Former Milan forward and current Tottenham assistant Coach Joe Jordan does not see a way back for Arsenal against the Rossoneri this week.
Former Milan forward and current Tottenham assistant Coach Joe Jordan does not see a way back for Arsenal against the Rossoneri this week.
The North London outfit welcome Massimiliano Allegri’s men to the Emirates stadium this midweek for the second leg of their Last 16 clash in the quarter-final, 4-0 down to the Italians from the first leg in Italy.
Jordan, who is part of the Spurs management team that eliminated Milan at this same stage of the competition a year ago, does not see his London rivals Arsenal repeating their trick.
“After what happened, certainly for Arsenal it is difficult to turn around,” the former Scottish international forward told Milannews.it.
“True, the Gunners have recovered from the 4-0 result to beat Tottenham 5-2 and then Liverpool 2-1, but we must be realistic – to recover a similar disadvantage against a team like Milan, who have greater European experience…I do not know how it could be possible.
“I have to say that Milan has grown this year. I think they have gained a great deal from winning the League last season, because it gave them a confidence and has helped them address matches with a different spirit.
“And even the elimination at European level by us has taught them something, a level of experience.”
Alongside Arsenal’s defeat at San Siro was Chelsea’s 3-1 reverse at Napoli in the same round of the Champions League.
“I do not think English football is in trouble. I believe that sometimes in football there are years when things go wrong.
“Milan, for example, played at White Hart Lane very well, but they were still eliminated by Tottenham. Arsenal are a good team but they did not play as we did the year before at San Siro and they paid the consequences.”
Jordan was also asked of the Italian interest surrounding Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.
“Gareth signed a new contract earlier this season and in my opinion he remains at Tottenham. This club needs to grow – not only in the Premier League but also in Europe – and it is people like him who want to help achieve that.”