Champions League
Capello rues diabolical draw
2008-12-19 14:16
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England coach Fabio Capello (AFP)
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Rome - England's Italian manager Fabio Capello described Friday's draw for English clubs in the Champions League as 'diabolical' after three of the four teams were paired with Italian clubs.
At the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, champions Manchester United drew Italian champions Inter Milan, Chelsea pulled Juventus out of the hat and Arsenal were paired with AS Roma.
The one English side not to draw an Italian team was Liverpool, who were hardly spared as they got Spanish champions Real Madrid.
"The draw in Nyon was diabolical," lamented Capello, a former coach of Juventus, AC Milan, Roma and Real.
"With all the permutations that was practically impossible. It will be difficult for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but it will be just as difficult for Rome, Juve and Inter."
The general consensus in Italy before the draw was that the English teams were the ones to avoid, but Juventus put on a brave face afterwards.
"We respect everyone but we fear no-one," claimed their sporting director Alessio Secco following a draw that will see coach Claudio Ranieri return to his former club Chelsea.
"The group we topped seemed impossible but we won both matches against Real Madrid and now we'll see with Chelsea."
Juventus were in a group with Real and UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg but their home and away successes over the Spaniards ensured they topped the group.
"We're not going to bandage ourselves up before we've got hurt. Don't forget that for the second round we will have some important players back: (Gianluigi) Buffon, (Christian) Poulsen, (Mauro) Camoranesi and (David) Trezeguet are vital to us," added Secco.
Roma, who have been knocked out by Manchester United in the last two seasons but topped a group including Chelsea this time round, will be up against Arsenal and Arsene Wenger's pass-masters.
And they will be desperate to reach the final as it will take place in Rome.
"We have also shown ourselves to have great team-work," said Roma's sports director Bruno Conti.
"We have players who want to try to go all the way. Now we need to find consistency because the important thing is to see how we manage to play in certain matches."