Bundesliga giants FC Schalke 04 will be playing FC Steau Bucaresti on Wednesday in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League.

Schalke manager Jens Keller is in no way belittling the Romania-based club because of its recent feats in the Champions League as well as the Europa League.

"I don't see Steaua as outsiders in the group. Last year they won their Europa League group - they won games against Ajax and Chelsea. Chelsea are clear favourites in the group and we want to put in a good display, but every team here is capable of winning matches." Keller told uefa.com.

The German side is coming off a 1-0 victory against 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga.

Kevin-Prince Boateng scored the decider in what seemed to be a highly defensive match.

Steau boss Laurenţiu Reghecampf is a familiar face to Keller as they went against each other as players during their younger years.

"I used to face Laurenţiu Reghecampf on the pitch, when he was at [FC Energie] Cottbus and [TSV Alemannia] Aachen. We even faced off directly on the pitch, me as left-back, him as right midfielder. I don't know him as a coach, only as a player, but when you look at the way his team play and what they have achieved, he has to be doing a very good job."

Jermaine Jones is out due to suspension, while Tim Hoogland has problems in his digestive system.

Meanwhile, Reghecampf is excited to have gotten back to the world's most prestigious competition in club football after making their last stint during the 2008/09 campaign.

"We are glad to be back in the group stage of the Champions League. We hope we can put in a good performance. We know what lies ahead of us tomorrow, a very difficult away game. But we have to think of our strengths and have come here to win," said Reghecampf.

The manager knows what Schalke is capable of doing but is confident that his teams can handle the German giants.

"Steaua have a very balanced squad, a strong team. I think if they take us lightly, they might be in for a surprise. It will be a hard fight. We want to extend our stay in the Champions League into the spring, maybe even win the group," he added.

"Of course, there is a great atmosphere at Schalke, especially in the Champions League. But we are not scared of the fans here, we have played in front of similar supporters and want to show our strength here."

Steau will be bringing along with them the confidence that they have obtained from a 5-0 crushing victory against Săgeata Năvodari in their domestic league.

Alexandru Chipciu's presence remain doubtful as he is still recovering from a knee discomfort.

Schedule and Free Live Online Streaming

Sept 18, 2013 - 4:45 am (AEST)

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