So how are you feeling in the wake of Saturday's events? Well, I'm close to recovery and almost back to normal.
Arsene called the loss to Manchester United a "one-off." Let's hope that characterization holds true.
Speaking about the match—and indeed its impact on the Gunners—ahead of the CL clash with Milan on Wednesday the Boss said, "It is important to pick up and prepare for a massive game. My team is upset but they are strong mentally and will recover for Wednesday."
After ability and tactics and so forth, mental strength and squad depth are factors that will significantly affect the final destination of the Premiership title. Our boys have displayed resilience this season, and they'll just have to keep it up.
But before we get involved in the Premiership, we have the small matter of playing the defending holders in the Champions League, Ashburton Grove hosting the first leg. This will be a big test of our abilities. We've never before tasted victory in the CL.
In light of the youth and development of our squad, the CL has not been seen as a priority; instead we've focused on the Premiership. Still, I'm sure the team is hungry for success in the CL as well, hoping to prove themselves to the world. This may be just a season too soon for our players, but who's to say what they might be capable of doing? If they can get past Milan, they are in with more than a shout.
I think that if we can keep Kaka and Co. fairly quiet in the first leg, and if we are able to take maybe a 2-0 lead going into the second, we might have a good chance of progressing to the next round. It is imperative that the Arsenal squad does not concede goals in the first leg of the CL, even if they fail to score.
They will definitely keep the back door shut on their home ground in the reverse fixture and that's what makes me anxious. Let's see what happens.
Le Prof also spoke ahead of the midweek clash with Milan.
"They have players who are world class and have a lot of experience. Of all the English clubs still in the tournament, we have the toughest draw. This game will define whether or not we can win the European Cup, but you never know what will happen. It's very difficult to predict.
Two years ago we played Real Madrid and went through. Las season we played PSV Eindhoven but were knocked out. We are underdogs against Milan, by a little bit. I'd say 45/55 because they have the experience and won it last year. We are an upcoming team, so it's a big challenge against the holders of the trophy."
In other news, Arsene speaks about a European super league that will eventually replace the CL, referring to the change as inevitable.
Clarence Seedorf, who knows all about success in the Champions League (winning it three times, I think, and with three different teams), says that the Milan squad has the cunning and experience to overcome Arsenal.
There is no injury news thus far. I don't know who will be back for the Milan game, but watch this space for more.
And that's that for today. Let's hope we have a good week!
Till tomorrow then, Gooners!
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Paul Kelly about 1 year ago
Good point about not conceding at home. Going to Milan and having to fight against an away goal would be tough.
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Uche Ugorji about 1 year ago
Right on point Ashish
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Ashish Wesley about 1 year ago
Milan are known to have a tough defence, glad to know there are others who share the same opinion.
Cheers
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I believe AC are the best team in the world and asernal can not beat them unless Gatusso is not in the line up i feel he is the back bone of AC
Jermaine Musithu
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