Taylor praises 'best of the best'

UEFA General Secretary David Taylor has described the UEFA Champions League as "the best of the best" and pledged that UEFA will continue to "set new standards of excellence in organisation" for the competition.

'The best'
Speaking at the UEFA Champions League first knockout round draw ceremony in Nyon on Friday, Mr Taylor praised the quality of the football so far this season, as well as the quality of the 16 teams left in the competition. "We do, of course, like to show the world that European club football really is the best in the world. And that the UEFA Champions League really is the best club competition in the world – the best of the best," Mr Taylor said.

Excitement
"It is not only the excitement of the Champions League that makes it stand out, but also the high level of football that makes it the best club competition in the world. And here at UEFA, we have our part to play – we aim to continue to develop the competition and set new standards of excellence in organisation to ensure that the competition does indeed remain the best of the best in club football.

Top action – plenty of goals
"This year the UEFA Champions League group stage has again provided some top action and plenty of goals," the UEFA General Secretary continued. "In fact, a total of 247 goals were scored in the group matches. There were some fine football moments, but no team completed their group fixtures with maximum points. We are left with a lineup of many of the best club sides in Europe. There are, indeed no less than 13 former finalists out of the 16 clubs remaining in the competition. This draw today is a key moment in that journey to Rome as fate takes its hand in determining the road to the final for all concerned."