Unai Emery insists Arsenal will have to cope up in the adverse condition when they take on Bate Borisov in the Europa League round of 32.
Temperature is expected to dip down below zero in Belarus on Thursday when the Gunners will try to grind out a victory in the first leg. The North Londoners are yet to be defeated in the Europa League as they finished the group stage campaign unbeaten.
Emery’s side has already encountered freezing conditions in their 3-0 win over Vorskla Poltava in Kiev and would be hoping to draw inspiration from that game.
Emery’s expertise in the Europa League cannot be ignored as the Spanish manager had three successful seasons in this competition lifting the trophy back to back three times during his time with Sevilla.
Emery said, “We played against Vorskla in Kiev when it was below zero and snowing. It’s not an excuse for us, the weather or the pitch. We play 90 minutes that are the same for them and for us.”
“My thoughts are that every match is a big challenge
“In the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and now in the Europa League. Our target is clear: to play next year in the Champions League.
“But we know it’s not easy. We have two ways now, one is the Europa League and to win it is very difficult.
“We know it’s a very big challenge, this last 32 against BATE and then we have to win other matches.
“In the Premier League, we also have the possibility to take this position to play in the Champions League next year. The big challenge is thinking only about the next match.”
