As much as it would be hard to imagine Partizan feature in the Champions League final on 22 May next year in Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, the first step towards the safety of group stage should not present a challenge at all. The draw procedure has been kind towards the Serbian champions, while Partizan boss Slavisa Jokanovic confirms the good news from Nyon.
- “Judging by the club coefficients, we were lucky. I am not familiar with Rhyl. They probably play the British style of football, similar to that of English sides, but whoever we play at this stage, our aim remains the same. It’s important that we play the return leg at home, while we have very little time to prepare for the first competitive fixture of the new season, but I’m confident we’ll be ready for the Rhyl challenge and eventually qualify for the third round.”
Partizan sporting director Ivan Tomic is pleased with the draw outcome, especially with the fact his side have avoided a trip to one of the former Soviet Union countries.
- “I am glad for the fact. There’s not much to say, because Rhyl are a complete unknown for us. We are favourites, but we need to show it on the pitch. The flight to Wales isn’t a lengthy one, and I’m sure the pitch will be in fine condition. We have to approach the double-header with utmost serenity and it’s good news the return leg is played in Belgrade.”
Partizan squad travelled to their mountain training camp on Tara yesterday, where they will do the first stage of their pre-season preparations and play three friendlies. The first game is against Perucac, with prospective matches against Buducnost and Berane. On their return to Belgrade, the black-whites will have their dress rehearsal before the Champions League qualifying campaign starts, but the name of the opposition in the final exhibition match is yet to be disclosed. The Partizan squad coach Jokanovic will have at his disposal for the forthcoming 13 days includes: Mladen Bozovic, Darko Bozovic, Radosavljevic (goalkeepers), Sinisa Stevanovic, Ivan Stevanovic, Djordjevic, Krstajic, Knezevic, Kosoric, Gavrancic, Sikimic, Stevic (defenders), Moreira, Marceta, Petrovic, Branislav Jovanovic, Ljajic, Vujovic (midfield), Cleo, Bogunovic, Ilic, Washington, Diarra (forwards).
Five Partizan players are currently with the Serbia U21 team at the European Championship in Sweden. Marko Jovanovic, Brezancic, Obradovic, Fejsa and Tomic will join the rest of the squad after Serbia’s appearance at the competition.
Champions League group stage begins on 15 and 16 September, while the final day of the first round is played on 8 and 9 December. First leg matches of the first knockout round are scheduled for 16, 17, 23 and 24 February 2010, with the return legs played on 9, 10, 16 and 17 March. The quarter-final is played on 30 and 31 March, with the second legs played on 6 and 7 April. The semi-final is scheduled for 20 and 21 April (1st leg) and 27 and 28 April (2nd leg). The Champions League final is played on 22 May in Madrid.

source:www.blic.rs