Francisco Conceicao started Porto’s win over Arsenal last month (Picture: Getty Images)
Porto’s Francisco Conceicao says his team will be coming to Arsenal and looking to score, not just digging in and trying to hold onto their narrow lead from the first leg of the tie.
Wenderson Galeno scored the only goal of the game in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie, curling in a brilliant late winner for the home side.
Arsenal are otherwise in fine form, winning eight Premier League matches on the spin, and will still fancy their chances of progressing despite the set-back.
The 21-year-old, who is the son of the manager Sergio Conceicao, expects Arsenal to come at them strongly and says his side intend to attack in response, not heading to north London to shut up shop.
‘We believe that only by scoring here in the second leg can we progress in the tie, because we know this is a very strong team,’ the winger told a press conference.
‘We’re going to look to score as well because we’re a great team and we want to come here to win the game and not dwell too much on the result of the fist leg.
‘As for a tough atmosphere, I think that’s normal. Arsenal are a team that fights for big trophies and it’s normal that a defeat in the first leg makes things a bit more intense. But we’re not too concerned about that, we’re more interested in our team, what we’re convinced we’ll do and working towards ultimately leaving here victorious.’
Sergio Conceicao’s epic stint in charge of Porto began in June 2017 (Picture: Getty Images)
The Porto boss, who is hoping to get his team back to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2021, says his players will not be intimidated by the challenge ahead.
‘We know that it is a very difficult task,’ Conceicao said.
‘We cannot forget, and when I talk about the internal competitions too, the difference between the clubs, especially the big three, is enormous, but especially in this competition. Arsenal are a team with the second highest value of market here, we have the second lowest.
Wenderson Galeno scored a stunning late winner in the first leg (Picture: Getty Images)
‘When the ball starts rolling, there is quality on both sides, competent technical teams in the 16 teams that are at this stage. We have to look at our team, observing and seeing what the opponent can do with the many qualities that exist. They are a well-trained team, who know and understand every moment of the game and beyond.
‘There is also a very interesting aggressiveness, they are a complete team, well trained, with excellent individualities . Any of the players are very strong.
‘We look at this with respect, not with any kind of fear or trepidation. We came here to play the game and win the game.’
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