Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is ready to face former club Manchester City in the Champions League this week.

He says he was not surprised to see the two teams pitted together in the draw for the group stage of the Champions League, but recognises it will be hard to progress from a pool also containing Napoli and Villarreal.

"It always happens like that, doesn't it? When I saw the draw I just sensed Bayern might end up against City," Boateng told the Sunday Times.

"My main reaction was that the whole group is so tough. Any of these teams could easily finish top. It's one each from the strongest four leagues."