Houllier takes over as Villa manager Former France coach Gérard Houllier admitted the invitation to take the reins at Aston Villa FC was an offer he could not refuse after being unveiled by the English Premier League outfit.
Bremen hit by Mertesacker injury SV Werder Bremen will be without both first-choice centre-backs for next week's Group A opener against Tottenham Hotspur FC after Per Mertesacker joined Naldo in the treatment room.
Atlético jostle for position as group stage begins Club Atlético de Madrid begin their title defence against Aris Thessaloniki FC when the group stage commences next Thursday, with ten former UEFA Cup winners also in action.
Twente enter the top echelon New faces: FC Twente ended a 45-year wait for a first Eredivisie title last season and with Michel Preud'homme at the helm 'De Tukkers' are preparing for their UEFA Champions League bow.
Braga break into big time New faces: SC Braga secured a best ever Liga finish of second last term and impressive wins against Celtic FC and Sevilla FC have taken the Arsenalistas into the group stage.
Hapoel join Europe's aristocracy New faces: Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC did the double in Israel last season, completing it by triumphing on a nervous final day on which title rivals Maccabi Haifa FC dropped points.
Tottenham eager for European glory New faces: Tottenham Hotspur FC want to make up for lost time after their fourth-place Premier League finish ensured a first European Champion Clubs' Cup appearance since 1961/62.
Bursaspor make breakthrough New faces: Bursaspor surprisingly won the Turkish title for the first time in their history last season, beating the likes of Fenerbahçe SK, Galatasaray AS, Besiktas JK and Trabzonspor AS.
ilina ready for Champions League reckoning New faces: Two years after announcing themselves with a 2-1 UEFA Cup win at Aston Villa FC, Slovakian champions MK ilina are preparing to take their place at Europe's top table.
Montenegro in dreamland after winning start "This is an unbelievable feeling," said Montenegro captain Mirko Vucinic after a 1-0 win in Bulgaria continued their dream debut, and coach Zlatko Kranjcar believes they will improve further.
