30.03.2010 20:02
Guardiola: "We have to score away goal"
Sandra Sarmiento
Pep Guardiola is aiming for FC Barcelona to score an away goal in their first leg encounter against Arsenal on Wednesday evening while staying tight at the back to deny their hosts at the other end.
The reigning European champions play at the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium for the first time and
the visiting coach wants his side to go out and try to score in order to set themselves up to win
the Champions League quarter final tie at Camp Nou. “We all know that scoring an away goal is
very important for the return leg,” he said. “So we will have an attacking intention
and will defend in a very aggressive manner, in the right sense of the word. We will try to score,
that is our main idea, it is very important. We need to defend well but you cannot defend well if
you do not attack well. It is very important to score a goal away from home. My players are
motivated. We are talking about the best teams in Europe. To be here, in the quarters, is a
privilege. We are very lucky to be here because we had a difficult group.”
Fàbregas doubt
Cesc Fàbregas’ presence will not be decided upon until matchday,
but Guardiola was quick to point out that even when the Catalan was not present Arsenal still
recorded a dramamtic European win. “I know that Cesc is a very good player and obviously it
is better for them if he plays,” he continued. “But they still beat Porto 5-0 and have
three or four players who are very dynamic and play in the same position. But if Wenger says he
might not be playing, I believe him.”
Three years
In the 2007/08 campaign Barça beat Schalke 04 in the quarter finals and
then defeated Bayern Munich at the same stage last term and Guardiola is keen on a hat-trick.
“We will have to see if we can make the semi finals for the third consecutive year,” he
stated. “It is a difficult ambition and it is an honour to come here to play in this stadium
and to play against such a good team. We hope that everyone will enjoy the game.”
Henry goes back
Henry will be closely watched by both home and away fans and Guardiola
is excited for the former Gunner. “Thierry has a lot of experience and he is used to playing
this kind of game," he commented. “He is returning home. He is the best player that ever
played here in Arsenal. It is amazing. He is a huge talent and he is a huge part of this club. But
for me it is an honour that he is with me at Barcelona."