..::Football III::..

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Chelsea 'appalled' by FA decision on Matic ban

Chelsea say they are "appalled" by the Football Association's decision not to reduce Nemanja Matic's three-game ban to the maximum extent permitted, after the midfielder was sent off against Burnley on Saturday.

The Serbia international shoved Ashley Barnes to the ground during the 1-1 draw, but was on the receiving end of a horrific tackle from the Burnley striker beforehand - a challenge labelled "criminal" by Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea subsequently appealed the decision in a bid to have the red card rescinded, but the FA have only decided to reduce the ban to two games - thus ruling him out of the League Cup final against Tottenham and the Premier League clash with West Ham.

“In reaching this decision the members of the Regulatory Commission rejected the mitigation advanced by Nemanja Matic in respect of the provocation and tackle he received which led to his act of violent conduct," said Roger Burden, chairman of the FA's regulatory commission, in a statement.

"The violent response of Mr. Matic to the nature of the tackle cannot be condoned and does not vindicate his subsequent actions. The members of the Commission did, however, accept the mitigation in respect of the level of force used by Mr. Matic and the nature of the contact he made with Mr. Barnes of Burnley FC.

"Having made those considerations we determined that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension would be clearly excessive and, therefore, ordered that the suspension be reduced to two matches.”

However, Chelsea have expressed their frustration at the decision, and claim that Matic has been "unjustly punished" for his reaction to a "career-threatening tackle", and also maintain that the affair is evidence that referees need to do more to protect players from such challenges.

"The Chelsea Football Club board is extremely disappointed and frustrated that the FA Regulatory Commission has today decided not to reduce Nemanja Matic’s suspension to the maximum extent permitted under FA rules," read a statement.

"Chelsea FC challenged the standard three-match suspension which automatically followed the red card issued to Matic by referee Martin Atkinson during Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley.

"There has been universal condemnation of the reckless challenge made by Ashley Barnes on Matic and it is the club’s view that he has been unjustly punished with a two-match ban for his reaction to a career-threatening tackle.

"It is Chelsea’s opinion that referees and the football authorities must do more to protect players at all levels of the game from dangerous challenges. This decision also clearly demonstrates a need for consistency and fairness in the disciplinary process."

 

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Cole: Arsenal fans wouldn't have wanted me in 'Invincibles' book

Ashley Cole has explained that he chose not to participate in a book recounting Arsenal’s ‘Invincible’ season because he feared a backlash from the club’s supporters.

Cole spent eight years at the Gunners and was a key figure at left-back as the club won the Premier League title in 2003-04 without losing a game, winning 26 and drawing 12.

However, the current Roma full-back left Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006 and, with his departure leaving a sour taste, Cole says he felt it best that he was left out of Invincible: Inside Arsenal’s Unbeaten 2003-04 Season.

"People asking why I'm not in the #Invincibles book I thought it would be for the best. I didn't think fans would want it,” he wrote on Twitter.

"But I will never forget my times at Arsenal and the amazing achievements I accomplished there with great people.”

Cole won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time with the Gunners.

 

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Tiago: Atletico worried by Hakan's set-pieces

Tiago has admitted that Atletico Madrid are in the unfamiliar position of having to worry about their opponents' set-piece threat ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen.The Rojiblancos are renowned for their aerial threat from dead-ball situations but their hosts on Wednesday boast a free-kick expert in Hakan Calhanoglu.

Consequently, Tiago says that while Atletico are in great condition, mentally and physically, for their trip to Germany, they simply cannot afford to commit needless fouls in and around their own area at the BayArena.

"We've had time to prepare for this important phase of the competition," the midfielder told reporters on the eve of the first-leg clash. "All the players are in top shape.

"The group is strong and prepared. In football, results rule and hopefully we can show with results that we are all well."But we have to be careful on set-pieces because we know they have a very qualified player in this aspect [Hakan].

"But they also attack with a lot of men and they're very dangerous."We have to face a dangerous and difficult rival and we have to try to get a good result in Leverkusen."

Atletico arrive in Germany on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Liga rivals Almeria, but Leverkusen extended their winless run in the Bundesliga to three games with a draw against Augsburg at the weekend.

 

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Ronaldo confirms return to football

Former Brazil international Ronaldo has confirmed that is set to come out of retirement and take to the field for Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

The 38-year-old, who quit the game in 2011, is a major shareholder in the NASL – essentially USA’s second tier, though there is no promotion or relegation in US football.

