Arsenal Must Overcome A Focused Paris Saint-Germain And Lucas
Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas has stated that it has been hard to not think of the upcoming Arsenal side, making them an even more difficult opponent.
The Premier League is well and truly underway. With the first international break now, thankfully, in the rear view mirror and four games completed, the nitty gritty of the season is set to get underway this week as Arsenal travel to France to take on Paris Saint-Germain in their opening Champions League group game.
It is a tie with much intrigue. The Gunners have underperformed in Europe, consistently coming second best to the very elite that European football can offer in the form of Barcelona and Bayern Munich while PSG, one of the few teams who have come closest to challenging the trio of Europe’s giants are now without their best player and are playing in a league that does not offer the same competition as the Champions League.
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It is that last point that provides concern for PSG winger Lucas, who, after forging a first team place under the management of Unai Emery after Laurent Blanc was fired in the summer due to disappointments in Europe, has confessed that it has been difficult to not concentrate on the upcoming Arsenal match:
“The Champions League is coming and it starts with a tough match. We’ll play a very strong Arsenal team. We’re looking forward to it. Even against Saint-Etienne it was hard not to think of this match. I think we should do things a little differently this season,” he said. “We have the capacity and quality to get through – that’s our goal, our dream. We must progress during the season with the championship to get there, but I think we can reach further and why not win the Champions League.”
Such comments show that the French league clearly does not offer the competitive preparation that this team requires for European football. It also displays a focus and concentration on Tuesday night’s game, something that Arsene Wenger will have to be wary of in his preparation.
With the French league having been almost handed to PSG, even without Zlatan in the side, the focus of the squad, the management, the fans and the media has turned to the Champions League. In the group stage, it will likely be between the capital clubs of France and England for that crucial first qualification position, and consequently, the Gunners will have to overcome an attentive and well drilled PSG side.
It is the biggest match of the season for Arsenal thus far and the excitement of those great Champions League nights is beginning to build. PSG, though, are a very good side, and although a weak domestic league has its drawbacks for the French champions, it has also allowed them to focus their energy on the upcoming tie.
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