Rio Ferdinand beat Arsenal because he “went backwards” and claims that they have little chance of winning the Champions League.
The side of Mikel Arteta has passed a roller coaster campaign with their Premier League title everything but Dead. However, they remain in a strong position in Europe after beating PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their last 16 meeting.
However, Ferdinand is still not convinced of their chances of winning the competition, with a large number of other clubs in a better position for glory. Speaking on YouTube, the Icon van Manchester United said: “I think they are probably the fifth best team in the Champions League on that side of the draw.
“I don't even talk about the entire competition, on that side of the draw. They are behind Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal is the fifth best team on that side of the draw. That's crazy.
“They went further away from where they were last year. They have deteriorated, I really believe that. The recruitment must be shifted a bit.
'You can't have a CDM [Mikel Merino] Play in the front when you try to win the Premier League and Champions League. They got a chance in January [to sign a new striker] But there were no loads available.
“I would definitely have made a center-forward, 100 percent. Kai Havertz did well, but you certainly need a vast no. 9. '
And although Ferdinand does not expect Arsenal to enjoy an extensive run in the Champions League, former Gunners defender Philippe Senderos has suggested otherwise. He believes that a positive European run can give the end of the season a very positive perspective.
Speaking with Dazn, he said: “I think when you participate in a competition, you do not aim to lose one and still win one, so I am sure they are going in with a good feeling. I think it's a good time to think about the competition and the two poor results they had in recent weeks.
“This is a good opportunity to enter a different competition with a fresh spirit and to prepare in a different way, and I think it will come for Arsenal at the right time.”
The side of Arteta wants to book their place next week in the last 16. Only an unprecedented comeback from PSV stands in the way and a quarter-final match-up with Spanish giant Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
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