Boss excited by Euro draw

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Roberto Mancini says his Manchester City side will have to be at their best to progress through the Europa League group stage after the Blues learned their opponents today. their opponents today.

After seeing off Romanian side Timisoara on Thursday night, City were pitted against the two times European champions Juventus after today’s draw was made in Monaco. The Turin outfit, who have won the Italian league title no less than 27 times, finished seventh in Serie A last term.

Mancini knows just what a difficult prospect faces City in coming up against Juve.

He said: “Juventus are traditionally one of the very top sides in Europe, and are maybe the biggest name in this year’s Europa League.

"It is a big test for us, and one which
we are all looking forward to."

“I know Juve well from my time in Italy. They have some excellent players and also have a massive support, so both games against them will be great occasions.”

City were also drawn against Austrian side Salzburg and Polish champions Lech Poznan, and the City boss re-iterated his desire for the Blues to go all the way in the competition.

He said: “Europa League is important for us and I think we have a good squad which is able to go a long way. But we must respect all of our opponents, they will all be difficult games, and we must be at our very best to go through this group.”

mcfc.co.uk