Former England boss Steve McClaren admits it was
"fate" that his FC Twente side would be drawn against Arsenal in
Champions League qualifying.
McClaren took the reins at the Enschede side earlier this
summer and the Dutch Eredivisie outfit will make their Champions
League debut after beating Ajax in a play-off last
season.
"It was strange, because as soon as I joined (Twente), I knew we
had the draw coming up," said McClaren, who was sacked as England
coach last season.
"I expected one of the English teams. I think fate deals you
certain cards and it has dealt us this draw.
"On one hand it's very, very tough for us but on the other it is
very exciting."
He added on Sky Sports News: "I think of all the teams we could
have had, that is the toughest - or one of the toughest.
"Obviously we looked at Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus, Schalke
and we got one of the most difficult.
"In one respect it's a tough draw for us; on the other it's now
an opponent we know very well, not just myself, everyone in Holland
knows the Premier League well so Arsenal will be no strangers to
us.
"This is a reward for a great achievement last season in
reaching this stage, to get one of the big teams.
"It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doesn't come
along that often. I'm sure the fans will be delighted.
