On the eve of a new Champions Cup season it is worth remembering when and where it all began. The answer is 30 years ago on the shores of the Black Sea where Farul Constanta of Romania hosted France's mighty Toulouse in the opening pool game of the old Heineken Cup on 31 October 1995. Let's just say they were different times.
We're used to playing against teams that defend well against us. We have our own style of play, which means our opponents often sit deep. We hope to win. That will obviously be our goal. I don't know if Toulouse will play like that tomorrow, but I remember that last year we often felt like we were playing against teams that defended a lot against us. I don't think our status as European champions has changed anything. It was already the case before. We're used to it, and we're ready for it.
Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell is among the targets West Ham are looking to sign before Monday's transfer deadline. The 23-year-old was an important part of the England Under-21 side that won the European Championship in the summer and was named in the Uefa Team of the Tournament. Cresswell's performances have attracted interest from clubs in Serie A and the Premier League, and West Ham are the latest to plot a move.
