Bayer Leverkusen star Robert Andrich is adamant he would fairly avoid Bayern Munich within the last 16 of the Champions League, even when it might put his side on collision course with Arsenal.
Kasper Hjulmand’s booked their place in the primary knockout round following a goalless draw against Olympiacos last night which saw them protect their two-goal advantage from the primary leg.
Leverkusen know they are going to face a frightening task nonetheless Friday’s draw pans out but Andrich insists it’s far too early to be contemplating an all-German tie.
He said: ‘We knew from the beginning that we might face a top club anyway. I stand by my opinion:
‘I would like to not face a German team, in order that perhaps enough German teams can still stay within the competition.’
Those sentiments were echoed by Jonah Hoffman, who added: ‘I believe it’s a bit too early for a German-German tie.
‘It doesn’t have this Champions League character by some means. So if I could have my wish, then Arsenal.
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Who can the Premier League teams play?
Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta
Chelsea
Newcastle, Monaco or PSG
Liverpool
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus
Man City
Bodo/Glimt, Real Madrid or Benfica
Tottenham
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus
Newcastle
Chelsea or Barcelona
‘It could be a bit cooler to travel to London and for them to come back here.’
Arsenal last faced Leverkusen in Europe’s most prestigious club competition back in 2002 throughout the second group stage.
The Gunners thrashed the eventual finalists that yr 4-1 at Highbury and earned a creditable draw away from home, nevertheless it was their German opponents that ultimately qualified for the latter stages together with Deportivo Lacoruna.
Arsenal were among the many favourites for the competition that yr and are among the many favourites again after they swept all before them within the league stage.
Who can the opposite teams play?
Barcelona
Newcastle, Monaco or PSG
Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen
Sporting
Bodo/Glimt, Real Madrid or Benfica
With eight wins from eight games, including a convincing 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, Arsenal could be firmly expected to progress were they to fulfill Leverkusen next but sporting director Simon Rolfes is up for the challenge.
He said: ‘Arsenal could be nice. I said the identical thing once we could’ve faced Dortmund within the previous round.
‘Especially that we might have the ability to fulfill two of our former players in Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie.
‘No person wants these ties between teams from the identical country.’
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