Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb believes that the Gunners stand a real chance of defeating Barcelona in the Quarter-Final of the Champion s League, with the Belarussian pinpointing the English side’s swift style as a potentially decisive factor.
Hleb, who is on loan from the Nou Camp outfit to Bundesliga side Stuttgart, is arguably the perfect man to pass judgement on the tie having played 180 minutes against the reigning European champions in the last month and with recent experience of the football philosophies of both Pep Guardiola and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.
Speaking in the aftermath of Stuttgart’s 5-1 aggregate defeat, Hleb spoke warmly of the quality at both Arsenal and Barcelona, making clear that the north London side should not be dismissed as underdogs.
“You just need to see the way Arsenal played against Porto. They have moved back into excellent form since they lost their games against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.
“I’m not going to say who will win, that’s difficult. But the way I see it, Arsenal have a real chance against Barcelona.
“Arsenal have a style they like to play in and when they play well, like they did against Porto , it’s fantastic.
“Arsenal’s style is quicker than Barcelona’s build-up and passing is less direct. Arsenal move the ball faster. That can make life difficult for Barcelona.
“Against Barcelona you need to try and hold onto the ball, be ready to break, and keep yourselves compact and it’s important not to go out there scared when you play against Barcelona.
“I don’t think Arsenal will do that. I believe they can take on Barcelona and do well, and win. Against Barcelona you cannot afford to make mistakes. We [Stuttgart] learnt that the hard way.”