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Michael Laudrup Exclusive Part 2: It's One Of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea or Manchester United

In the second part of his exclusive interview with Goal.com, Michael Laudrup tells Ashish Sharma that he can only see four teams who have a chance of winning the Champions League.

Oct 24, 2009 12:27:01 PM

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Michael Laudrup

So it’s a Spain versus England battle all over again for the Champions League, that is according to Michael Laudrup.

The former Danish international won the last ever European Cup with Barcelona back in 1992. The following season the competition became the Champions League. His years at Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and now his football punditry for Danish television, have more than qualified him to be an expert on Europe’s premier competition.

"In this third matchday we have had some strange results," he said. "Rubin Kazan won in Barcelona, Liverpool lost at home [to Lyon] and then [Real] Madrid [were defeated by Milan], but that has been the Champions League this season. I still think that from the 16 or so teams at the start who you would have expected to go through, that 14 or 15 will go through."

And when pushed over which team he thinks could actually win the final, Laudrup doesn’t hesitate.

“Even before the competition started I had four favourites - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United - there are no other teams...” he declared positively.

What is more surprising is that Laudrup has no confidence in the Serie A representatives. Even Milan, who shocked Real Madrid, do not get a look in.

“I don’t see any of the Italian teams going into the final. I mean I saw Inter against Barcelona, and, for me, Barcelona were much better - and that game was in Milan.”

Laudrup is also familiar with the Italian game. He spent six seasons playing for Juventus between 1983 and 1989. And as much as he knows and respects the psyche of Italian football, he doesn’t feel the big three of Milan, Inter and Juve will achieve much in Europe this season.

“Juventus I still think have some way to go,” he sighs

“Look, I think all three Italian teams will go through to the next stage, but then I think after that it will be the end for them.”

Laudrup also had a distinguished international career playing for Denmark alongside his younger brother, Brian. And for most football fans the outstanding memory of his contribution to the world game came in the 1986 Mexico World Cup finals, when he scored after a brilliant dribble to help Denmark to a famous 6-1 win over Uruguay. However, he doesn’t hold out much hope for his country in South Africa next year, seeing two international teams in particular who are way ahead of the pack.

"Before last year Spain hadn’t won anything since 1964 and now it's all changed," he stated. "My two favourites for the World Cup have to be Spain and Brazil.”

But he does have some positive words for England, who have impressed him under the guidance of Fabio Capello.

“Of course they have a chance. For me they are one of the great nations. England haven’t won anything now since 1966 and I know they are all waiting!" he laughed.

“But you do wonder whether this is their time. You can never rule England out, nor can you rule out Germany and Italy, but still for me my two favourites are Brazil and Spain”

Ashish Sharma, Goal.com

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