Arsene Wenger has stated that it is only the collective effort of the Arsenal defence that can see them prevail against Barcelona inTuesday...
Arsene Wenger has stated that it is only the collective effort of the Arsenal defence that can see them prevail against Barcelona inTuesday's first leg, round of 16 Champions League clash at the Emirates.
Barcelona eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-final and round of 16 stages of the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 Champions League respectively.
Speaking at Monday's press conference, Wenger pointed out that he hopes Arsenal will still be in the tie in the reverse fixture.
"We did well to qualify, it was very hard, we are looking forward to playing Barcelona they are the best team in the world today," Wenger said.
“It will be different from Bayern we just need to focus and be 100% together with good cohesion and we will put what we need in this game with a lot of commitment and determination.
"We have to find the right balance between being audacious but also strong defensively as a unit and not put ourselves in a difficult task in the second leg."
Speaking on how to stop the trio of Lionel Messi, Luiz Suarez and Neymar, he said they will be banking on their good defensive record.
"I know that individually MSN have
exceptional talent, the only way we can beat them is collectively. Resilient, great solidarity intelligent as well, lets not forget that we have a good defensive
record and a great goalkeeper as well.”
exceptional talent, the only way we can beat them is collectively. Resilient, great solidarity intelligent as well, lets not forget that we have a good defensive
record and a great goalkeeper as well.”
He went on to rule out Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Paulista.
“Gabriel out and Arteta too.”
“Everyone else is available.”
“Everyone else is available.”
We hope to have a good showdown at the Emirates tonight.
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