Gilberto wary of Madrid backlash
March 6, 2006
GILBERTO IS REAL HOPEFUL
By Jim van Wijk, PA Sport
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto feels the tight Highbury pitch could cramp Real Madrid’s style in the second leg of their Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
The Gunners will defend the narrowest of margins from their hard-earned victory at the Bernabeu a fortnight ago, secured with a stunning individual effort by captain Thierry Henry.
The Spaniards were well below-par in the familiar surroundings of their superb home ground, which is one of the biggest in the European game.
And a cold evening in north London at a compact stadium is hardly the ideal venue for Zinedine Zidane and company to try to turn the tie around.
Gilberto feels that could yet prove to be a decisive factor.
“Real’s style might create some difficulties for them at Highbury,” the Brazil international said.
“They will not have a lot of space to play, let alone the fact we will be at home and with the crowd on our side. It is a great opportunity for Arsenal.”
Despite being in the driving seat to reach the last eight, Gilberto insists overconfidence will not be allowed to creep into the Arsenal camp.
“We have the same chances as the other 15 teams in this round,” he said.
“Our attitude will determine how far we can go, but it is a bit early to think that much ahead.”
Arsenal head into the showpiece encounter on the back of a confidence-boosting 4-0 victory at Fulham last weekend, which hauled the Gunners back into contention for a top-four finish in the Barclays Premiership and with it another crack at elite European football again next season.
Real, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 victory in the Madrid derby at home to Atletico.
Despite Arsenal’s relative success in the Champions League, it has still been a disappointing domestic season which has also seen them knocked out of both cup competitions.
Gilberto, 29, feels the different calibre of sides Arsenal have faced in Europe is perhaps one of the reasons why they have raised their game to new levels.
“Both competitions should be tackled with the same spirit, but perhaps Arsenal play in Europe with more effort because we have never won the Champions League,” he reflected in an interview on www.uefa.com.
“Tactically, you have got to be more aware, for the opponents tend to be harder and not as familiar as in the Premiership.”
Arsenal’s injury problems have seen the likes of youngsters Cesc Fabregas and recent signing Abou Diaby thrust into the spotlight.
Gilberto has been impressed how they have adapted so quickly, but knows they must still be protected.
“Fabregas is getting better every day, and Diaby is a strong player,” the World Cup winner said.
“But they all need more experience and mileage. We should not put too much pressure on them.”
With the likes of England captain David Beckham, Raul and Ronaldo in the side, there always remains the potential for Juan Ramon Lopez Caro’s men to turn the tie on its head.
“They are intelligent players – not just Ronaldo but the whole team. We need to be aware of our jobs,” Gilberto told reporters following Saturday’s win at Fulham.
“They want to win the game because they want to go to the next stage.
“We will see a completely different Madrid and we do not expect an easy game. I know we are at home, but it will be harder than it was in Madrid.
“They need a victory, and they will work very hard. It will be a big battle – we need to be dominant and play with confidence and play our game.”
Gilberto added: “We want to win again, but we can not afford to be complacent.
“We need to be the boss on the pitch if we want to go to the next stage. We need to do more than we did in Madrid.”
Source: Sporting Life