And the former Fifa World Player of the Year says he is now planning a sensational return to the pitch after four years out of the game."It's going to happen,” Ronaldo told Lance!“I have already said so. But it's going to be a bit later, in the playoffs."

The former World Cup-winner has recently been begun a grueling training regime in order to get back in shape after a reported glandular problem resulted in weight gain."For now, we are organising it all, but I am going to have a [weight] goal,” he added.

Ronaldo purchased a major stake in the Florida-based club in December last year and vowed to “be very involved with the management of the team,” insisting he had “already started to make introductions that will certainly help us to turn the Strikers into a global powerhouse.”

Formerly Miami FC, the club was rebranded as the Strikers in 2011.Since his retirement, Ronaldo has begun a hugely successful business career, spearheaded by his Sports Marketing Agency 9ine.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Corinthians striker scored 62 goals in 98 internationals for Brazil.

 

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Wenger: Wilshere hasn't had a setback

Arsene Wenger has denied rumours Jack Wilshere has suffered another injury setback ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old suffered a serious ankle injury in a collision with Paddy McNair as Arsenal fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United in November.

And although he is on the verge of an Arsenal comeback, Wilshere missed the first team's open training session prior to the encounter with Monaco and was an unused substitute on Saturday as the Gunners defeated Crystal Palace 2-1.

However Wenger played down speculation that this was because of a new injury, telling reporters: "He was rested in training today. There's no setback."

Arsenal host Leonardo Jardim's side in the first leg of the last-16 clash and are heavy favourites to progress, but Wenger has warned against complacency.

"We have had 17 consecutive seasons in this competition. 'Easy' is a word you need to ban in the Champions League," he added.

"They are a disciplined team who are very strong in defence, well organised and dangerous on the break.

"I love pressure because there's lots at stake and those are the ones you want to be involved with as a manager and a player."

 

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UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2015.02.25 Fixtures

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2015.02.25 Fixtures

Arsenal Vs Monaco

Leverkusen Vs Atletico Madrid

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suarez

 

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Reus niyamai

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Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Calhanoglu stunner rocks 10-man Rojiblancos

Hakan Calhanoglu's second half stunner rocked 10-man Atletico Madrid and gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 first leg lead in the last-16 of the Champions League.

The Turkey international's wonderful strike proved enough to separate the sides at the BayArena, with Karim Bellarabi instrumental in the build-up.

Leverkusen threatened in the first half and saw Emir Spahic denied on two occasions, but they were grateful to Bernd Leno for making two late saves to keep the score level.

Tiago was sent off for two bookable offences late on to heap more misery on Atletico, who failed to score for their second successive Champions League game.
Roger Schmidt's side will take a narrow advantage to Spain for the second leg on March 17, knowing another clean sheet will see them through to the quarter-finals.

Leverkusen came out of the blocks quickly, dominating possession, but were unable to find a way through before half-time, with Lars Bender wasting the first opening in the seventh minute.Bellarabi led a swift counter-attack for the hosts, but, when the ball found Bender he dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area.

The visitors were grateful to Mario Mandzukic five minutes later as he cleared Spahic's effort off the line after the Bosnia defender had diverted Wendell's shot towards goal.

Spahic's attempts to score a first Champions League goal continued as the half hour approached, with his long-range strike cannoning back off Moya's crossbar.
Atleti had been quiet in the final third inside the opening 40 minutes, but Leno needed to be alert to make two saves before the break.

Having pushed away Arda Turan's lob before Antoine Griezmann could head home, the goalkeeper made a superb reaction save in stoppage time to keep Tiago's acrobatic volley out.The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute as Calhanoglu collected a sumptuous backheel from Bellarabi, before lashing the ball high into Moya's net.

Calhanoglu nearly had a second after 71 minutes, as the forward's long-range free-kick took a wicked deflection, but Moya was able to adjust and make the save.

As the game opened up in the final 20 minutes both sides had chances to score, with Torres - on for Turan just past the hour - putting the ball into the net in the 75th minute, only for referee Pavel Kralovec to rule it out.Atletico finished the game, which saw nine bookings in total, with 10 men when Tiago was shown a second yellow for a foul on Bellarabi.

His dismissal added to the Liga side's frustrations as they suffered their first Champions League defeat since the opening group game.

 

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Arsenal 1-3 Monaco: Boos rain down as Gunners outclassed by Berbatov & Co

Arsenal's Champions League hopes were dealt a huge blow as Monaco secured a deserved victory at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were frustrated for much of the first half and fell behind shortly before the break as Geoffrey Kondogbia's long-range effort deflected off Per Mertesacker and past David Ospina.

