Champions League: Former Chelsea and Southampton defender ‘relishing’ debut after Bayern Munich experience

Former Chelsea defender Dynel Simeu says he is “relishing” the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League with The New Saints as he prepares for what could be his debut in the competition.

The 24-year-old joined the reigning Welsh champions this summer after leaving Oldham Athletic. While he had previously experienced the Champions League environment, he was an unused substitute for Chelsea in their Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich under Frank Lampard in August 2020, when he was just 18.

Now, six years later, Simeu is on the verge of making his first appearance in Europe’s premier club competition as TNS begin their qualifying campaign.

The Saints travel to Azerbaijan to face Champions League debutants Sabah in the first leg before returning to Park Hall for the decisive second leg a week later. Having already arrived ahead of the tie, Simeu and his teammates are preparing to represent both their club and the Cymru Premier on the European stage.

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Champions League experience with Chelsea

He said: “I’ve never played in Europe before; I’ve been on the bench and stuff, but coming in and knowing I’ve got a chance to play is something which attracted me to the club.

“It’s the highest competition you can play at, and it’s very difficult to play in unless you’re in the Premier League. It’s something which really drew me to the club and to test myself. I’m looking forward to it.

I think it’ll be a totally different feeling because I know there is a challenge ahead of us. When I was on the bench against Bayern Munich, I was in awe.

“I wasn’t really expecting to play. It was a lot to take in, and it was a good experience. I think now, coming in as a player who could potentially play. It’s perhaps not more pressure, but there’s more knowing I can help the team, and I relish these moments. I’m excited.”

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Sabah head into the matchup as Azerbaijan’s newly crowned league champions after breaking Qarabağ’s years-long grip on the title last season. Their historic triumph, secured by a commanding nine-point advantage, not only delivered the club’s maiden domestic championship but also earned them a debut campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.

TNS’ opponents are led by Lithuanian coach Valdas Dambrauskas, who has been at the helm for a little over a year. The experienced manager has previously taken charge of clubs such as Žalgiris, RFS, Ludogorets, Hajduk Split, Omonia and OFI Crete, collecting league and cup titles across multiple countries before moving to Azerbaijan.

“Going into the Champions League qualifiers, it’s always going to be difficult,” admitted Simeu.

“Respectively, everyone has won their league; they come from a very tough league, where they beat Qarabag to the title. It’s not going to be a pushover.

“We’re gonna do our best; if anything, it’s about enjoying the experience; it’ll be a good trip away, playing against different play styles. Strive for the moment, and take the most what we can from it. We’ll go there to try to win. It’ll be a tough challenge, but hopefully we can do well.”

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Simeu was on The New Saints’ radar well before he agreed to join the club, with manager Craig Harrison personally travelling to watch him during his time at Oldham Athletic in EFL League Two.

The centre-back went on to make 11 appearances for the Latics, ending the campaign with goals in back-to-back matches after the Welsh domestic season had already finished. Harrison’s direct approach and personal interest ultimately helped convince him to make the move to the Oswestry side.

“It’s always a great feeling for a player when it’s the manager who wants you, and it’s not anyone else; it’s him,” he admitted.

“That you’re in his plans, it gives you that sense of confidence. Going into the club, you can hit the ground running, knowing that you just have to be yourself.

“They know you, and they know what to expect. They can push you to reach the levels they know you can. It’s helped me; it’s something that attracted me to work with the club, and I’m excited to work with the gaffer.”