Frenchman insists he wasn’t relieved that Gunners avoided European giants.
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Olivier Giroud says he was in no way relieved that Arsenal drew Monaco in the Champions League last 16 and is sure the side from the principality will provide a stern test.
Arsenal were expecting to face a European giant after coming second in their group but were pleasantly surprised when the draw pit them against struggling French side AS Monaco.
The club, who currently lie 6th in the Ligue 1 table, have had a difficult few months after allowing star assets James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao to leave in the summer, and find themselves nine points behind league leaders Marseille.
Although they’ve had poor domestic performances, Monaco did qualify top of their group despite scoring just four goals, earning them a spot in the knockout stages in the competition for the first time in over 10 years.
However, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says the Gunners have to be wary of the threat Monaco can pose.
“I’m not relieved [with the draw],” he said reports Evening Standard. “But it’s true that we had not been spoiled by the draw in recent seasons.
“Since I arrived at Arsenal, we have come up against Bayern Munich twice in the last 16. That was a very tough draw.
“I have a friend who called me and said: ‘Oh, it’s good, a French team, you’re lucky!’ Meaning: ‘It’s going to be easy.’,” he said.
“I think it’s 50/50 – Monaco are a good team, even if they don’t have a lot of Champions League experience.
“They are a young team with very good players.”