Wednesday 25 February 2015 19:39, UK
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal go into their last-16 tie against Monaco full of confidence having learned from previous mistakes in the Champions League.
The Gunners have failed to progress through the first knockout phase in each of the last four seasons, losing twice to Bayern Munich, once to Barcelona and once to AC Milan.
Wenger’s side take on his former club at the Emirates live on Sky Sports 1HD from 7pm on Wednesday and the Frenchman says they will only progress with 'the right commitment'.
It’s really tight and we’ve learned from that. It is hard earned every time and it is done with a one-goal difference.
“In the last four years we always came out frustrated. We’ve gone out yes, but just,” he said.
“We conceded a goal at home in the first 30 minutes three times and that goal knocked us out. Two times we have been knocked out by the winners and all because of goal difference or one goal.
'Important'
“It’s really tight and we’ve learned from that. It is hard earned every time and it is done with a one-goal difference. You either go out by one goal or go through by one goal and that means you have to work very hard.
“Every single minute is massively important. If we have the right commitment and spirit then we can be confident. We want to stay in, even if it is just.”
Monaco are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and topped their Champions League group over Bayer Leverkusen, Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica.
And Wenger said: “I believe they are a very strong team physically and that’s also why they’re defensively strong. They’re a disciplined team who work hard for each other and that means they’re efficient.”
Midfielder Jack Wilshere is unlikely to feature after missing training on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goalkeeper David Ospina are fit and in contention to start.
