Explosive Showdowns Await: Harry Kane's Revenge, Jurgen Klopp's Long-Awaited Triumph, and More as European Football's Premier Tournaments Roar Back!

European football is back this week as the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League group stages kick off on Tuesday. In this piece, our football writers delve into the significant talking points as British clubs begin their campaigns.

Champions League

Guardiola will take nothing for granted during City's European title defence

As Pep Guardiola chases a personal record fifth Champions League medal, progress from Group G should be relatively straightforward for Manchester City.

The elusive honor of becoming a true European superpower, adored and revered among the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, was the missing piece in Guardiola's City puzzle. However, winning just one title is not sufficient to achieve this status. City, in comparison to other clubs, are relatively new to the Champions League scene. While they may be regarded as one of football's greatest modern achievers in future years, they currently lack a longstanding history in this competition.

One of the trailblazers of the 'new money' clubs, following a path similar to Chelsea post-Roman Abramovich. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit akin to Gen Z, but with a more humble demeanor.

Guardiola fully understands that the Champions League cannot be acquired through mere financial means. There are no miraculous shortcuts. Over the years, City has undeniably been the top team in English football, as evidenced by their three consecutive Premier League titles. However, their performances on the European stage have fallen short. There is no prophecy or guarantee that City will secure European silverware this time around, although bookmakers consider them the clear favorites to defend their domestic supremacy.

Kane and co could heap more pressure on slow-starting Man Utd

You would expect City's title defence to begin easily in a group where RB Leipzig are the only real threat - but beyond that, with other more established European forces out for vengeance (they beat Bayern Munich and Real en route to last year's final), it certainly will not all be plain sailing.

Man Utd supporters may experience a sense of "here's what you could have won" when observing Harry Kane donning the colors of Bayern Munich in their match on Wednesday.

United's pursuit of the England captain in the summer transfer window was no secret, as they prioritize securing a top-class striker like Erik ten Hag. However, financial constraints and Tottenham's reluctance to sell to a Premier League rival posed challenges. As it stands, the in-form Kane has the potential to exacerbate United's early-season woes in Bavaria. Both defensive and attacking statistics have been dwindling for Ten Hag's team, while off-field problems continue to multiply. With three defeats in their first five Premier League matches, alarm bells are ringing for United.

The loss to Brighton at home served as a reality check. However, there is a concern that Bayern could inflict an even more detrimental blow to their morale and expectations for this season.

After being absent from the Champions League for a season, the desire to return has been strong for Man Utd. They believe this is where they belong. Nevertheless, unless there is a noticeable improvement against Kane and his teammates, Ten Hag's team may encounter even greater difficulties during their trip to Munich.

Expectations high for Arsenal's return to the big time

Arsenal are back!

It's been a little while in coming with the Gunners competing in Europe's top club competition for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

Arsenal's young squad, including players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, and Aaron Ramsdale, faces a fresh challenge as they prepare to enter the competition for the first time. Additionally, this marks Mikel Arteta's inaugural experience of managing in the Champions League.

Despite being absent from the competition for six seasons, there are still high expectations surrounding the potential impact Arsenal could have as they begin their campaign at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday against PSV Eindhoven. Arsenal's summer signings were aimed at aiding the team in facing the challenges of a Champions League schedule and ultimately competing, as stated by Arteta. It is worth noting that they are currently ranked as the fourth favorites to win the competition, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid leading the way.

Will Tonali stun Milan in Newcastle colours?

As Sandro Tonali takes the field at the San Siro on Tuesday night, the opening line of AC Milan's pre-match anthem might resonate with him: "Despite the chaos, my love for you endures."

The departure of the boyhood AC Milan fan who joined Newcastle in a £60m deal over the summer stunned many at the Serie A club as he was considered the club's heartbeat. Nevertheless, Tonali's exit is seen as a sacrifice, with the transfer funds being reinvested in players like Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who have made a strong start to the season in terms of scoring goals, along with former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.

Tonali's significant contribution to Milan's advancement into the semi-finals of the Champions League is precisely what attracted Newcastle to pursue him. As the Magpies prepare to embark on their first Champions League campaign in 21 years, competing against formidable opponents like PSG and Borussia Dortmund in Group F, Eddie Howe's team could greatly benefit from Tonali's expertise, considering that every single point is of utmost importance.

