Arsene Wenger has backed his players to give a strong response when they face Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
The Gunners head into the game with qualification for the last-16 of the Champions League alteady secure, and with a chance of sealing top spot in Group D.
Wenger called on the team to make up for the disappointment of Saturday’s defeat to Stoke City by returning to winning ways in Istanbul.
"We have to respond in a strong way and win the game - that’s part of our job"
Arsene Wenger
“We are professional people, responsible and what is important is the next game,” the manager said. “We have to respond in a strong way and win the game - that’s part of our job.
“You cannot always look for excuses. When we are down, we are down. When you have a disappointment you have to respond in a strong way - that’s what competition is about.
“You also cannot guarantee to anybody that you won’t lose a game. Many teams can lose at Stoke.”
Wenger has brought a host of youngsters out to Turkey and he has high hopes that they can make an impact against Galatasaray.
“Some are closer [to the first team], like Chuba Akpom who you know already,” he said. “You have Gedion Zelalem who you will certainly already know.
“We have maybe two other players who are now making big strides forward - Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is very good, and Stefan O’Connor, the centre back, who looks very promising in training.”
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