Per Mertesacker spoke to the media following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League last-16. This is what he had to say:
on a mountain to climb…
When we conceded the first, then especially the second, it is tough for us now. We had to score at least one goal and that is why we do not deserve anything.
on Barcelona’s counter-attacking…
You will never keep them quiet for 90 minutes, we managed it well in the first half and then in the second half had a good period of time with a couple of chances but we needed to score then and drop back. But we took more risks and then they scored, and it will be much more difficult. We tried our best but we didn’t deserve it because we had enough chances to score at least one.
on causing an upset…
We have to concentrate on the Premier League now and in one month we will face Barcelona again. If we have the same courage and bravery, we still have a chance - we won’t give up. We are always fighting and we keep going like that.
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