Olivier Giroud missed two big chances to equalise shortly after half-time, and the hosts were made to pay for wasting their opportunities as Dimitar Berbatov ended a Monaco counterattack with a controlled finish.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench to pull a goal back late on with a curled finish before Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco broke free of the home defence to score with an angled drive.

Monaco conceded just once as they topped Group C, but were under pressure early on as Danny Welbeck was among those to threaten Danijel Subasic's goal with an effort that was narrowly off target

However, the resurgent visitors - beaten just once since the start of December - seemed to grow in confidence with Joao Moutinho pulling the strings in midfield.

As Monaco frustrated Arsenal's array of playmaking talent, chances were few and far between in the opening half an hour, although Alexis Sanchez angled a shot just over the crossbar soon after.

However, Monaco broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break with the help of a sizeable deflection, as Kondogbia's long-range strike hit Mertesacker and beat a wrong-footed Ospina.

Having failed to register a shot on target in the first half, Arsenal were made to pay for their profligacy after the break when Anthony Martial punished slack defending from Mertesacker to burst forward and find Berbatov.

The Bulgarian made no mistake in giving Monaco a two-goal lead - much to the home fans' consternation - as Wenger's men continued to waste chances, with Sanchez's effort saved by Subasic before Giroud fired over with the goal at his mercy.

Subasic saved well from substitute Theo Walcott after the hour and Welbeck's follow-up deflected off the England international before Oxlade-Chamberlain curled home a loose ball.

If Arsenal thought they had grabbed hold of a lifeline, it was quickly ripped from their grasp as Ferreira-Carrasco raced away to fire past Ospina and put the visitors in the driving seat ahead of next month's return meeting.

 

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Henderson, Sakho and Johnson out of Besiktas clash

Liverpool will be without the injured trio of Jordan Henderson , Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho for their Europa League tie with Besiktas in Istanbul.

None of the three made the trip to the Turkish capital, with vice-captain Henderson unable to train on Thursday due to an ankle knock.

Defender Sakho has a hip problem, while full-back Johnson is suffering with illness.

Brendan Rodgers' side go into the last-32 second leg leading the 1-0 thanks to Mario Balotelli's late penalty at Anfield a week ago.

"We have got a few injuries; we are probably out here without about eight of our squad that have picked up knocks - some previous and some from the weekend," the Northern Irishman told reporters.

"But we still have a strong enough squad to hopefully complete the job. The confidence is very high in the team.

"Any changes that we make in the team, the players come in and know the collective job and are performing at a very high level.

"So we expect the same, to continue with that confidence level. We'll look to carry that confidence into the game."

 

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Arsenal have individuals but Monaco are a team - Jardim

Leonardo Jardim says Monaco's team ethic was key to their shock 3-1 Champions League win away to Arsenal in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Geoffrey Kondogbia's deflected strike put the Ligue 1 side in the lead before Dimitar Berbatov doubled their advantage, and though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled back a late goal, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco struck a third in the dying moments.

Jardim praised his side for nullifying the threat of the Gunners' attacking stars - but says the victory was not the most important of their season so far.

"It's not our biggest Champions League win. We also beat Zenit and [Bayer] Leverkusen. The one in Germany was most important as it allowed us to qualify for the second round," he told reporters after the match.

"Arsenal were very strong in the first half and then they suffered a little. In the first half, we were very strong defensively and then took advantage of the spaces.

"Arsenal have excellent individuals, but this is a team sport and we were able to render them harmless. We were very organised, but also able to attack with quality.

"Nobody thought this was possible, and we did it. But the task in the second leg still remains."We've won nothing yet, we just took an advantage. Football is also art - you have to know how to attack, how to defend. My team is very balanced."

Jardim reserved special praise for the all-round efforts of Berbatov - a player who has attracted criticism throughout his career for his languid style."In terms of positioning and defensive work, Berbatov was tremendous," he added.

 

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Simeone: It could have been worse

Diego Simeone refused to be downbeat after Atletico Madrid's defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, insisting "it could have been worse".A stunning strike from Hakan Calhanoglu condemned last season's Champions League runners-up to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Germany.

Fernando Torres had a goal disallowed in the second half and Tiago was sent off late on for two bookable offences on a night to forget for the La Liga champions.

Given that Atleti were also forced to substitute both Guilherme Siqueira and Saul Niguez in the first half, Simeone feels his side can consider themselves fortunate to trail by just one goal.

"It could've been worse. It was a strange game - I don't think either side created many chances," he said after the match. "We couldn’t handle their pressing. They won the second balls."I imagined Torres would have a chance like the one he had, which was ruled out by I don’t know who – the fourth official, the fifth, the third?

