<span class="fcc003318px">Toni and Jansen set to break new ground</span></p> At first glance, the only similarity between Marcell Jansen and Luca Toni is that both play for Bayern. The one is blonde, the other sports a jet-black head of hair; one arrived from a relegated club and is at the outset of his career, the other is an experienced World Cup winner. But they are poised to break new ground together on Thursday when Bayern face Belenenses, as both Jansen and Toni are set for first-ever appearances in European club competition. “It’s a whole new experience for me, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Jansen commented two days ahead of kick-off. The 21-year-old is unconcerned at the Lisbon club’s relatively low profile on the continental stage. “I’m not bothered about the opposition, I’m just delighted at the prospect of a first international match at club level.“ Jansen in the groove With 18 Germany caps already to his name, including appearances for Joachim Löw’s team against Wales and Romania last week, Jansen is hardly a greenhorn at the highest levels. A few days later, he completed another 90 competitive minutes, this time for Bayern against Schalke 04. Jansen was pleased at the demanding match schedule following his return from a lengthy lay-off with knee ligament problems. “Three games one after another helped me acclimatise to the pace and the rhythm,” he observed, admitting he was still feeling a slight reaction to the injury. “But it’s not hindering me in any way.“ His UEFA Cup debut now appears a formality. New territory for Toni By contrast, Luca Toni faces an anxious wait until the eve of the fixture before a final decision on his fitness, as the Italian continues to struggle with a niggling pulled hamstring. The striker was far less concerned at the prospect of his international club debut taking place in the UEFA Cup rather than the elite Champions League. “Obviously, it’s a shame we’re not in the Champions League, but we’ve always known that,” he pointed out, “we’ll focus on the UEFA Cup this season, and on the Champions League next term.“ It remains hard to believe that a 30-year-old reigning world champion, winner of the European Golden Shoe and former Serie A leading scorer is only now on the verge of his baptism in European club competition. UEFA Cup adventure Toni comes across as utterly motivated by the latest development. “I can hardly wait for the adventure in the UEFA Cup to begin. And it’s a significant adventure,” he declared. Bayern will expect to defeat Belenenses at the Allianz Arena, but the Italian issued a strong warning against complacency. “Everyone thinks we’ll win easily, and that’s dangerous,” he remarked, “you have to remain calm when expectations are running so high.“ Toni speaks with the experience gained in 28 outings with Italy. On Tuesday, he only seemed at a loss for words when asked which of Bayern’s next two opponents, Belenenses and Karlsruhe, included more players he had ever heard of. “Eh?” he offered with a puzzled glance at his interpreter, before breaking into a trademark grin and answering: “Both the same.“ Advance excitement He would find out more about his likely marker and opponents before kick-off, the player insisted, but Luca Toni is in any case fired up for the Belenenses clash and hopeful of being fit to play. Marcell Jansen has also contracted European fever, echoing Toni’s sentiments: “Thursday evening at home in the UEFA Cup is definitely a little bit special.“</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army)</div><div class='quotemain'>it'l be good to see how they play this season in that compition</div></p> I think they'll win it. (won't be easy though)</p> I wish they were in the champions league...with the new team they got now. </p> </p>
It really is. Even Ancelotti (ac milans coach) said it would have been great if they were in too. haha (more competition)
