German clubs react to UEFA Champions League draw
With the UEFA Champions League league-phase draw now concluded, here’s what coaches, players and club officials from the four competing German sides had to say about their upcoming European match-ups in 2026/27.
Reaction from the Bayern Munich camp
Manuel Neuer (Bayern club captain): "These are very balanced and interesting opponents with a lot of history. Fundamentally, we want to reach the top eight again - that is our big goal. The duel with Arsenal has already become a classic in recent years. Against Atlético we’ll be playing in the stadium where the final will be held, and we all hope that we’ll be playing there twice this season. Games against Manchester United are, of course, absolute classics with plenty of Champions League history. Playing there away is something special."
Max Eberl (Board member for sport): "The anticipation for the new Champions League season is huge. We have ambitious away fixtures with Atlético, Manchester United, Lille and Viking Stavanger. At home, we have opponents we can beat - among them, Arsenal, who were also last year’s finalists. We want to finish in the top eight; that’s the clear objective."
Reaction from the Borussia Dortmund camp
Niko Kovač (Dortmund head coach): "We’re facing some exciting matches and we will take every opponent very seriously. In London, we showed a very solid performance during pre-season, and now we want to confirm that under competitive conditions. I can assure you: we will be ready for the opening match."
Lars Ricken (Managing director for sport): "These are attractive fixtures we can really look forward to. With Inter, Villarreal and Bodø/Glimt, we’re meeting familiar opponents, and we have new ones on top of that. Our minimum goal is reaching the Round of 16."
Ole Book (Sporting director): "We’re looking forward to eight interesting and challenging duels. With Arsenal and Inter, two domestic champions await us - but we don’t need to hide against the best teams in Europe."
Reaction from the RB Leipzig camp
David Raum (Leipzig club captain): "We’re excited to be back and to hear the anthem again. We want to reach the next round - ideally as soon as possible. We'll have great away trips, big opponents at home and will get to play in special stadiums. If you meet a few familiar faces along the way as well, that’s even nicer. Before and after the match you can chat as friends - but on the pitch there will be fire."
Marcel Schäfer (Managing director for sport): "We want to make an impact and measure ourselves against the best teams in Europe. Our first goal is to get through the league phase."
Reaction from the VfB Stuttgart camp
Alexander Wehrle (Stuttgart CEO): "We’re very much looking forward to the Champions League and to magical nights both in Cannstatt and across Europe. The trips to Milan and Istanbul will be special experiences, and at home we want to present ourselves as strong hosts. Of course, our approach for every match is with the aim of being successful."
Fabian Wohlgemuth (Board member for sport): "Our anticipation for the Champions League has grown even more after the draw. In Inter, Atlético and Galatasaray, big names and exciting nights of football await us. We want to represent Stuttgart in the best possible way on the European stage."
