“To be a champion, you have to beat champions.” This saying has certainly not lost its significance for Pep Guardiola, who is hoping Barcelona can face Arsenal with the Gunners at their very best.
In his time as a coach at FC Barcelona, Guardiola has witnessed the humbling of great football giants, among which were Bayern Munich, Lyon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and even Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s boys were submitted to a 6-3 defeat on aggregate in the Champions League last season, but the Premier League title contenders have since then shown signs of improvement that could add weight to Barca’s task tonight.
Samir Nasri was diagnosed with a leg injury a few weeks ago, which caused doctors to overrule possibilities of him featuring against the Spanish champions. A rapid recovery however overturned the situation, making him now available to face Los Cules at the Emirates in Arsenal’s first Round of 16 match in the Champions League.
Manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that, no matter how difficult the encounter will turn out to be, he would be happy to see the Gunners’ best stars fighting tonight in London. During a pre-match press conference, the former Spanish international said:
“If Nasri doesn't play, they still have Rosicky or Arshavin; but Nasri is an incredible player. I hope Nasri can play, because I always prefer to play the teams who have the best players.”
Guardiola also ruled out his side’s chances of repeating last year’s second-leg attainment, explaining that the hosts were better prepared for this Arsenal vs Barcelona match: “Arsenal know better now than last season.
“The players at Barcelona know what we have to do. With Arsenal, if you are not well prepared, you will be chasing shadows.”
Samir Nasri was diagnosed with a leg injury a few weeks ago, which caused doctors to overrule possibilities of him featuring against the Spanish champions. A rapid recovery however overturned the situation, making him now available to face Los Cules at the Emirates in Arsenal’s first Round of 16 match in the Champions League.
Manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that, no matter how difficult the encounter will turn out to be, he would be happy to see the Gunners’ best stars fighting tonight in London. During a pre-match press conference, the former Spanish international said:
“If Nasri doesn't play, they still have Rosicky or Arshavin; but Nasri is an incredible player. I hope Nasri can play, because I always prefer to play the teams who have the best players.”
Guardiola also ruled out his side’s chances of repeating last year’s second-leg attainment, explaining that the hosts were better prepared for this Arsenal vs Barcelona match: “Arsenal know better now than last season.
“The players at Barcelona know what we have to do. With Arsenal, if you are not well prepared, you will be chasing shadows.”
