Skipper excited by European challenge

Vincent Kompany is upbeat about Manchester City's prospects in the Champions League this season, despite being drawn in a tough group.

City must overcome the champions of Germany, Spain and Holland to progress, but the the club's title-winning skipper is adamant that the challenge that awaits them is one to relish. Kompany is determined to help his team make their mark in Europe after a disappointing campaign last year when they failed to progress ahead of Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli. However, the centre-back is convinced City have learnt from that experience, even though he accepts their Group D opponents Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax will provide Roberto Mancini's men with their toughest test yet. The Belgian international said: "Games like this are why you are in the Champions League. I thought it couldn't get more difficult than last year but there you go. "It's a great challenge. I think we are the sort of team which gets better as the challenges get even greater. "It's perfect for us. There won't be any moments where we will be surprised. The motivation will be sky-high, the atmosphere great. I couldn't think of a better way to play the Champions League. "It's all about how far you can get but it's even nicer when you play against the best teams."