Footballers know what they have to do : win their next game.
These quotes from Arsenal players show how practical and realistic they are.They take nothing for granted and talk in a very pragmatic way.
GAEL CLICHY reckons Fabregas and Hleb will be fresh against Reading - and we will notice that.
In the Mixed Zone after the game, Clichy said: "Everyone is happy. We know we can play better of course, but this is still a good result. We have qualified now so we can look forward to the next game. It was a strange game. We had to work hard at the back and we were a bit tired, but the main objective was to qualify even if the game wasn't great and it wasn't for most of the time. But we are still pleased with the result because it means we go through tonight.
"It was difficult conditions, it was windy, raining and the conditions weren't perfect. Of course Alex and Cesc are great players so we will miss them but we played quite well and those who played did their best and the most important thing was to qualify.
"The pitch was a bit soft and it's always difficult to play in those conditions. They were well organised but a draw was a fair result and qualification was the most important thing. We can concentrate on the Premier League now but we need to stay focused on the Champions League because if we can finish the Group without losing any games then we will finish first and that's the best way to finish the Group stage.
"Of course we can focus on the next game against Reading but the last two games are still important. When you play every three days, you need a rest sometimes and that was the right thing for the manager to do. I think Cesc and Alex will benefit from the rest and you will see it in the next game at Reading."
Asked about the 26-game unbeaten run, Clichy said, "We can't think about it because we are still only three points in front of Manchester United if we win our game in hand. We can be proud of not losing games but the most important thing is to look to the next game and try to get as many points as we can from every game because it's important.
"Since the first day of the season, we have been well organised, the spirit has been there and, like the boss says, we are always determined not to be beaten.We have got the qualification now and we have three days to rest so we can prepare and be ready for Reading.
"We always try our best and the way we play is always important. Sometimes even when you try your best, if the conditions are difficult, it doesn't matter if the team doesn't play well. The most important thing is qualification so we're pleased with that."
Did you expect to be rotated?
"I don't mind. For me it's a joy to play for the club. I was out for so long through injury so I'm just enjoying my time playing again. If the boss feels he needs to rest me then you can't go against what he feels but I was happy to play tonight, and if I have to play against Reading then I would be more than happy to play.
Possible international call-up?
"For every player it's a dream to be called up for the national team but if I'm called up then fantastic, if not then I will just use those ten days to rest. I'm not worried. Like I say, I have been in competition with Ashley Cole for five years at Arsenal, so I can wait for my time with France. I'm sure it's going to come but I have to stay professional and focused."
GILBERTO was asked : Is the Champions League is as important as the Premier League?
"For us every game is important. It doesn't matter what the competition we're playing in, we have to show our quality because a lot of people are watching us and they expect us to do our best. This is what we do every game, whether it's the Premier League or the Champions League."
How important was it to stay unbeaten ?
"It's very important. It gives us a lot more confidence for the next games. The next game is away at Reading and we will face another difficult game but not to lose an away game is very important for the team. Now we'll just go for the next one and think about what we have to do before the game."
He said the youngsters learned a lot from a game like Slavia.
"It's very important for them and the club because they are playing a few games in the Premier League and especially in the cup. So it's good that they get the opportunity to play. But when you play a European game it's slightly different. But they've shown their quality and their character to play in games like this one. Everybody expects them to do very well indeed, and for the future we need all of them because maybe we will have some of our first team injured. They can play and make a difference."
This team wants to win the Champions League?
"Of course, that's what we're looking for. We want to win this competition. Arsenal have never won this competition before, and nor have I. It would be fantastic to do that. We have done the first part of our job, which is to qualify for the next stage. Now we just have to work and to continue our job. We have two more games in the group stage and then we'll see who we play in the next stage and do our job over again.
Does it feel good to be playing again?
"Yes, it's very important I'm back playing again. Now I'll just keep doing my job and see when is the next time I play again.. It's difficult when you do not play. I played last season but the only thing I have to do is just my job. Every time I go to the training ground I must do my job, and if I have an opportunity to play, to show the quality I have got, then I might have my chance to come back into the team."
Will this affect Brazil ?
"We'll see. I hope not but when you play for Brazil and you are not playing for your team it is quite difficult to manage the situation. But it is down to me and keep calm, keep patient and wait for my chance again."
Did you feel rusty?
"No, but it's hard when you don't play. Especially as last season I played the whole season and this time something has changed. But you need to be patient, do your job like I have done. It is the only way to change your situation."
Have you told the manager you don't want to play at centreback ?
"No, that doesn't follow. It's not true. If I have said something to Arsene, it would never come out in the papers. I would go to him and speak to him face to face - we have great respect for each other. The only thing I can say is this is not true. Everyone knows I'm not 100% happy to be on the bench, that's normal. But I'm being professional, doing my job. I respect everybody in the squad, I respect him and I respect his decision. It's the only thing I can do."
Will you stay till May?
"Everybody knows January is very hard. But it I important for us to maintain the way we are playing. It doesn't matter who plays. If we go on in the competition maybe we will face some problems like we faced in the last few seasons, where there are people injured or suspended. The player who plays must play at the same level as the team is playing at the moment.
"I am not thinking about leaving the club now. I've said that I'm happy at the club. Of course my situation is not very comfortable on the bench. But I'm still not thinking about leaving the club. I prefer to think that I have the condition to get back in the team. I will do my job, do my best to achieve that. This is what I have in mind."
Have any approaches been made for you ?
"No. I think if there is something they will come to the club. Not direct to me. It's not the kind of thing I have in mind. The only thing I have in mind is to play and the opportunity I have to help the team win the games."
You have 18 months left on your contract. Will you extend it?
"I don't know. It's not just down to me. It would be great if I could extend my contract with the club and finish my career here. But I need to see if the club has the same feeling and it wants the same thing as I want. "
WILLIAM GALLAS said he thinks about the present and the future, not the past.
"The most important thing was to qualify. It was not easy, we played against a strong team and it was very difficult for us to play how we play normally but the more important thing was to qualify."
Have the young players shown their character? "I told them before the game to be careful, because it would be a difficult match. We won 7-0 at home, so we knew they were going to defend and have a big match in front of their own fans. I told them to be ready for the fight. They did the job very well.
"We are very happy, but it is not finished yet as we have two more games to play in the Champions League. Now we can rest a little bit and think about the Premier League. We have to be ready for the big fight again when we play Sevilla because they lost to us and will now want to beat us in their stadium."
Can this squad stay at the top all season?
"It is important when you play at the top of the league that you gain confidence. That is good for the next game, because if you are not confident sometimes a young team can go down a little bit. What is good is that everybody can play and can show how they are strong. We just want to win, win, win and to be ready and to fight. We know we are already qualified, but that does not matter because against Sevilla we will just want to win again."
Your third draw in a row ?
"We have drawn again, but it does not matter if we do. It is more important that we do not lose, that is good for the mentality and the spirit of the guys. Now we have to win again, because our next game at Reading will not be easy."
Gallas wasn't surprised by the quality of the youngsters
"Before the season started I knew the players would be ready for the big fight and try to be on the top. It is not that I was disappointed last season. That was then, I do not think about it. It is the past. What I see now is the future, it is now, not yesterday."
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