Can Celtic and Rodgers crack European code?

Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are used to dominating Scottish football, but it is different story when it comes to Europe.

In his debut season at Parkhead, Celtic finished at the bottom of their Champions League group. Consequently, they descended into the Europa League but were unable to progress beyond the initial stage in the following year. In year three, they faced disappointment yet again as they were unable to advance past the third qualifying round. Despite his efforts, Ange Postecoglou was unable to make a significant impact in European competitions during his time at Celtic.

In his first season, they were unable to progress beyond the last 32 of the Europa League, while Celtic ended up at the bottom of their Champions League group last year, earning only two points.

This season, Celtic has been placed in a group alongside Feyenoord, Lazio, and Atletico Madrid, which is comparatively advantageous as they have managed to avoid formidable opponents such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG, who have previously proven to be superior to them.

They will begin their first two matches against Feyenoord on the road and Lazio at home. Securing three points from these games would be a positive start as they aim to ensure Europa League football in the later stages of the season. Although Maik Nawrocki and Marco Tillio, who are new signings, have been excluded from Rodgers' Champions League squad due to their return from injury, Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has also been sidelined, has been included.

Europa League

Liverpool must embrace Europa League - and try to win Klopp's missing trophy

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Jurgen Klopp is aiming for Europa League glory as he looks to add the only major piece of silverware that has eluded him so far

After participating in the Champions League for eight consecutive seasons, Liverpool finds itself returning to the Europa League. The last time they competed in this secondary European tournament was during the 2015/16 season, under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp in his inaugural full campaign at Anfield. Despite their commendable journey to the final that year, their run was ultimately halted by Sevilla, renowned specialists of the Europa League.

Klopp has made significant progress with Liverpool since then, when Simon Mignolet and Nathaniel Clyne were the players who made the most appearances for the team during the Europa League run.

In the present situation, Klopp has a squad filled with talented players. Although Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah may not be thrilled about playing in the Europa League, Klopp will undoubtedly encourage his players to fully embrace the experience.

Liverpool are the clear favorites to win the tournament when we consider the division into eight groups of four. Additionally, the possibility of playing the final in Dublin, which is home to a large number of Liverpool fans and conveniently close to Anfield, serves as an extra motivation.

If Liverpool needs any more drive, Klopp can emphasize that winning the Europa League is the only major trophy he hasn't achieved at the club.

Liverpool don't often play in the Europa League these days. They should make the most of the experience.Joe Shread

Rangers' Europa League romance reignited - but Beale's side must be at their best

It has been a tough few weeks for Rangers fans.

After suffering a defeat to Celtic, who secured a spot in the Champions League, at home and then facing a crushing loss in Eindhoven, Michael Beale's team found themselves in Europe's secondary club competition. Nonetheless, the Europa League might provide supporters with a glimmer of hope, considering their incredible journey to the final last May.

Rangers triumphed over Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Sporting Braga, and RB Leipzig before succumbing to Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout in Seville.

The team has undergone significant changes this summer, welcoming nine new signings. Expectations will be high as they confront Real Betis, Aris Limassol, and Sparta Prague in the group stages.

The minimum objective for this group will be to advance to the knockouts, although replicating the achievement of 2022 and making it to the final in Dublin is a formidable challenge. There is a possibility of facing Ajax, Atalanta, and Liverpool in the later stages, teams that Rangers had previously lost to in the winless group stages of the Champions League last season.

Supporters have proven their ability to ignite the team's spirit during epic European encounters, while the on-field players' performance will determine whether they can sustain this fervor.

Can West Ham make their mark in Europe again?

West Ham have made something of a habit of excelling in European competition over the past two seasons.

Their sixth-place finish in the 2020/21 season marked their return to the Europa League after a five-year absence. Under the guidance of David Moyes, the team managed to successfully handle the additional demands and achieved a commendable seventh-place finish in the Premier League. They also made significant progress, reaching the semi-finals, but were ultimately unable to secure a spot in the final, falling short against eventual champions Eintracht Frankfurt.

