Almunia: We cannot afford to lose to Celtic

Results
Date Time C Opponent F A R S
18 Aug 7:45 PM CL Celtic (A) 2 0 Win
Almunia: We cannot afford to lose to Celtic

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia says that it's unthinkable for his club to lose against Scottish giants Celtic and not qualify for the group stages of the Champions League. Arsenal were drawn against the Bhoys in yesterday's qualifying round draw, and will play the first leg of the tie at Parkhead.

If the club do not progress to the next round of Europe's premier footballing competition, there would be a direct impact on the club's ability to attract the top talent in football, not to mention that the prestige of the club would also be affected.

Almunia said: "It is vital for the club, not only for the prestige, but also for the money. The fans need the team to be in the Champions League because that is where Arsenal deserve to be every year. It would be a tragedy not to be in the group stage this year."

Ex-Arsenal captain Frank McLintock agrees with the Spaniard, saying that his old club have got the worst possible draw at this stage of the competition and that there is no room for slip-ups.

The 69-year-old said: "It will be a cracking tie because the Celtic supporters are so noisy and passionate. Arsenal will have to be on their toes because Celtic have got a great home record over the years."

However, it's reassuring to know that whilst we didn't want to be drawn against the Scottish giants, it's not an impossible task to overcome and no team in Europe would have wanted to be drawn against us. Celtic coach Mark Venus admitted that his team have it all to do against the Gunners but was quietly confident of progressing.

He said: "Realistically it's the draw that we probably wouldn't have taken of the five teams.

"But we've got to look forward to it, enjoy it and relish it. I think it's a great draw for Scottish football. It's going to be a great game, and a great European night.

"I'd rather we didn't draw Arsenal but we should fear no teams in this draw - we can beat anyone at home."

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Written by Jonathan Chong on Saturday, August 8, 2009

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It would be a tragedy not to be in the group stage this year.

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