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Founded:1886
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Vermaelen focused on Gunners

31 Mar 2010 - 07:17:17

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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has suggested his side can not afford to worry about Lionel Messi ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.

The eagerly-awaited showdown at the Emirates Stadium pits the Spanish and European holders against Arsene Wenger's classy outfit.

But Vermaelen wants his team-mates to concentrate on their own strengths in order to win a place in the last-four of the continents premier competition.

He said: "We are not focused on individuals, because we have to play our own game and play as a team.

"You are aware of the qualities of the opponents, but you also know what your own strengths are.

"Messi is a very good player, one of the best players in the world. Of course you enjoy watching him play, because he is a real footballer. However, there will be no time to be intimidated tomorrow.

"You do not have to be nervous or look at individual players. You have to be focused on your own performance and the team's performance.

"You cannot look at how great Messi is, because you have to play your own game."