Sebastian Kehl relishing Champions League tests as Borussia Dortmund are handed tough group

Sebastian Kehl is relishing the tough tests that lie ahead for Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The UEFA Champions League draw took place on Thursday evening, and Borussia Dortmund were handed a tough group. The Black and Yellows were drawn in Group F with Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United. And all four teams will have ambitions of making it to the round of 16.

Borussia Dortmund will have to be at their very best if they want to avoid an early exit from the UEFA Champions League this season. And Sebastian Kehl is looking forward to the tests that lie ahead for his team.

"“An absolute cracker of a group. We’re looking forward to these games, and also the reunion with one or two former BVB players.”“For me, this is what the Champions League is all about. We will do everything we can to advance and have the ability to do so. I don’t think any other team would have wanted Borussia Dortmund as an opponent either.”"

Paris Saint-Germain are undoubtedly the favourites to win Group F, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the charge for them. AC Milan have also made some shrewd signings this summer, bringing in the likes of Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah.

While Newcastle United have spent big money over the last 18 months, and have the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, and Sven Botman in their squad.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke knows that they will need to deliver some exceptional performances to make it out of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

"“Our group is certainly the most difficult, a hammer group. But we’ll take it. We’re up against three absolute top opponents. We will need exceptional performances to survive in this group, and that’s exactly what we’re hoping for from our team.”"

The UEFA Champions League group stage will get underway on September 19, 2023.