Barcelona will attack Gunners, pledges Guardiola

PEP GUARDIOLA insists Barcelona will not betray their attacking instincts when they face Arsenal in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Armed with a star-studded squad, including in-form Argentina international Lionel Messi and former Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry, the Barca coach is determined to try and take a lead back to Spain for the return leg.

While Arsenal have doubts about the fitness of Cesc Fabregas, Barca will be without influential midfielder Andres Iniesta, but his absence will not see Guardiola abandon his positive approach.

“Arsenal will be playing to their strengths and we will play to ours,” said Guardiola. “We all know that scoring an away goal is very important.

“We need to defend well but you cannot defend well if you do not attack well. My players are motivated. We will try and win this game. That is what we will do – get the ball and attack.”

Guardiola did not appear at all concerned about the fitness of former Barcelona youngster Fabregas.

The Gunner has a “slight” chance of recovering from a knee injury but Guardiola does not believe that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is trying to hoodwink him.

“If Mr Wenger is saying Cesc might not be playing, he will have his reasons,” said Guardiola. “Obviously it is better for them if he plays. But they still beat Porto 5-0 (without him) and have three or four players who are very dynamic and play in the same position. But if Wenger says he might not be playing, I believe him.

“Cesc is always moving around and actually playing closer to the opponent’s goal so he has more chances. Since he was little he has always been a good, clinical finisher.”

Tonight’s first-leg is already promising to be something of a footballing masterclass and Guardiola is full of admiration for the Gunners.

“They are a very dynamic and daring team. Mr Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world. He is part of the history of Arsenal. He won trophies and changed the mentality of this club. It is a new club now. All around the world people admire him and Arsenal. That is why it is an honour to play against a team like Arsenal.”

Arsenal are almost certain to provide Henry with a warm welcome when he returns to the club.

“Thierry has a lot of experience and he is used to playing this kind of game,” said Guardiola.

“He is returning home. He is the best player that ever played here in Arsenal. It is amazing.

“ He is a huge talent and he is a huge part of this club. But for me it is an honour he is with me at Barcelona.”