Go Ahead Eagles look forward to Europe: "It's a challenging draw, but also one with opportunities"

Go Ahead Eagles boss Melvin Boel has described the Europa League draw as “difficult” but, above all, very exciting. The Deventer side will play at home against Aston Villa, Braga, FCSB, and VfB Stuttgart, and will visit Red Bull Salzburg, Olympique Lyon, OGC Nice, and Panathinaikos.

As per Sander Janssen of Voetbal International, Captain Mats Deijl was hoping for an opponent from Greece and got it with Panathinaikos.

“The experience in that country, the fans there, and everything around it—I think that would be wonderful to experience,” said the defender, who is also looking forward to the trip to Lyon. “At Lyon and Panathinaikos, I also heard the most noise in the hall, where we watched the draw with the squad.”

Deijl finds it difficult to estimate just how many points Go Ahead can earn in Europe. “We did discuss it internally beforehand. Europe is new for everyone, so what are we aiming for? Maybe we should reanalyse that after the draw (laughs). It’s also difficult to say anything meaningful about it now. The draw has just been made.”

Manager Melvin Boel is clear. “It’s a challenging draw, but also a draw with opportunities. It’s typical of this club that we always approach an opponent with a realistic plan. It will be incredibly difficult, but we’re not competing in the Europa League just to enjoy the experience. We’re also going for results.”