Although they finished just two points behind sixth-place Manchester United, it was enough to secure their participation in the Europa Conference League for the following season. The Hammers gladly embraced this opportunity, aiming to surpass their previous achievement.

They dominated the competition, winning all six matches in the group stage and effortlessly moving through the next three matches to secure a place in the Prague final. In an exciting turn of events, they emerged victorious, earning their first major championship in 43 years with a last-minute goal from Jarrod Bowen. Maybe as a result of their focus on the continental competition, their performance in the league declined, but it was their only path to qualify for a third consecutive year.

The Hammers kick off their Europa League group stage campaign on Thursday at the London Stadium, hosting Serbian side TSC. They have made a strong start in the Premier League and are determined to rectify the disappointment of 2021. The question remains whether they can replicate their previous success of juggling multiple competitions this season.

No fear for Brighton on their first European adventure

Brighton's 3-1 victory over Southampton last season marked a remarkable milestone for the football club. As the final whistle blew, it was a moment of disbelief and joy. For the first time in their history, Brighton had secured a spot in Europe.

This achievement held great significance, considering the club's turbulent past. Back in the 96/97 season, Brighton narrowly escaped relegation from the Football League. In a decisive match that ended in a 1-1 draw, they managed to stay afloat, while unfortunate Hereford got relegated on goal difference. Thus, the historic day of Brighton's qualification for Europe was a testament to their journey from the brink of despair to triumphant success.

It is an incredible surge, driven by the brilliance of owner Tony Bloom, whose strategic and clever management at the club has outsmarted all their rivals in the Premier League recruitment field, propelling them to exciting destinations such as AEK Athens, Marseille, and Ajax in Group B of the Europa League.

There is no doubt that they are not merely participating in these matches to fill the roster. Roberto De Zerbi's formidable team will approach this competition with the same level of attacking prowess as they do in the Premier League. They have no fear, abundant courage, and an abundance of goals.

Europa Conference League

Can Emery the Europe expert cope with Villa's favourites tag?

Unai Emery has established a reputation as one of the most successful continental coaches in Europe. He boasts an impressive track record, having clinched four Europa League titles with Sevilla and Villarreal. In addition to this, Emery guided Villarreal to the semi-finals of the prestigious Champions League in 2022. His achievements make him an astute strategist in the realm of European football.

Emery faces a challenge this season with Aston Villa due to his role as the manager of the Europa Conference League favorites. Last season, West Ham emerged as the champions, leading Sky Bet to identify Villa as the 7/2 frontrunners to win the entire competition. Emery has a track record of achieving European success with underdog teams, defeating Liverpool and Manchester United in Europa League finals.

Although there is still a significant journey ahead in this competition, Villa's Conference League credentials will be put to the test by the emergence of stronger teams from the Europa League group stages. Nevertheless, Emery's team is undoubtedly one of the top contenders to conquer this tournament - if they can be defeated in a single game, it could potentially pave the way for other teams to succeed.

Additionally, concerns will arise regarding Emery's ability to manage his squad effectively given the demanding schedule of competing on Thursdays and Sundays for the first time.

Robson's Reds return to European action

Aberdeen are back playing European group stage football for the first time since their 2008 UEFA Cup exploits.

Under the leadership of Jimmy Calderwood, the Dons successfully advanced from a challenging group comprising Atletico Madrid, Panathinaikos, Lokomotiv Moscow, and Copenhagen.

Their subsequent encounter against Bayern Munich at Pittodrie Stadium resulted in a remarkable 2-2 draw against the German side. However, their journey was concluded in the subsequent match, as Bayern emerged victorious with a total score of 7-3.

Aberdeen's domestic performance has been challenging this season. However, their upcoming matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, HJK Helsinki, and PAOK, who defeated Hearts, have the potential to revive their campaign. Although advancing from Group G will be difficult, Barry Robson's squad, comprising all 13 summer signings, still has a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage after Christmas.

Off the pitch the next six matches could earn the club around £5m - a welcome boost to the Dons - and hopefully there will be more to follow after the turn of the year.Sahil Jaidka