"Having made two changes in the first half, having had a goal disallowed and losing 1-0, I'm happy."I have the feeling that they left us with life because another rival may have pushed us harder."

Despite the double injury blow, Simeone refused to criticise Leverkusen for their tough-tackling style and is confident he has the squad depth to cope with any absences in the second leg.

"They're an intense team. We like playing against teams like that," he added.
"There is no problem. [Jose] Gimenez and Mario [Suarez] will likely play instead."

 

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Abdennour aware of Tottenham interest

Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour has admitted that he is aware of interest in his signature from Tottenham.

The Tunisia international has made just nine Ligue 1 starts for the principality club this season, but reports have linked him with a move to White Hart Lane.

And the 25-year-old has revealed the north London club have shown an interest in him, though he did want to commit as to whether he would be open to a move.

"Yes, I am aware of it [the interest]," he told L'Equipe. "But I am at Monaco and I am concentrating on my club."

When questioned on whether he would be open to a move he said: "Why not? Right now I have to be patient.

"Things will happen naturally. I am not going to put any pressure on myself because I am very happy at Monaco."

 

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Atletico lacked intensity, admits Godin

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin admitted his side lacked their usual intensity in their Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spanish champions struggled to find rhythm or create many chances against Roger Schmidt's side, who sealed a 1-0 win courtesy of a brilliant second-half strike from Hakan Calhanoglu.

Godin conceded his side were outfought at the BayArena on Wednesday but is confident they can deliver an improved showing in the return leg at the Vicente Calderon.

"It's not a great result but the tie is still open. We have to play at the Calderon and do things very well there," the Uruguay international told Canal Plus."I think we were lacking a bit of intensity without the ball. We're not a team with great fluidity on the ball but we're usually the favourites in the game without it.

"The opposition were also very intense - it would have been easy otherwise. They played very well. We would have liked to be better but we couldn't do it."This is the Champions League. It's the second round, it's not going to be easy. We'll try to do a great job at home. We have confidence."

Club captain Gabi, meanwhile, says he has faith in Atleti's squad depth ahead of the second leg after Guilherme Siqueira and Saul Niguez were forced off with injuries, while Tiago picked up a red card.

"I think they played with a lot of intensity, they were comfortable pressing and that's how they won today. It was a very tough game," the 31-year-old said.
"The result is difficult but I have confidence in this team. We have players to spare."

 

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Icardi can be world's best striker - Mancini

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has backed in-form striker Mauro Icardi to become one of the world's best strikers over the next 10 years.The Argentine has 19 goals to his name in all competitions this term, with seven of those coming since the turn of the year.

Ahead of the second leg of Inter's last-32 Uefa Europa League clash with Celtic on Thursday, Mancini feels Icardi still has even more to offer."He can still improve a great deal because he's so young," the former Manchester City boss told reporters.

"No 22-year-old knows everything about being a striker – he can definitely get better in all areas of his game.

"He can be one of the top strikers around for the next 10 years."Last week's 3-3 thriller in the first leg at Celtic Park leaves Inter in the driving seat heading into the return match at San Siro.

Inter can also boast a three-match winning run in Serie A, though Mancini dismissed suggestions his side may be fatigued following a hectic schedule.
"When I was a player, I always preferred playing as many matches as possible," he added.

"We've found a tactical system that we feel comfortable with and it’s not easy to change quickly. The three wins give us that extra bit of confidence. "They're testament to our hard work, but the league table still isn't right for a club like Inter. Our aim is to keep growing."

 

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El Shaarawy: Inzaghi just needs time

Stephan El Shaarawy has conceded that Filippo Inzaghi is finding life difficult at AC Milan but feels the under-fire coach can turn things around if he is just given a little more time at the helm.

As the man who fired the Rossoneri to Champions League glory in 2007, Inzaghi was a popular choice to succeed Clarence Seedorf as boss last summer - despite the fact that his only previous coaching experience was two years in charge of the club's Primavera squad.

However, despite a relatively encouraging first half of the season, Milan experienced a dreadful dip in form after the winter break, thus turning up the heat on the former Italy striker.

The pressure has been alleviated somewhat by a 2-0 win over Cesena at the weekend and El Shaarawy is in no doubt that Inzaghi is the right man for the job.
"This is his first year with a big team and I think that it is a difficult experience for him," the Rossoneri attacker told Sky Sport Italia.

"He needs a little time but he is a coach with clear ideas and he is a great person."
El Shaarawy also believes that if Inzaghi can address Milan's inconsistency, a side currently sitting 10th in the Serie A standings can finish in the top five.

“We go from great performances against the big teams, to disappointing ones against the smaller sides,” the Italy international added.

“We have to build from the game we played on Sunday against Cesena and try to pick up as many points as we can because the Europa League is still an attainable goal."El Shaarawy is currently out of action with a broken metatarsal but the injury-plagued forward says he is just as optimstic about his own recovery as Milan's.

"I'm better," said the 22-year-old. "I'm recovering well. I'm dealing with this injury in a calmer and more serene manner because I have already gone through an experience like this in the past."I'm very much in love with Milan. I always have been and my goal is to help Milan become great again.

"From my own perspective, I'm also going through difficult moments but my aim to get better and become a key player again."

 

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Rodgers has solved Liverpool's problems, says Lovren

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren believes that Brendan Rodgers has "solved everything" that was going wrong at Anfield at the beginning of the season.

The Reds have put a poor start to the campaign behind them by losing just one match in 18 since they were beaten 3-0 by rivals Manchester United in December.

They are now two points behind the fourth-placed Red Devils and Lovren is convinced that their post-Luis Suarez struggles are behind them.

"The basis from the start is that we are together," the Croatia international told the club's official website. "We are always like a team, in bad times and also in good times.

"The first couple of months didn't go so well but now you can see the real shape of the team. Everything has settled down and the manager has solved everything. The bad times are behind us."

Rodgers has successfully switched to a 3-4-3 formation to improve Liverpool's defensive shape and their current run of five consecutive clean sheets is the club's best since 1985.

"I always say it's not the four or five at the back who are about the defence, it is the whole team," versatile centre-half Lovren added. "A clean sheet is because of all of the players, from the strikers to the goalkeeper.

"Everyone is involved. We haven't conceded in the last couple of games so we need to continue like this by defending and attacking together."

 

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Silva: Barcelona should be out of sight

David Silva believes Manchester City are lucky Barcelona didn't end their Champions League hopes as they fell to a 2-1 first leg defeat on Tuesday.

Luis Suarez returned to England to haunt City with two first-half goals but Manuel Pellegrini's side responded in the second half, pulling a goal back through Sergio Aguero.

However, the Premier League champions were unable to mount a full comeback and had to rely on Joe Hart's penalty save from Lionel Messi to keep the tie alive, something Silva feels gives City a second chance.

He told reporters: "During the first half, we just didn't do good. Barcelona did much better, they were better positioned than us in the field, catching all the balls.

"Since they scored, we were wrong. In the second half the team was able to react, we had chances to tie the match, but the red card diminished us and we couldn't do more."

Asked what troubled City in the first period, he continued: "Our pressure was no good and we were late. Barcelona play very fast and if you don't do well, you have no chance to reach the ball. And we gave them many chances today.

"At the end, it was less than expected, because things could be much worse after the first half we did."

City head to Barcelona on March 18 knowing they must score at least two goals in the Camp Nou but Silva says it is possible if they can perform in a similar manner to their second half showing.

He said: "If we play like during the second half, we'll have options. If we play like during the first half, no.

"Now, we have to think on the Premier League because we have a very difficult match against Liverpool.

"We can give our best version in the second leg yet. We have to work and give our best to achieve our goal."

 

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Berbatov: We wanted it more than Arsenal

Dimitar Berbatov believes Arsenal were made to pay for a lack of desire as Monaco shocked Arsene Wenger's men in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Bulgarian scored his side's second as the Ligue 1 side ran out 3-1 winners in the first leg of their last-16 tie in north London to take advantage of a dismal Gunners display.

And the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker feels his side simply wanted to win the game more than the hosts, telling Sky Sports: "Nobody expected that probably, but we are confident in our ability, we deserved to win.
"We scored our chances, and it’s a great win for us. Nobody expected it, [but] it’s not over, we have one more game and Arsenal are still a dangerous team.

"Arsenal are a good team but today we wanted to win more than them. We were fighting all over the pitch, winning our challenges and scored the goals. Football is about goals and today we scored three and we won."For a team like Arsenal I don’t think they can allow themselves to underestimate, but if they did it then it’s bad for them because you can see in the pitch that we won."

Despite the healthy first-leg advantage, Berbatov has warned his side not to allow themselves to become complacent ahead of the second leg at Stade Louis II.
"I don’t think like this because Arsenal is Arsenal, they have great players. Anything can happen, we have a comfortable lead but in football anything can happen."