Ferreira does not fear backlash

Porto boss says Emirates clash will be tactically different

Last updated: 29th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ferreira does not fear backlash

Ferreira: No fear

Related links

Teams

Also see

Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira does not fear an Arsenal backlash when the sides meet in the UEFA Champions League this week.

The Gunners' preparations for the match were hindered when they slipped to a shock 2-1 home defeat by Hull City at the weekend.

Despite Arsenal's surprise loss, Ferreira believes their European encounter will be a completely different match from the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

"I don't believe the Hull game will be of influence. These are two completely separate matches," said Ferreira.

Different style

"In the Champions League teams always play differently. Arsenal use different tactics to the ones they use in the Premier League.

"Arsenal losing at the weekend will not have an effect on Tuesday night.

"If Arsenal conceded a goal from the set-piece against Hull it doesn't mean anything, it doesn't suddenly become something we look at."

Porto suffered a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal two years ago and following a summer that has seen the likes of Jose Bosingwa, Helder Postiga and Ricardo Quaresma depart, Ferreira feels his troops have lost more ground on the North Londoners.

Changes

"There have been many changes since then. Arsenal have big players still but only Thierry Henry is missing who was there," he continued.

"Most of their players are bigger, older, better and more experienced. Porto weren't able to keep up with Arsenal in that game but we were able to qualify from the group.

"Now we have different players, some left and some have come. At the moment the only thing we can say is that Arsenal have more experience and that could affect the outcome."