Zenit St. Petersburg’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicolas-Lombaerts-c27825 expected difficult opponents: UEFA Champions League
Zenit St. Petersburg stopper Nicolas Lombaerts has revealed that he was expecting to play against the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Barcelona-c39078, Real Madrid and Manchester United in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. The Belgian defender was talking to the media
ahead of their upcoming Russian Premier League encounter against Lokomotiv Moscow.
Zenit were drawn in Group G and placed with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186, Apoel FC and Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.
Lombaerts is delighted with the draw and urged his teammates to display quality football in the group stage in order to reach the later stages of the cup tournament.
“Results of the draw could have been worse for us. We should be glad that we are not tied up against the Real, Barcelona or Manchester United in the initial stages. If you get them in the start, then you have a decent chance for an exit.
But we should not relax; otherwise we are going to create difficulties for ourselves.” The former KAA Gent player was quoted as saying.
The promising defender expressed his desire to play against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 FC and the Catalans in the later stages of cup tournament. The Belgian national admitted that progression from the initial stage would not be an easy task. The Russian Cup winner insisted
that the Bomzhi need to work harder in order to claim a top spot in their respective group.
Lombaerts highlighted that he is excited to play against the Dragoes and revealed the prospect of playing against his compatriot, Steven Defour. Lombaerts warned Zenit that the former Standard Liege player has an attacking instinct and can cause problems
for the Meshki defenders.
"Porto is one of the strongest clubs in Europe. In addition, they have signed Steven Defour. It will be interesting to play against him.” The UEFA Cup winner concluded.
Zenit are currently preparing for their upcoming league meeting against the Railway Men. Lombaerts revealed that Lokomotiv are in good shape at the moment and Zenit need to work very hard to claim three points against the Lokhi away from home.
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