Karen Carney column: I’m excited by other challenges in retirement

Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro has got them working hard and they have a really good squad. If their run in the Champions League is good, they can cause some upsets. They have invested so much money into their team.

There are three types of footballers – an international player, a Champions League player and a league player. They all have different attributes and different styles. Arsenal have gone for a lot of European players which will suit them in the Champions League. You need those ball carriers and set-piece specialists at key moments because they are the types of players who can win Champions League games.

They also have a few Dutch players who have enjoyed success on the international stage. They reached the World Cup final and won the Euros. It’s no fluke. Those players know what it takes. Having that experience and knowledge is key. They won’t be afraid of big moments and will be big-game players.

Manchester City are always good too. I watched their pre-season game against Atletico Madrid in the US, they were structured, organised, physical and really fit.

Obviously they will miss Ellen White while she’s injured but when she comes back that will give them another impetus. They are hard to beat, hard to break down and are well regimented. They may look to use counter-attacking football in Europe. I still think they are a couple of players off but their experience will do them well in this competition.

As for Barcelona, they were heavily beaten in last year’s final and they were probably a bit naive. There is a big gap between the best and them. Their style doesn’t suit the Champions League just yet as it’s quite slow. I think they have to increase their intensity and go up another level. They need to counter-attack quickly and have more pace. They can keep the ball for fun so if they can add the intensity, they are on to something.

Champions League football is a project-based competition for any team. It takes a long time to build a team that has experience, quality and a style that can win you this prestigious title.

Karen Carney was speaking to BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders.