Arsenal may have been installed as heavy favourites to beat Qarabag in Baku on Thursday, but Unai Emery is sure the hosts will provide a stern test.
As they get used to Thursday night football, Arsenal now knows they can only get some respect back in Europe if they can win the Europa League.
And that is why the manager told the media that taking the game against Qarabag seriously is very important for them in the competition.
“We are giving each competition our best preparation, our best performance and the travel is long, but it’s not an excuse,” he said.
The now vocal fans will not like to imagine this but there is the possibility that Qarabag can get something from the game.
Would the manager be surprised if that happens?
“With Qarabag, we have a lot of respect for them. They started with a good performance against Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon in the first match.
“They lost 2-0 but they gave a very good performance against them, with good players and also with good spirit and good tactical intentions in the game.
“I remember also, last year here, Atletico Madrid there were two matches against them. They could not win. It’s for me, two very good examples for us to have the respect for them.
“Also, we have the confidence in our players to do the best performance tomorrow (Thursday) and also with our work, we can have a great match with a good performance for thinking only to win and to do one good match.”
A win on Thursday will put Arsenal is good position to top their group.
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