Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger expects tough game against Monaco

Jim van Wijk 16:15 25/02/2015
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  • Awesome firepower: Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck, pictured in group stage action against Anderlecht, says his team are a threat to anyone in the competition.

    Manager Arsene Wenger does not expect an easy ride as Arsenal aim to get past former club Monaco and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in four seasons.

    The Gunners found themselves unseeded for the knockout stages having finished behind Borussia Dortmund in Group D on goal difference, and so could have again faced one of Europe’s big guns, as they did when coming up against German giants Bayern Munich who ended their hopes in the past two seasons.

    Monaco were viewed as one of the weaker seeds, having scored only four Champions League goals this season, but still qualified as winners of Group C ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

    However, Wenger – who guided the Principality club to the Ligue 1 title in 1987-88 and semi-finals of the Champions League a few seasons later – insisted ahead of 
    tonight’s first leg that any thoughts of complacency can be fatal.

    “We have been in the Champions League for 17 consecutive years and that means we would have not learned the lesson – easy is a word that you have to ban in the Champions League,” said Wenger, who revealed midfielder Jack Wilshere had been rested from Tuesday’s training session as a precaution following his recovery after ankle surgery.

    “Every time we were in there, it was hard-earned wins. It is always one-goal difference – you go out for one goal, you stay in for one goal and that means you have to work very hard.

    “If you look at the teams who are (left) competing they are always a reason to think it is difficult, so let us just try to do the next game, go into that with belief and humility, to try to give everything we can.”

    Arsenal head into the home leg of the European tie on the back of some impressive domestic form, which has seen them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and move up into third place in the Premier League following Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

    “I heard yesterday, they (Monaco) say we have the pressure because we are favourites, for me it is a 50/50 game,” said Wenger.

    “There is a pressure on the game, but that is what you want.

    “Monaco is a team who made 11 points at the group stage, scored four goals and conceded one, so that means they defend very well.”

    Wenger, who was sacked by Monaco in 1995 before moving on to Nagoya Grampus in Japan, will not allow himself any sense of nostalgia in facing his former employers for the first time in a competitive fixture.

    “It was the start of my career and I didn’t know how long I would be in the job or where I would be.

    “It was my first chance to be in a big club, I was very young and you’re always grateful for that,” the French coach said.

    “I am happy that Monaco are back at the top level, but I have been manager of Arsenal for 18 years and I am focused on just qualifying for the quarter-final against a good side.”

    Meanwhile, forward Danny Welbeck is confident Arsenal have the firepower to make an impact on the Champions League knockout stages.

    “There are a lot of attacking options which gives the manager a good headache to have,” said Welbeck.

    “Once everyone is on the pitch we are going to give 100 per cent and give the best for the team, and that is the most important thing, you need to do your job properly. Whoever comes in will obviously do the same.”

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