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‘We will see the real Arsenal this time'

Leonardo Jardim

Leonardo Jardim says that Monaco will have to be at their very best to prevent an historic Arsenal comeback.

The Ligue 1 side shocked the Gunners by playing a “dream game” to win 3-1 at Emirates Stadium.

The two-goal advantage makes Monaco favourites going into the second leg at Stade Louis II but Jardim insists Arsenal’s quality means the tie is far from over.

"I think we will see the real face of Arsenal on Tuesday"

Nabil Dirar

“When you are facing such a team as Arsenal with players like Welbeck, Ozil, Cazorla, it is true we cannot take it easy,” the manager said. “We need to focus and to play the same game we played in the first leg in order not to be in a dangerous situation.

“We are at half-time but our opponent has such strong and quality players within their squad, so it will be very difficult for us, and everyone knows this will be one of the most difficult challenges we have had for years."

Nabil Dirar captained Monaco to their first-leg victory but says he is braced for Arsenal’s revival in Fontvielle on Tuesday.

“We know nobody expected us to win at Arsenal away,” the Morocco winger said. "We enjoyed the moment then forgot it because we knew the Arsenal team have quality players and can always make the difference.

“They did not play well in the first game, but I think we will see the real face of Arsenal [on Tuesday]. We will compete, we want the qualification as well and will do everything. We know how to play on the counter-attacks, so we have our own strengths.”

 

Nabil Dirar

Nabil Dirar

 

 

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