Wednesday 1 October 2014 18:54, UK
Galatasaray manager Cesare Prandelli has urged his players to be brave when they take on Arsenal in Wednesday night's Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Both sides are both searching for their first win in Group D with the Gunners having lost to Borussia Dortmund in their first game while Prandelli’s side drew with Anderlecht.
Prandelli is wary of the threat posed by Arsene Wenger’s team and he feels it is vital for his players to have the confidence to play their usual game if they are to be successful.
"We are playing against a quality, experienced team at their own ground, and so will have to be a bit more controlled in our game," said Prandelli.
"We should be running enough to close all of the gaps and we should play our own game.
"We will make sure whenever we lose the ball, we will get it back quicker. We have to be brave, to be courageous and make sure we play our own style.
"For us, it is important to get out as a team, to defend strong. We must have respect, that is important, but not be afraid.
"We have a good team, we can play against every team and it is going to be in our hands."
This is the Italian’s first season with Galatasaray after he resigned as the Azzurri coach following his failure to get them out of the group alongside England at the World Cup.
Wenger will mark 18 years in charge of the Gunners on Wednesday night and Prandelli marvelled at the Frenchman’s longevity – something he feels could only be achieved in England.
"He has had the chance to grow and has had extraordinary continuity,” he said. "But we can only see this in England, anywhere else in the world, the coach changes all the time."
Watch Arsenal v Galatasaray on Sky Sports 1HD from 7.30pm.
