It is not only about the new manager, 'Special One', but about their players as well. They have a number of good players in their line-up, all world class stars. Players such as Eden Hazard, Peter Cech, Fernando Torres, Demba Ba, Frank Lampard, Oscar just to name a few. Their squad is so strong this season that they have a substitute player for each and every position, which only augers well for the blues.

Jose did a fantastic job in the transfer window as well signing many players, who would just strengthen their club and help them win the Champions League. Their latest signings of Eto'o, Andre Schurlle, Kevin De Bruyne, Willian etc will be a force to be reckoned with in the competition and make life tough for their opponents.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich is the defending champion and it would not be surprising to witness the same German club lift aloft the trophy this season as well. In the summer, they were able to sign one of the best managers going around in world football, Pep Guardiola. A number of clubs wanted Pep, but it was Pep who decided to opt for the German champions. And why not? For they have been one of the most consistent team in Germany and to some extent in the world as well.

Bayerm Munich has been pitted in a tough group in the competition, which comprises of Manchester City, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen. Only two teams would progress from the round stages, but Munich should make it to the next stage, while the fight for the second spot could be close between City and Moscow.

Munich, which showed their effectiveness last season in the Champions League basically comprises of more or less the same side as that of last year with few changes. Some of their most important players for the club, Frank Ribery, Robben, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kross etc.

The most important part of the Bayern team heading into Champions League is that the crux of the team still remains the same and know one another very well to be effective on the pitch. They have a great understanding in the field.

Barcelona

Barcelona, without a shadow of doubt plays the most attractive football in the world. Their tiki-taka approach to the game is a visual treat to neutrals all over the world. The game looks so easy when Barcelona dominates the ball possession. In spite of such kind of football, they were unsuccessful in winning the competition last year as they were humiliated by the eventual winners, Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. This loss would be another reason, why the Spanish giants would be eager to win the title, which they won last in 2010-11 season.

Barcelona always comprises of the best football players primarily from Spain, and also manage to attract top players from other parts of the world. Lionel Messi, one of the best players of the modern era is their best player along with Iniesta, Alonso, Xavi, Puyol etc. But, this time around, they have signed one of the best Brazilian talents, Neymar during the transfer window, which will only bolster their squad a great extent. He is expected to be a big hit during the season for Barca.

Other strong teams

But, one cannot take anything for granted in football. Though, the above mentioned teams are very strong, but teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also equally strong and could win the competition too. All these teams have quality players in their line-up capable of destroying any team on their given day. But, it all depends on who lifts the title on 24 May 2014 at Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal, where the finals would be played.