He said: “This team is ready for the big challenge of doing well in Europe this season and we have to believe we can go all the way.
“You always need a little bit of luck in the cups but this pool of players can develop into something special.
“I’m delighted with the way our campaign is going. We added to the squad with Owen Hargreaves, Tevez, Nani and Anderson and they have all made a real impact.
“They are all young lads who bring a real energy to the place.
“I have been quoted as saying this is the strongest squad I have ever had and I stand by that statement.
“Things are going well in the league and we qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with ease.”
