Wenger prepare to face his former club Monaco in Chapions League
Arsene Wenger will welcome his old side Monaco to the Emirates Stadium
on Wednesday (25th February) in the first leg of their last 16 Champions
League tie.
Monaco were the lowest scoring team to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition - by contrast, Arsenal have scored 22 goals in their last nine matches.
Wenger addressed media on the eve of the clash on Tuesday (24th February) and said he is expecting a tough test from his former club in North London.
"Easy is a word you have to ban in the champions league and it's hard earned, every time we were in there it was hard wins or it was one goal difference you go out or one goal you stay in. That means you have to work very hard," said the Frenchman.
"Monaco finished first in their group, we finished second in ours so I do think it's pretty balanced, pretty even because even if we are considered favourites it's not a problem for me because I think it's important to play games like this," he added.
Wenger also praised Monaco's defensive abilities saying, "they defend very well and that is certainly what they will try to do tomorrow. They are very quick on the break, quick in transition so…that's what you expect from them."
Danny Welbeck also revealed the Gunners are prepared for the match and the state
"Obviously tomorrow is the start of the knockout rounds and going into the Monaco game, obviously we prepared well, we've analysed their team and we're looking forward to it," said the striker.
Arsenal will still be without midfielders Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere for the game.
Monaco were the lowest scoring team to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition - by contrast, Arsenal have scored 22 goals in their last nine matches.
Wenger addressed media on the eve of the clash on Tuesday (24th February) and said he is expecting a tough test from his former club in North London.
"Easy is a word you have to ban in the champions league and it's hard earned, every time we were in there it was hard wins or it was one goal difference you go out or one goal you stay in. That means you have to work very hard," said the Frenchman.
"Monaco finished first in their group, we finished second in ours so I do think it's pretty balanced, pretty even because even if we are considered favourites it's not a problem for me because I think it's important to play games like this," he added.
Wenger also praised Monaco's defensive abilities saying, "they defend very well and that is certainly what they will try to do tomorrow. They are very quick on the break, quick in transition so…that's what you expect from them."
Danny Welbeck also revealed the Gunners are prepared for the match and the state
"Obviously tomorrow is the start of the knockout rounds and going into the Monaco game, obviously we prepared well, we've analysed their team and we're looking forward to it," said the striker.
Arsenal will still be without midfielders Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere for the game.
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