|
Borussia Monchengladbach are up against it for the second year running after their reward for beating Young Boys 9-2 on aggregate in the play-offs was a tough draw in the Champions League group stage. The Foals, who finished bottom of a group including Manchester City, Juventus and Sevilla last season, will face Barcelona, City again and Celtic this time around. "It's just like last year -- an absolute cracker of a group," said Gladbach winger Patrick Herrmann on his club's official website. "But the Champions League is there for you to measure yourselves with the best in the world and that is precisely what we will now do." The games against Barcelona will mean a reunion with former Gladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. "I'm particularly happy with that," added Herrmann. "I've already sent him a text message, but for me personally any game in Great Britain is something special and I've always said that. "I was injured last year and was only able to watch from the stands in Manchester so now I'm looking forward to being involved." Herrmann will not have long to wait with Gladbach visiting the Etihad Stadium in their opening group fixture on Tuesday, Sept. 13. They will then host Barcelona before the double-header with Celtic, starting with a trip to Scotland. They conclude their campaign at the Camp Nou on Dec. 6. "We're going to have six fantastic games and we showed last year that we can play on a par with the very best," said attacking midfielder Lars Stindl. "Barcelona and Manchester City are two of the best clubs in Europe and Celtic are regulars in the Champions League. "But we desperately wanted to get into the Champions League so we can only look forward to being able to face up to these outstanding challenges."
|
