City enjoying life in Europe
-
Manchester City are hoping their European adventure does not end in disappointment.
The Blues overcame Faroe Islands minnows EB/Streymur in the Uefa Cup first qualifying round, 4-0 on aggregate, and have been handed another seemingly straightforward tie at the next stage.
City should prove too strong for Danish outfit Midtjylland, propelling them ever closer to a place in the group stages.
They should avoid getting too carried away, though, as the likes of AC Milan, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas could be potential opponents in the first round proper.
Traditional
However, City managing director Paul Aldridge admits that everyone associated with the club is just happy to be back in European competition.
"The competition is starting to take shape now," said Aldridge.
"We have some of the big names of European football coming in at this stage, so it takes on a more traditional feel.
"We've seen representatives from Aston Villa, Besiktas and Deportivo La Coruna here this morning (at the second round draw in Nyon) and of course some big names from the Premier League were here for the Champions League draw earlier as well."
Challenge
City have waited five years since their last foray into the Uefa Cup, when their progress was surprisingly ended by Polish side Groclin.
Aldridge has high expectations this time around, but is refusing to write off upcoming opponents Midtjylland after they secured a 10-1 aggregate success over Welsh outfit Bangor City in the first qualifying round.
"Midtjylland had a great result in the last round and looked a decent side from the highlights I have seen," he said.
"But I've no doubt that Mark Hughes and his staff will have the players ready for the challenge.
"Hopefully they will display the same level of professionalism the team showed against EB/Streymur and we can progress to the next round."
-
UEFA Cup second qualifying round draw:
MANCHESTER CITY (England) v Midtjylland (Denmark)
ASTON VILLA (England) v FH Hafnarfjordur (Iceland)
First legs to be played August 14. Second legs to be played August 28
-
well done city -
sure will knock out soon