Barcelona and Juve ready to duel in group stage opener

Juventus this season, including a hat-trick against Genoa in Serie A on August 26.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde agreed Dybala posed a threat but was also concerned with Juve’s power as a team.

“He’s an important player in his team, in Europe and in the world, we know that,” said the coach. “But so are (Gonzalo) Higuain, (Miralem) Pjanic and (Andrea) Barzagli.

“I fear Juventus for its consistency, what its done, how it plays, that’s what worries me about the team.”

Dybala, considered one of the most promising young players in the world, will be keeping one eye on international teammate Lionel Messi.

The 23-year-old said Messi is someone he can learn a lot from, as he bids to one day reach the same standing as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“(Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo) will keep playing for many years. I would like to arrive at their level, but it’s not easy because they have incredible numbers,” said Dybala.

“I’m lucky to play with Messi for the national team, I’ve learned many things. I can pick up a lot from him in terms of how he reads the play, how he thinks, how he sees the movement of his teammates. This will help me a lot for the future.” Elsewhere, manager Jose Mourinho said Manchester United is back in its “natural habitat” in the Champions League and is up for the challenge of playing against the best teams in Europe.

United had failed to qualify for the Champions League for Mourinho’s debut campaign but its Europa League triumph last season secured a return to Europe’s elite competition.

The Old Trafford outfit begins its campaign on Tuesday, hosting Swiss side FC Basel.

“Being back in the Champions League is going back to the natural habitat. Manchester United (had been there) season after season,”

Mourinho told reporters. “Motivation is very high.”

“We have to try to go to the last 16 and enjoy that special knock-out phase with the best teams in Europe.”

Chelsea will also be making its return to the Champions League on Tuesday after missing out last season. Manager Antonio Conte says he is ready to rotate his squad for the home clash against Group C outsiders Qarabag of Azerbaijan.

(Reuters)