Cocu excited by Milan challenge

PSV Eindhoven manager Phillip Cocu is looking forward to the challenge of facing Milan in the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League.

The Dutch side, who finished second in the Eredivisie last term, beat Belgian side Zulte Waregem in the previous round to set up a meeting with Massimiliano Allegri’s men.

Cocu’s side will likely go into the contest as underdogs, but the 42-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing one of Europe’s most famous clubs.

“It will be a difficult task for sure, but also a nice challenge which will allow us to see how we measure up to them,” Cocu said.

“They might be busy reducing the age of their squad, but it is still of a high level.”

Lyon were drawn with Real Sociedad, having beaten Grasshoppers Zurich, for a place in the next stage, and president Jean-Michel Aulas is wary of the Basque side, who will compete in the Champions league for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

“It’s a tough draw because we will face the team that finished fourth in La Liga and the second leg is away,” Aulas said.

“You should not expect an easy draw considering the quality of the opposition, but it’s possible for us to advance.”

Sociedad manager Jagoba Arrasate is expecting a tight encounter with the French club.

“This will be an attractive and even tie and one that will be decided by the smallest of details,” he commented.

Fenerbahce will Arsenal to Turkey for the first leg of their tie and captain Emre Belozoglu believes home support could have an impact on the end result.

“If we can compete well, I believe we have a chance against them,” Emre explained.

“We want to gain an advantage by getting a good result in the first match with the support of our fans.”