Johan Djourou has admitted that it would be a ‘disaster’ if Arsenal fail to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, and he couldn’t be any more right.
Arsenal could have booked their place in the next round by bagging a point against Braga earlier in the week, but unfortunately they came away from Portugal with nothing but a unexpected 2-0 defeat.
The result means that the Gunners now face a make-or-break tie with Partizan on the 8th of December knowing that nothing but a victory at the Emirates will ensure progression.
Djourou insists failure is not an option for Arsenal and also believes that it is vital for the team to react in a positive manner, following a string of bad results in the past week. The Swiss international told Sky Sports last night:
“Of course if Arsenal does not go to the knockout stages it’s a disaster and I think that shouldn’t happen and I don’t even think that we’re not going to qualify.”
He goes on to say:
“We need to bounce back from this last week which has been a bit difficult for us. We’ve had two defeats so now it’s important to bounce back with a win. We have the quality to do that. It’s just how much we want it.”
In my estimation Djourou is absolutely spot on with his claim, and although it maybe an obvious one, it has to be taken seriously by everyone involved with the club. Arsenal must avoid defeat against Partizan otherwise I shudder to think of the consequences. Obviously we enter the Europa League if we do not qualify, but seriously, who watches that? I certainly won’t be if this occurs. However, we have to take into account that, should Arsenal fail to qualify then the clubs reputation drops and players futures would seriously be in doubt…maybe even Wenger’s. It’s just ridiculous to think that this could actually ensue, and Arsenal have put themselves in this predicament due to poor performances, because hands down, we should have walked this group.
I’m glad to see Djourou has recognized the importance of the situation, and hope to see other players take note as well. At the end of the day Arsenal must qualify (which I think they will do) or like Johan Djourou said, it will be a disaster.
Follow Me On Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere
‘Fans wanted’ – If you would like to write for Gunnersphere.com and get your views and opinions across, simply message me on Twitter
Djourou is 100% right and I’m glad he came out and said this, because knowing Wenger he would have said we played well and deserved something out of the game. All I would say to that is look at the statistics, 8 shouts, only 1 on target, that speaks floumes.
Arsenal must wake up and play well in our next champions league game or it will be devastating for Arsenal.