Holders Real Madrid should not fear anyone in Monday’s Champions League draw, according to former defender Michel Salgado.
Real’s incredible progress has placed them into the top half of the draw, usually guaranteeing an easier two-legged tie against a runner-up when the competition resumes on 17/18 and 25/26 February.
This year a pool of formidable second-placed teams have emerged with Serie A champions Juventus, plus Premier League duo Manchester City and Arsenal just some of their potential opponents.
Despite this calibre, Salgado – who was a Champions League winner in 2000 and 2002 – insists Real should feel no nerves about Monday’s outcome in Nyon.
“To be honest, we do not have to fear anything right now in regards to the draw,” he said, speaking at the Chevrolet Michel Salgado 24 Hour Football Tournament. “The team are doing amazingly, breaking all the records.
“They should not fear anyone. It is the other way around – the rest of the teams will want to avoid Real Madrid. As a club or a team we cannot fear anyone. We must enjoy what is happening right now.”
Real have kicked on in stunning fashion from a poor start to the season which saw them lose two of their opening three La Liga fixtures, plus the Supercopa de Espana to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men now break away from domestic action for the Club World Cup, reward for May’s 4-1 extra-time final success against Atletico last term which saw them land ‘La Decima’.
Los Blancos kick-off on Tuesday at the semi-final stage against Mexicans Cruz Azul, who defeated AFC Champions League victors Western Sydney Wanderers in the last-eight.
Salgado, 39, is sure Real would be fired up to succeed in Morocco, but is worried about fixture congestion.
He added: “When you play for Real Madrid, you know you must win every game you play.
“The Club World Cup is not a distraction, but it leads to real fixture congestion in January. Physically, that can be a problem.”
