Reaction to Champions League draw

It could have been harder - but it could have been a lot easier too, Bayern personalities agreed after Thursday's draw pitted the German giants with Juventus, Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in this season's Champions League Group C. "That's a very tough group," coach Felix Magath admitted, although he insisted: "Bayern remain favourites to win the group."

Sebastian Deisler echoed the gaffer's comments. "Juve and Ajax are big-name clubs, but we're Bayern Munich," the 24 year-old declared, while veteran Thomas Linke promised: "We intend to get stuck in good and proper in the Champions League."

Reaction to Thursday's Champions League draw:

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: "None of the German teams have landed in easy groups. Ours is a difficult group, but you have to say it's interesting. We'll have to be totally focused if we're to achieve our target of the last sixteen. Juventus have a first-class team, and there may be a slight advantage that they start the season a little later in Italy. But just looking around the rest of the draw, no-one's been handed anything on a plate."

Felix Magath: "That's a very tough group, but Bayern remain favourites to win the group. I have only good memories of Juve, Juventus and me has always been bad for Turin, so I'm looking forward to the match. We're hoping the away fixture with Tel Aviv takes place somewhere else."

Michael Ballack: "We've been put in with two excellent clubs in Juventus and Ajax. Tel-Aviv are underdogs, but Euro 2004 showed you should never underestimate anyone. It's a very tough group, but we're looking forward to the job. We'll have to beat all of them to get through."

Roy Makaay: "The group's OK, it could have been worse. Ajax and Juventus are difficult opponents. Our goal is to get through, first or second doesn't really matter. Ajax have a very good team and they've shown what they're capable of in the past. I'm looking forward to playing in the Netherlands, it's the first time I'll have taken on a Dutch club for a foreign team."

Sebastian Deisler: "Juve and Ajax are big-name clubs, but we're Bayern Munich so bring them on. It's a great draw, and the team is really up for the Champions League. Juve are top-notch opponents, but I reckon we'll come through."

Torsten Frings: "I don't think we have anything to fear in this group, we're confident."

Thomas Linke: "It was a very tense draw and we've been handed very interesting opponents, with Juventus obviously the strongest, although Ajax can't be underestimated. We intend to get stuck in good and proper in the Champions League as we've been knocked out too early in the last two years."