Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes welcomed his side's draw with Zurich in the play-off for a place in the Champions League group stage, expressing his relief in avoiding Rubin Kazan.
He also welcomed his side's draw with Zurich in the play-off for a place in the Champions League group stage.
The Bavarians are bidding to reach the final, which will be held inside their own Allianz Arena home next May, and Heynckes is happy with his side's first obstacle on the way.
"This is an interesting, solvable task," he told his club's website. "I'm glad we don't have any long journey."
Travelling to Kazan was what captain Philipp Lahm had feared the most, which is why the short trip to neighbouring Switzerland is just what he had in mind.
"It is a good draw," he said. "The trip to Russia would have been far more uncomfortable.
"We were seeded so we are clear favourites."
Zurich, who saw off Standard Liege over two legs in the third qualifying round, also welcomed the draw, which should see full houses at both the Allianz Arena and the Letzigrund.
"It is a an absolute dream draw for FC Zurich," said their coach Urs Fischer. "It doesn't get any better than this."
The first leg takes place in Munich on August 17 with the return fixture in Zurich a week later on August 23.
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He also welcomed his side's draw with Zurich in the play-off for a place in the Champions League group stage.
The Bavarians are bidding to reach the final, which will be held inside their own Allianz Arena home next May, and Heynckes is happy with his side's first obstacle on the way.
"This is an interesting, solvable task," he told his club's website. "I'm glad we don't have any long journey."
Travelling to Kazan was what captain Philipp Lahm had feared the most, which is why the short trip to neighbouring Switzerland is just what he had in mind.
"It is a good draw," he said. "The trip to Russia would have been far more uncomfortable.
"We were seeded so we are clear favourites."
Zurich, who saw off Standard Liege over two legs in the third qualifying round, also welcomed the draw, which should see full houses at both the Allianz Arena and the Letzigrund.
"It is a an absolute dream draw for FC Zurich," said their coach Urs Fischer. "It doesn't get any better than this."
The first leg takes place in Munich on August 17 with the return fixture in Zurich a week later on August 23.
Read more...
