Arsenal defender Gabriel believes his team ‘can compete in any competition’ as they look to progress in the Champions League, whilst maintaining a Premier League title chase.
Arsenal have never won Europe’s greatest club prize and haven’t lifted the league title in 20 years, but this new generation are making fans dream again.
After taking Manchester City close in the league last season, they remain in the race at the top again but now have eyes on making history in the Champions League. Gabriel expressed his confidence in his team-mates to do that and their ambitions for silverware.
“The team has been in a crescendo. I think we’ve learnt a lot in the last few years. We are at a very good level,” he said.
“We are focused on tomorrow’s match. The Champions League is a different feeling but we are prepared.
“We can compete in any competition.”
Arsenal had the second best defence in the group stage [4 goals conceded], only bettered by Real Sociedad [2]. This is a vital platform for them to build on if they are to be successful in the knock-out stages, especially against a FC Porto side who’ve only conceded 16 goals in 22 league games this season.
Alongside William Saliba, Gabriel has formed an imperious duo that has been at the heart of Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta to be back in the Champions League knock-out stage.
However, opposite to him is one of football’s most iconic defenders, Pepe. Arsenal’s Brazilian centre back is relishing the challenge ahead in Portugal.
“We are all aware of his history in football. He’s a well respected player. He’s a player with a very beautiful history in football and I’m very happy to play with him tomorrow,” said Gabriel.
“It’s not an accident that I’m here. Sure it’s a dream to play in the Champions League but I hope I can help my team.
“We know it’s a very important match. We are facing a great team with a great history in the Champions League but we are ready for this match for sure.”
