Shortly after the draw for the group stage of the Champions League, the Dutchman took a closer look at the teams Ajax are set to face, "Borussia Dortmund is the real favorite in the group. We have seen that the Portuguese clubs are difficult to play against, but I personally don't know much about Sporting. The environment at Besiktas is intense and that will not be easy. But all in all it is a group that we are looking forward to, with potential to achieve my, and Ajax's, goal: to go into the winter break while remaining in the Champions League or Europe. It is a nice group."
Exciting opposition
Blind has hardly any experience against the three opponents, although he has faced Borussia Dortmund before. Now, his Dutch national team compatriot Donyell Malen has joined the German giants: "Always nice to see him. I think it is also special for Malen to play against a Dutch team. The games with Borussia are fantastic on paper. Hopefully the stadiums are full by then because it's a great stadium with a good atmosphere."
Prior to the draw, Blind had no favorite opponent(s) in mind. "I was not hoping for anything in itself, although it is nice to face a top team. You look forward to that, no matter how difficult it can be. Although I assume that we always have a chance with Ajax, against any team."
Chances
So, how does the center back see his team's chances? "It is a group in which we certainly have a chance, but that says nothing at all. These teams are not in the Champions League for nothing. We will still have to be at our very best to achieve our goal. We are not in a position to think of it as a ‘fun’ group."
