I am highly delighted because it was a special football match. The game promised a lot and absolutely fulfilled the promises between two exceptional football teams who always try to play. We were not only strong on the physical side but on the mental side, we kept resilient. We took advantage of one special piece of skill from Van Persie and the goal for the second was after some good build-up play. It was a special night. When we suffered, the fans were still very positive.
On the second leg at the Nou Camp...
Tonight's result gives us a chance to go to Barcelona with belief. We know it will be a very difficult game but we will prepare well. We will be highly focused and we go to win our game. It is a special lift for my team. Our players have shown exceptional strength tonight and togetherness. This will enforce that.
On taking off Alex Song…
It was a mixture of the yellow card [he received] and because I wanted to go for it. We finished with Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Bendtner and Van Persie - we needed to score two goals. We took a gamble and it could have backfired and we could have lost 2-0 or 3-0 to them. It worked.
On Jack Wilshere…
He was outstanding tonight. He was not fazed by the occasion in difficult periods. He took the ball and got out of the pressure.
On whether Arsenal are favourites…
We are not favourites. We believe we have a chance. Barcelona are still favourites and we know tonight that we can beat them - which we did not know last year. From now on, it is important we put the game out of our mind. We have an FA Cup match on Sunday. We have to be focused.
On Barcelona's possession…
The problem with their possession if that if you are a fraction late, you can be in trouble. We were prepared mentally to live with that. We normally have the ball more than the opponent but we knew tonight that they would have the ball for 60 per cent.
On what it means to the Club…
I am proud for Arsenal Football Club. Everyone urged us to play differently to our nature so it is good. I believe that it can strengthen the belief in our philosophy. We are 23 years old - our average - the average age is very, very young. It is very promising for the future. Our target is to keep these players together.
On Samir Nasri's return…
He became stronger and stronger. He did not look like a player who has not played for such a long time. He started hesitantly and became more confident.
On good results for England in the Champions League…
It is difficult to know that and difficult to compare. Tonight, we played against the best team in the world in my opinion and we beat them. But that does not take away any quality. They are still an exceptional side. Last night was a different game [between Tottenham and Milan]. But the English Premier League is strong.
On Laurent Koscielny's performance…
For me, he was outstanding. He is improving.
On the prospect of facing Lionel Messi again…
Who doesn't worry about Messi? That will be a task to keep him quiet but we take some encouragement from tonight. The team has a great togetherness and a great mental belief. We have to be faithful in what we try to do and that is score goals.
Source: Arsenal.com on 16 Feb 11
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