But then today, I read this comment from Diaby:
“Whatever their form is like, they are still packed with great players who can make the difference at any time. However, they are not in their best form – maybe it’s an opportunity for us to make the most of it and profit from it. That’s not the main thing, though. We will concentrate on our game knowing that if we play we have a good chance. We have the quality here to win the Champions League, so we will give it everything.”
Abou Diaby is not usually a player who inspires me with much confidence, but the young lad has a quiver of a point. Taking away the second half of the Sp*rs game away (where Sp*rs capitulated big time), the last 10 games for United have seen them labour to get results. They’re overwhelming favourites and no doubt, they will attack. But we have the ability to overcome them if our tactics, attitude and concentration are spot on. The culprits for our last goal against Liverpool (in my opinion) were the midfield for not tracking the opposition, and we need clever thinking from all round the pitch.
In all honesty, I think we really need to defend this one. We need to go there solid at the back and protect our defence. We need to defend all over the pitch. Having Nasri in front of Gibbs will hopefully mean that we’ve got two players defending Ronaldo – I was a little concerned when we played Villareal that we weren’t covering that side well enough. Maybe that’s why Arsene may switch Diaby and Nasri – but can Diaby be disciplined on the left of midfield?
But the best form of defence is always attack, and although we have to be measured, an away goal – a 1-0 win, would be awesome. Ade’s record up there is pretty good and the Togan had this to say:
“When you get onto the pitch the people around will be singing against you, they will be hating you, and that can give you more motivation. I know they do not like me there because I managed to get a goal, and you just feel like ‘Okay, I will show you again how good I am. In three games there I have scored two goals and I know it will not be easy to get another one, but I will give 100 per cent to do everything it takes to score or to help my team win the game.”
“We know how good they are and it is going to be an exciting game for English football. It is going to be tough, but we just have to believe we can do it, that we can win this cup. That is why we are here. We have the quality in the squad and are in form.”
Very edgy and nervy stuff hey?
The plus points is that in the last month, we have had the opportunity to rest various players such as Ade, Walcott and Nasri and as a result, combine that with a fresh Cesc, we really can go the distance. We’re not tired, we’re young, we’re raring to go – Arsene agrees.
Our vice-captain, Kolo Toure has also been in the press talking about the defence. He says that Gibbs has earnt his place in the team and deserves to play and he’s also said he doesn’t mind who he plays next to. His words:
“Let Gibbs play,” the Ivorian said. “He is a good player and very intelligent. He came in at a really difficult time when we play the big teams and I think he has showed good character and I am really happy for what he has done for the Club. Its always really difficult when you are young and you come in to play against the big players. I think he is going to perform very well on Wednesday. Ronaldo is a really good player. But it’s not only about Gibbs – it is about all the players. If we are focused and defend together then nobody can beat us.”
“I have been here for seven years and I have played with 10 or maybe more different players. The good thing is that Johan is a really good and intelligent player. It’s a shame that Silvestre is injured.”
I believe Djourou has the ability and I’m glad that he’s getting this opportunity. He deserves it with his displays this season.
Anyone else nervous? But at the same time very excited, but at the same time very nervous but excited but nervous… but…
More tomorrow.]]>
