Massimiliano Allegri: Arsenal will be tough opponents

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has branded Arsenal as tough opponents after they were drawn against the English side for the Champions League Round of 16. Having finished second in group H which included Barcelona in it, Milan faced the prospect of being drawn against tough opponents.

The draw placed Arsenal against them and while many regard it as a reasonable tie, Allegri insisted that going up against the Gunners will not be an easy thing to do.

“Arsenal are difficult opponents, a team that has everything to go all the way in the Champions League,” the Milan boss told Premium Calcio.  “In February we will have to be ready, Arsenal is a team at our level.”

Meanwhile, Milan’s organising director Umberto Gandini is relishing the prospect of facing Arsenal and hinted at a revenge mission when both sides take on each other next February. Milan were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in 2008 and Gandini believes that it’s time for Allegri’s men to prove their determination.

“For the quality and appeal of the two clubs, it’s a fantastic tie. We need to break a bad tradition with Arsenal. Remember, we got knocked out by losing 2-0 in San Siro [in the last 16 in 2008], and in general with English clubs because we got knocked out by Tottenham last year.

“So we are coming back to London, it’s an exciting fixture, and we’re very determined to go through.”