Per Mertesacker is calling for a “miracle in Monaco”, whilst Mesut Özil demands “positive energy” from the recently returned to form Gunners. Facing the threat of elimination from the Champions League in the last 16 against AS Monaco, the English club Arsenal FC’s German contingent, in particular, are displaying a lot of self confidence. “We’ve already seen many miracles. During my childhood in Germany there quite a few”, said Mertesacker. “These European nights can be very frustrating, but also quite wonderful. We need a night full of miracles”.
In the second leg tonight (20:45) Arsenal need to achieve something that has only been managed once in the history of this elite competition. Following the 3-1 defeat during the home leg, Arsenal need at least three goals in the Stade Louis II. Only Ajax have managed to overcome a 3-1 home leg deficit against Benfica, in the European Cup 46 years ago, to reach the semi finals. With at least the same result, Arsenal would take the tie to extra-time, anything less and it will be an early exit once again from the European stage.
Özil: "Achieve our goal with positive energy”
"It will be difficult to score three goals, as Monaco have defended well until now”, said Özil. “But considering our last few games, like at Manchester United in the week, we have had many chances. We believe in ourselves and with this positive energy we can achieve our goals”. Their last game against West Ham United on Saturday was quite straightforward and with the 3-0 win, Arsenal are well on their way to Champions League qualification.
“We have won eight of our last nine games. We’re a lot stronger than we were at the beginning of the season; we’re a completely new team”, said manager Arsene Wenger, for whom the trip to Monaco is also a trip down memory lane. From 1987 to 1994, Wenger stood on the touchline at Monaco and today he returns for the first time as an opponent. “If we don’t believe in ourselves, we don’t have a chance”, said the Frenchman, demanding that his team “gives everything”.
In any case, the man will be “warmly received” according to Wenger’s ex-player Manuel Amoros to the Telegraph. “He made history here and gave the club a new dimension”. For Monaco, it’s all about reaching their first quarterfinal in 11 years.
Per Mertesacker is calling for a “miracle in Monaco”, whilst Mesut Özil demands “positive energy” from the recently returned to form Gunners. Facing the threat of elimination from the Champions League in the last 16 against AS Monaco, the English club Arsenal FC’s German contingent, in particular, are displaying a lot of self confidence. “We’ve already seen many miracles. During my childhood in Germany there quite a few”, said Mertesacker. “These European nights can be very frustrating, but also quite wonderful. We need a night full of miracles”.
In the second leg tonight (20:45) Arsenal need to achieve something that has only been managed once in the history of this elite competition. Following the 3-1 defeat during the home leg, Arsenal need at least three goals in the Stade Louis II. Only Ajax have managed to overcome a 3-1 home leg deficit against Benfica, in the European Cup 46 years ago, to reach the semi finals. With at least the same result, Arsenal would take the tie to extra-time, anything less and it will be an early exit once again from the European stage.
Özil: "Achieve our goal with positive energy”
"It will be difficult to score three goals, as Monaco have defended well until now”, said Özil. “But considering our last few games, like at Manchester United in the week, we have had many chances. We believe in ourselves and with this positive energy we can achieve our goals”. Their last game against West Ham United on Saturday was quite straightforward and with the 3-0 win, Arsenal are well on their way to Champions League qualification.
“We have won eight of our last nine games. We’re a lot stronger than we were at the beginning of the season; we’re a completely new team”, said manager Arsene Wenger, for whom the trip to Monaco is also a trip down memory lane. From 1987 to 1994, Wenger stood on the touchline at Monaco and today he returns for the first time as an opponent. “If we don’t believe in ourselves, we don’t have a chance”, said the Frenchman, demanding that his team “gives everything”.
In any case, the man will be “warmly received” according to Wenger’s ex-player Manuel Amoros to the Telegraph. “He made history here and gave the club a new dimension”. For Monaco, it’s all about reaching their first quarterfinal in 11 years.
