| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE |
Feb 26, 2015
Leonardo Jardim says Monaco's team ethic was key
to their shock 3-1 Champions League win away to Arsenal in the first
leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Geoffrey Kondogbia's deflected
strike put the Ligue 1 side in the lead before Dimitar Berbatov doubled their
advantage, and though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled back a late goal, Yannick
Ferreira Carrasco struck a third in the dying moments.
Jardim praised his side for
nullifying the threat of the Gunners' attacking stars - but says the victory
was not the most important of their season so far.
"It's not our biggest Champions
League win. We also beat Zenit and [Bayer] Leverkusen. The one in Germany was
most important as it allowed us to qualify for the second round," he told
reporters after the match.
"Arsenal were very strong in
the first half and then they suffered a little. In the first half, we were very
strong defensively and then took advantage of the spaces.
"Arsenal have excellent
individuals, but this is a team sport and we were able to render them harmless.
We were very organised, but also able to attack with quality.
"Nobody thought this was
possible, and we did it. But the task in the second leg still remains.
"We've won nothing yet, we just
took an advantage. Football is also art - you have to know how to attack, how
to defend. My team is very balanced."
Jardim reserved special praise for
the all-round efforts of Berbatov - a player who has attracted criticism
throughout his career for his languid style.
"In terms of positioning and
defensive work, Berbatov was tremendous," he added.
