Sport

‘We want to be like Manchester United’: Olympiakos have no fear, just respect for ‘powerful machine’

By Scott Hunt

Olympiakos manager Michel insists his side do not fear Manchester United after drawing them in the Champions League last 16.

United will travel to Athens for the first leg on February 25 before hosting the Greek champions at Old Trafford two weeks later.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Michel says his side are pleased with the draw and do not fear the three-times European champions.

“We respect Manchester United but our aim is to become like them one day – call me crazy but I fear no opponents,” Michel told the club’s website.

“Manchester United are a huge club, a powerful machine and we are in for two very tough matches.

“It’s a celebration of football for us, even more so to visit a mythical football ground such as Old Trafford.”

The Olympiakos squad includes former United goalkeeper Roy Carroll and former Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss.

The main danger man for United to worry about will be Argentina international striker Javier Saviola.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since 2002 and only the fifth time ever – with Olympiakos winless against United.

The Greeks progressed to the knockout stages as runner-up to Paris St-Germain in Group C while United topped Group A ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

United defender Rio Ferdinand took to Twitter to express his feelings on the draw.

“No easy draws at this stage! Could have been worse though compared to what others got!” Ferdinand tweeted.

Image courtesy of CandyNews via YouTube, with thanks.

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