Juve Preview: We Know It Is Down To Us -Wenger... 19-Man Squad Named
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry are trying to keep the rest of the team on the ground ahead of their Champions League 2nd leg match against Juventus. Arsenal players are high in confidence after dominating the match at Highbury and winning it 2-0. But Wenger has made it clear that their inability to get that third goal was a regret. “There was a third goal in that [first] game and it is a regret that we didn't get it,” said Wenger. “The positive side is that we can completely focus on 2-0 not being enough of an advantage. Sometimes you don't prepare yourself to be positive and you don't get out of your own half."
Arsene Wenger pointed out that you cannot go to Turin and defend as Juve will crush any team that does so, he wants the same performance as the one at Highbury, attacking football. A goal from Arsenal at Turin would result in Juve needing to put 4 goals past the team that has not conceded a single goal in 7 Champions League matches. “We have no real choice in our attitude. You can only go there and try to play to be positive to win the game. We cannot play another game." said Wenger. “In this match we know it is down to us. Juventus is a big club, big team and it will be nothing like: 'come on my friends go forward at us'." added Wenger. “It will be a big tie again and we need exactly the same performance as last week.”
Thierry Henry wants the Arsenal players to remain 'cool' in Turin. He also made it clear that it wont be easy in Turin and that Juve is not an easy team to crack at the Stadio Delle Alpi. "Football can always reserve you some surprises - and you always have to stay cool and calm," said Henry. "Juventus at home are a completely different proposition to the team we played at Highbury." added Henry. "This will be the most difficult game of our Champions League campaign this season.
Former Arsenal and Juventus player David Platt believes that Arsenal will not only get past Juventus but also Inter Milan or Villarreal to reach the finals for the first time. He believes the Stadio Delle Alpi's lack of support and atmosphere will only give Arsenal more confidence. “If Arsenal were taking a 2-0 lead to Milan’s San Siro it might be different. The fans there are close to the pitch, pack the place and give the club a 12th man. said Platt. “Juventus have the coldest stadium, in terms of atmosphere, I’ve ever played in." he added. “Arsenal are my favourites now to get to the final. They have too much for Inter Milan or Villarreal in the semis.”
Arsenal have named their 19-man squad that will travel to Italy. Freddie is back from injury, Sol MAY start and Fabregas will probably start:
Jens LEHMANN
Abou DIABY
Robert PIRES
Fredrik LJUNGBERG
Jose Antonio REYES
Robin VAN PERSIE
Alexander HLEB
Thierry HENRY
Francesc FABREGAS
Mathieu FLAMINI
Alexandre SONG
GILBERTO
Philippe SENDEROS
Sol CAMPBELL
Manuel ALMUNIA
Emmanuel EBOUE
Kolo TOURE
Theo WALCOTT
Johan DJOUROU
posted by highbury1913 @ 10:43 pm | |
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