Neuer targets top eight as Bayern face Arsenal, Atlético and United

German clubs have weighed in on the UEFA Champions League draw, with Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer stressing that the group features “very balanced and interesting opponents with a lot of history” and confirming the club’s ambition to return to the competition’s top eight.

Bayern’s ambitions and classic duels

Neuer added, “These are very balanced and interesting opponents with a lot of history,” highlighting the quality of the draw. He reiterated the primary objective, stating, “Fundamentally, we want to reach the top eight again – that is our big goal.”

The captain also reflected on historic duels, noting, “The duel with Arsenal has already become a classic in recent years,” and expressed excitement about meeting Atlético in the venue slated for the final, saying, “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.”

Neuer further praised the heritage of matches against Manchester United, calling them “absolute classics with plenty of Champions League history,” and described the prospect of an away fixture at Old Trafford as “something special.”

Board member for sport Max Eberl echoed the enthusiasm, declaring, “The anticipation for the new Champions League season is huge.” He listed the ambitious away fixtures, mentioning Atlético, Manchester United, Lille and Viking Stavanger, before adding that at home Bayern face opponents they can beat – specifically Arsenal, who were last year’s finalists.

Eberl concluded with a clear target, stating, “We want to finish in the top eight; that’s the clear objective,” aligning the board’s aims with the captain’s.