campaign as a head coach, takes up a new challenge after guiding Estoril Praia to a club-record fourth spot in 2013/14 and two successive forays into Europe.
Eric Dier has joined Tottenham
Sporting have recruited 11 players but, significantly, lost just two prominent players from last season as defenders Marcos Rojo and Eric Dier moved to Manchester United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC respectively. Only two of their signings, including France's 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner Naby Sarr, are over 23 – a sign the Lions are looking to the future once again.
Nani, one of the most noteworthy products of the famous academy which has rolled out the likes of Simão Sabrosa, Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, rejoined the Lisbon outfit on loan from Manchester United to the delight of fans.
The strategy that led to the club's revival, though, has not changed and seems to keep paying dividends. Sporting claimed a 1-1 draw at Benfica on Sunday, having lost on their previous six Liga trips to their neighbours without scoring a goal.
Despite the raft of newcomers boss Silva, 37, has not made too many adjustments. Signings such as Ryan Gauld are still settling into their new home and, in the Scotsman's case, progressing with the B team.
"These youngsters have to be worked. When they are ready, they will have a chance," said Silva, who last week welcomed 20-year-old French forward Hadi Sacko from FC Girondins de Bordeaux. So far just two new faces have featured regularly in the starting XI: Nani and centre-back Sarr, landed from Olympique Lyonnais, who is cementing himself as a pillar of the defence.
William Carvalho is a key player
The lineup continues to comprise mainly home-grown talents, with at least five academy graduates usually trusted. Three of them – William Carvalho, André Martins and Adrien Silva – remain the engine of the team in midfield, just as last season. Silva has faith in his young side: "We are at a club that has one of the best player development structures in the world. When we have such quality in our youth system these players are a sure bet."
Sporting will face Chelsea FC, NK Maribor and FC Schalke 04 in Group G on their long-awaited UEFA Champions League comeback. "We are proud to be in that competition," added Silva. "We lack experience but we have our weapons. It would be fantastic to finish in the top two, even though we know it will be very difficult."
The Lions certainly appear well-placed to continue their renaissance with several gifted young recruits, established home-grown stars and a renowned talent in Nani.
Steaua and Ludogorets charged for racist fan behaviour
Sep 5, 2014 22:38:42
Both sides have been hit with fines and stadium bans for the conduct of their supporters during the Champions League play-off clash at the end of August
Uefa has charged Steaua Bucharest and Ludogorets for racist behaviour from their fans during their Champions League play-off on August 27.
The two sides met in the second-leg in Bulgaria, a match which will mostly be remembered for the penalty heroics of Ludogorets defender Cosmin Moti, who scored one and saved two spot-kicks during the decisive shoot-out.
However, Uefa has determined that both clubs merit sanctions after sections of supproters threw missiles and invaded the pitch, while some were guilty of racially-aggravated chants and banners.
Ludogorets have been ordered to partially close a section of their stadium for their next home European match, while Steaua will have to play behind closed doors and have been fined €50,000.
A Uefa statement read: "The Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has ordered Steaua to play their next Uefa competition match as host club behind closed doors and has fined the Romanian side €50,000 for the racist behaviour of their supporters.
"In addition, Steaua have also been fined €10,000 for the setting-off of fireworks and throwing of missiles and €4,500 for the improper conduct of the team.
"The Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has ordered the partial closure of Ludogorets' stadium during the next (one) Uefa competition match which they will play as host club, and in particular sector A of the stadium. The Bulgarian side have also been fined €6,000 for the improper conduct of the team, €5,000 for insufficient organisation and €5,000 for the pitch invasion."
Polish side Legia Warsaw have also incurred the wrath of Uefa, with their "because football doesn't matter. Money does" banner landing them an €80,000 fine.
Legia fans had been dismayed by Uefa's decision to kick them out of the Champions League for fielding an ineligible player in the 6-1 aggregate win over Celtic.
