Intro:

Manchester City's Football Development Executive, Patrick Vieira, shares his thoughts on the season ahead.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Patrick Vieira, Manchester City Football Development Executive:
"I don't know if (Manchester) City are disappointed at not signing some big names that the press were releasing, but I believe that the team is strong enough to challenge (in) all the competitions they get involved (in). When you look at in the last few days we signed Maicon, who I think is one of the best players in his position. We signed Javi Garcia, a young, talented player as well. So, I believe the team is strong enough to challenge any other teams in the league or in the Champions League."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Patrick Vieira, Manchester City Football Development Executive:
"I believe that the group in the Champions League is the most difficult group of all. But I think it is really exciting. Exciting, and I think the fans must be really pleased and really happy, because three years ago City were playing against small teams and fighting not to go down (ie relegation), and now we receive (Real) Madrid, Ajax and Dortmund. Last year we had Bayern de Munich. And I think that's what the fans want. I think when you participate in the Champions League you have to expect to play against these kinds of teams, and I think this is the way you learn, this is the way you progress, and that's the big stage, and this is again this kind of football club, you want to perform. So it's really exciting, and I think it's a good group. Difficult, but good."