Michael O'Neill 'satisfied' with draw but 'did not want to face Germany'
Sunday 13 December 2015 22:32, UK
Michael O'Neill agrees it is important for Northern Ireland to make a strong start to the Euro 2016 finals, after being drawn in the same group as reigning World Cup winners Germany.
He admitted he was reasonably satisfied with the outcome of the draw but would have preferred to have avoided the Germans.
At Saturday's ceremony in Paris, ahead of next summer's tournament, Northern Ireland were placed in Group C, alongside Ukraine and Poland who they face in their opening match on Sunday, June 12th in Nice.
Ukraine are next on the agenda in Lyon on Thursday, June 16th, before ending up against Germany on Midsummer's Day at the Parc de Princes in the French capital.
I think it was important to avoid Italy from Pot 2 - which we did.
And Northern Ireland manager O'Neill said: "The most important thing is to try and take something from your first game.
"The fixtures maybe work in our favour, playing Poland and Ukraine before Germany, which might be the most demanding physically.
"In all honesty, Germany were the Pot 1 team I wanted the least - along with England. And we also have to play Germany in the next World Cup qualifying campaign.
"I think it was important to avoid Italy from Pot 2 - which we did - and Poland are a strong Pot 3 team.
"But we won our group to get here, so that should give us a lot of belief, and I do think it is achievable for us to come out of that group and the players must believe that as well.
"Some groups look a little bit easier on paper but overall I'm pleased with what we've got.
"It's been a fantastic experience to be here and be a part of things. That was a very exciting 45 minutes and now the preparation can start in earnest."
