Source: Team_Talk
Sylvinho: Gunners have Nou Camp chance
Sylvinho has hailed Barcelona as the best in the world - but still believes Arsenal have a chance of reaching the Champions League semi-finals.[LNB] The second leg of the quarter-final between the pair on Wednesday promises to be another classic after the 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium last week.[LNB]Barca dominated the first half and looked to have the tie wrapped up when Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted twice but Arsenal fought back to draw thanks to Theo Walcott's goal and a penalty from Cesc Fabregas.[LNB]With Pep Guardiola's side boasting two away goals and home advantage, few pundits believe the Gunners can cause an upset.[LNB]But Manchester City defender Sylvinho, who played for Arsenal for two years from 1999 and joined Barcelona in 2004, has not written off Arsene Wenger's side.[LNB]"I love the way Arsenal play football, and Barcelona as well," he told Press Association Sport. "It was an amazing game. I think everyone around the world was talking about this game.[LNB]"Arsenal have got a chance. It won't be easy because they're playing at the Nou Camp. It's not 50/50 but it's going to be interesting."[LNB]Last season's Champions League final, when Barca beat Manchester United to complete the treble of Primera Division, Copa Del Rey and European titles, was Sylvinho's final game for the Catalans.[LNB]It brought to an end a five-year spell in Barcelona, and Sylvinho has nothing but praise for his old club.[LNB]"They're definitely the best in the world," he said. "The way they are playing is unbelievable. If you want to be champions, you have to be a great team with great players, but they've also got a great mentality."[LNB]The 35-year-old, meanwhile, insists it will be a major achievement if City hold onto fourth place in the Premier League and qualify for next season's Champions League.[LNB]The Eastlands club have been the biggest spenders in the top flight for the last couple of seasons following the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover in 2008.[LNB]Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Craig Bellamy, Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz have all arrived in big-money moves, with expectations duly rocketing.[LNB]Manager Mark Hughes was dismissed in December and replaced by Roberto Mancini, despite City having lost only twice in the league all season at the time.[LNB]With six games to go, Mancini's side lie fourth, a point ahead of Tottenham and four clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.[LNB]Sylvinho said: "When you talk about the top four in the Premier League, people are used to seeing four teams, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.[LNB]"It doesn't matter if you spend a lot of money, it's difficult to get in the top four. We are nearly there and the next six games we're going to see how it goes.[LNB]"We've got a good chance. We're working very hard and the next result is really important."
