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.
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."
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."
