Reaction to Champions League’s league-phase draw: ‘Every match counts!’

Bayern will play against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven, Union Saint-Gilloise and Pafos in the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League, following Thursday’s draw in Monaco. “Fans can look forward to an exciting competition from the start and many magical nights with top international football,” said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen afterwards. “We’re looking forward to these challenges and will give our all in every game to achieve our goals,” added board member for sport Max Eberl. Captian Manuel Neuer also claimed, “It’s always special to play against the best teams.” fcbayern.com rounds up the reaction from Munich to the draw.

Bayern reaction to the Champions League draw

Jan-Christian Dreesen (CEO): “We’re eagerly looking forward to this Champions League season with a strong initial stage for Bayern. The new format has proven that every match counts and that the suspense will last until the final seconds of the final matchday. Fans can look forward to an exciting competition from the start and many magical nights with top international football. Our matches against holders Paris Saint-Germain and Club World Cup winners Chelsea will be much discussed and provide plenty of emotions.”

Max Eberl (board member for sport): “Bayern against the likes of Paris, Chelsea and Arsenal – they’re big ones, real highlights for every fan. Such fixtures are what makes football what it is. There are also meetings with traditional giants like Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven, as well as newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise and Pafos, which will write new stories. We’re looking forward to these challenges and will give our all in every game to achieve our goals.”

Manuel Neuer: “Chelsea are always a good opponent. And they’ve just won the Club World Cup. We know PSG from our many encounters. It’s always special to play against the best teams. Brugge came through qualifying without any problems. Our coach is the perfect person to prepare us for that opponent and also Saint-Gilloise. Arsenal are a good side, where we’ll need good positional play and to be brave on the ball. We’ve not played Sporting too often. Eindhoven are the champions of the Netherlands and have always had German players in their ranks, like Paul Wanner now. Saint-Gilloise and Pafos are in the competition for the first time. It’ll be important that we don’t underestimate those teams.”