Thon: Bayern will not have any problems

Thon: Bayern will not have any problems against Arsenal

Dec 20, 2012 2:20:00 PM

The retired Schalke and Munich star was optimistic about die Roten and Borussia Dortmund's chances of progressing from the round of 16 against Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk

EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji

Former Germany international Olaf Thon says he believes Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will qualify from the last 16 of the Champions League, but that Schalke will have a difficult tie against Galatasaray.

The 46-year-old, who spent six years with die Roten inbetween two spells at Schalke, suggested that the 22-time German champions would be facing a weaker Arsenal side than of previous times.

"Arsenal had to sell their top stars in recent years," said the former coach of semi-professional side VfB Huls.

THE DRAW IN FULL

Galatasaray v FC Schalke

Celtic v Juventus

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Shakhtar v Borussia Dortmund

AC Milan v Barcelona

Real Madrid v Manchester United

Valencia v Paris Saint-Germain

FC Porto v Malaga

First legs will be played on either February 12/13 or19/20, with the return legs on March 5/6 or 12/13.

"Now they have got some Bundesliga stars, but they do not meet the highest standards, although [Per] Mertesacker and [Lukas] Podolski are doing quite well at the moment. Podolski plays one great match after another.

"I saw Schalke playing against Arsenal and the Gunners reached this round having big difficulties.

"That is why Bayern will not have any problems. Jupp Heynckes can go into these matches calmly."

The retired midfielder also explored Borussia Dortmund's chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

"[Shakhtar] Donetsk are unknown, they do not have any big names in their squad. But that is also dangerous," said Thon.

"I saw Dortmund. This team is in outstanding form. They are dominant. The attacking trio of Gotze, Reus, Lewandowski - these are fantastic players.

"That is why Dortmund are absolute favourites for this match. The leg is at home, that is another advantage. Donetsk are not a weak team, but they are constantly eliminated early."

The 52-capped international added that he did not believe all German teams would have an easy route to the quarter-finals, however.

He added: "I remember well playing against Trabzonspor in the Uefa Cup in the 1996-1997 season. They were a very strong opponent, and so Galatasaray will be in this round for Schalke.

"You can not compare those two teams, but the Turkish fans will support their team to death.

"It is an even game, but the second leg at home could be an advantage for Schalke."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

Five winners from the Champions League draw

With the ties for the last 16 of Europe's top competition decided by Uefa, Goal.com's Peter Staunton looks at those who have benefited most from Thursday's draw, with Bayern Munich set to face Arsenal, Real Madrid to play Manchester United and AC Milan to lock horns with Barcelona once more