Chelsea will start their campaign to defend their Champions League title against two-time winner and Serie A Scudetto holders Juventus. Roberto di Matteo, manager of The Blues, will be wary of their difficult opening challenge in their title defence this season. Massimo Carrera, standing in behalf of suspended manager Antonio Conte, welcomes his side’s opening challenge against the champions of the tournament.
Saying that Chelsea will try to fulfil the “impossible” challenge of defending their title, di Matteo recognizes the highly competitive nature of the competition. He added that their placement in Group E, alongside domestic champions Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine and Nordsjaelland of Denmark, makes their challenge much more difficult.
Carrera ensured that his side is properly oriented on the techniques that they will execute against 2011-12 winners Chelsea. Calling their Chelsea fixture as a “big test”, Juventus is out to seek their third Champions League title amidst the Calcioscommesse scandal that caused their manager Conte’s 10-month suspension.
John Terry, John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata will be playing for Chelsea after recovering from their respective injuries. Juventus will not see Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin play at Stamford Bridge. Despite their 42-game undefeated run at the Serie A, their lack of a formidable strike force remains their key problem.
Bayern Munich vs. Valencia: Meeting at This Year’s Group Opener since Their 2001 Final
Bayern Munich will play host to their 2001 final opponent Valencia. Bayern, who reached the final last season but lost to eventual winners Chelsea, will strive to make a comeback following their favourable form in this season’s Bundesliga. Both managers – Jupp Heynckes of Bayern and Mauricio Pellegrino of Valencia, ensured that their respective sides do not hold any grudges on their 2001 final anymore.
Heynckes recognize the strength of Valencia’s current line-up, which he considers a great challenge for their campaign. He claims that his side does not think of their defeat to Chelsea last season, noting that playing their best games, without talking about next year’s final for the meantime, remain their current focus.
Pellegrino is wary that giving Bayern too much respect might cause them to commit mistakes – even small ones that can cost their chances. He remains concentrated on Valencia’s chances in the tournament, despite their intimidating contest against Bayern.
New signing Javi Martinez will appear for the team on Thursday, while Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have confirmed their availability for the match. Striker Mario Gomez remains sidelined due to injuries, prompting Mario Mandzukic to make another starting role for the team.
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Photo credits:
Chelsea vs. Juventus [Photograph]. (2009). Retrieved 19 September 2012, from <http://www.serieatalk.com/serie-a-teams-failing-in-champions-league-1039 >
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