Ilie Dumitrescu says that Steaua got a tough group in Europa League but the games with 3 strong European teams will be a real challenge for the player.
Steaua landed yesterday on Henri Coandă Airport, returning from Zurich at 14:10. Four minutes later they found out that Liverpool will be their next opponent in the Europa League group stage. While getting their bags, the players learned the names of the other 2 rivals from group K.
The coach: "Hard group, but it motivates us"
"I onestly say that this will be extraordanary for us. It's a tough group, but this motivates us. These six games will be spectacular. How can you say that we don't stand a chance to qualify? If we didn't have a chance we wouldn't present ourselfs", said Ilie Dumitrescu.
The players: "Nice group"
The players were more reserved but they have a good feeling about the group. "We won't back down from a challenge in any match. We will fight from the same level with Liverpool, Napoli and Utrecht. We aren't afraid of them and we believe in our chances", said Dorel Stoica. "It's an honor to play against these teams, we'll play some great football. Who thinks we could have played weaker opponents is wrong", said Abrudan.
"Ilie Dumitrescu was in the airport when the draw took place and he told me he wanted tough opponents with big names. That's what we got. Until now we sat and watch them play on TV and now when we're going to play against them we start to complain?"
Valeriu Argăseală, Steaua's vicepresident
"I am happy that we got a stronger group than CFR Cluj. We are practically playing in a Champions League group, not them"
Gigi Becali, Steaua's owner
WHAT THE OPPONENTS SAY
"We don't have a tought group, we have a very tough group. Liverpool is probably the favourite team to win the Europa Leagu
