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Boss - Defeat hurts more than criticism

Arsene Wenger says Wednesday night’s defeat to Monaco hurts more than the criticism the team has received since then.

The Gunners will have to make history if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after losing the first leg of their last-16 tie at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger still holds out hope his team can deliver a famous turnaround in Monte Carlo, and says the recovery process starts against Everton.

"We are on a strong run in the Premier League and we have to respond to that disappointment in a strong way on Sunday afternoon - that’s all we can do"

Arsene Wenger

“For us what is important is to respond well,” he said. “We are on a strong run in the Premier League and we have to respond to that disappointment in a strong way on Sunday afternoon - that’s all we can do.

“We are back in the top three in the Premier League, we have an opportunity to stabilise this position and we want to take it.

“What is frustrating is that we’ve gone out in the last 16 [of the Champions League] in the last four years but twice against the future winner of the competition. This time we are still not out. We are still in the competition - we have a difficult task but it’s still feasible.

“We are a big club - that means we are a club who interest many people and that gives us a stronger responsibility. Of course when you come out from a disappointing game like Wednesday night, you don’t expect people to applaud. It’s absolutely normal that we get criticised.

“What is hurting is the defeat more than the criticism. I do not say I’m immune to it. I love to win and when I don’t win, I’m hurt of course.”

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