2008/2009 UEFA Champions League – Group B Preview
September 14th 2008 16:02
Like Chelsea in Group A, Inter won't have much competition on their way to the second round facing German club Werder Bremen, Greek giants Panathinaikos, and Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta.
Internazionale Milano
After winning the Serie A in three consecutive seasons, Inter are dying to show that they can also compete alongside Europe's greats and bring home the Champions League trophy. Several changes were made this summer in order to have that happen. First, 'The Special One,' Jose Mourinho, was assigned as head coach. The Portuguese coach then proceeded to add three players to his new squad by signing ex-Roma winger Mancini, Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari, and Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma. All three moves were designed to add depth and technical skills to Inter's aging midfield. Unfortunately, the Nerazzuri haven't had a convincing start to their 2008-2009 domestic campaign, picking up a draw against Sampdoria in their first game, and narrowly defeating Catania yesterday. They'll have to play better if they want to go far.
Werder Bremen
I don't know much about this German club other than the fact that they finished second in the Bundesliga last season. They may not seem a threat to Inter but, with the way the Italian club is playing right now, everything's possible.
Panathinaikos
Like in Scotland where Celtic and Rangers have been fighting for the top spot for as long as people can remember, Greek football has been ruled by three clubs – Olympiacos, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos. The latter have advanced to the Champions League's knock-out stage twice in their history, reaching the semi-finals in 1995-1996 and the quarter-finals in 2001-2002. They will prove to be fierce competitors for this group's second place.
Anorthosis Famagusta
The intruders of this group, Anorthosis have climbed every step of the ladder to get here, participating in all three qualifying rounds including a surprising 3-0 victory against Panathinaikos rival Olympiacos (3-1 aggregate). They don't look much like a threat, but can be very difficult to deal with when they play at home. Don't rule them out just yet.
Internazionale Milano
After winning the Serie A in three consecutive seasons, Inter are dying to show that they can also compete alongside Europe's greats and bring home the Champions League trophy. Several changes were made this summer in order to have that happen. First, 'The Special One,' Jose Mourinho, was assigned as head coach. The Portuguese coach then proceeded to add three players to his new squad by signing ex-Roma winger Mancini, Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari, and Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma. All three moves were designed to add depth and technical skills to Inter's aging midfield. Unfortunately, the Nerazzuri haven't had a convincing start to their 2008-2009 domestic campaign, picking up a draw against Sampdoria in their first game, and narrowly defeating Catania yesterday. They'll have to play better if they want to go far.
Werder Bremen
I don't know much about this German club other than the fact that they finished second in the Bundesliga last season. They may not seem a threat to Inter but, with the way the Italian club is playing right now, everything's possible.
Panathinaikos
Like in Scotland where Celtic and Rangers have been fighting for the top spot for as long as people can remember, Greek football has been ruled by three clubs – Olympiacos, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos. The latter have advanced to the Champions League's knock-out stage twice in their history, reaching the semi-finals in 1995-1996 and the quarter-finals in 2001-2002. They will prove to be fierce competitors for this group's second place.
Anorthosis Famagusta
The intruders of this group, Anorthosis have climbed every step of the ladder to get here, participating in all three qualifying rounds including a surprising 3-0 victory against Panathinaikos rival Olympiacos (3-1 aggregate). They don't look much like a threat, but can be very difficult to deal with when they play at home. Don't rule them out just yet.
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