Milan and Dortmund content

Both Milan AC and their opponents in next month's UEFA Cup semi-final, BV Borussia Dortmund, were happy to have avoided the favourites for the 2001/02 tournament, Internazionale FC, when the draw for the competition was made in Nyon today.

'A highly respected side'
Umberto Gandini, Milan's team manager, acknowledged the strength of the Italian club's opponents but was optimistic victory could be achieved. "We are happy to be in the semi-finals and one of the three would have been difficult anyhow, so it was good to avoid the Italian clash in the semi-finals with the hope that we can play against them in the final," he said. "Dortmund is a highly respected side and we think it will be a very difficult task. I don't think we have played against them before in the official competition and I am quite happy to meet the Germans now because we prefer to go to Rotterdam for the final and not for the semi-finals."

'A highly attractive opponent'
Dr. Gerd Niebaum, Dortmund's president, was delighted to be playing one of Serie A's leading teams, despite the tough match in store. "With Milan we have drawn a highly attractive opponent," he said. "And our side will be challenged to deliver a top performance. Also the crowd will be challenged to help the team get into the final. There will a huge interest surrounding this match and if we had the capacity we could fill this stadium twice."