Soccer: Deportivo star fears arsenal

Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Sergio has admitted he is fearful of facing Arsenal in a Champions League tie at Highbury tomorrow.

The 25-year-old claims the prospect of facing Arsene Wenger’s Gunners at a ground where they have been unbeatable in Europe in recent months strikes Sergio fear into his heart.

‘‘I fear everything,’’ Sergio told PA International. ‘‘I fear the stadium, the fans and of course the team.

They have good players and a very good manager. It’s going to be a very difficult match.

‘‘I hope that I play as I did against Real Madrid (in Spanish Cup final win), and that I can score against Arsenal.

‘‘But regardless of whether I play well or not, as long as Deportivo get a good result, that is all that matters.’’

The Arsenal ‘fear factor’ is only increased by the memory of a 5-1 UEFA Cup thrashing at Highbury almost exactly two years ago the season Deportivo went on to win the Spanish league by five points.

Dennis Bergkamp and Kanu both found the net, Thierry Henry struck twice, and if lightning strikes twice tomorrow night then Lee Dixon should get on the scoresheet again.

Deportivo coach Javier Irureta was keen to play down the significance of that crushing defeat.

‘‘What happened two-and-a-half years ago is water under the bridge,’’ the 53-year-old told PA International.

‘‘Djalminha’s sending-off was crucial for the result of the match because we were 2-1 down and slowly coming back.

‘‘But what I want to see tomorrow is the Deportivo that I saw in Madrid. The Deportivo against Manchester United, and Celta Vigo.

‘‘In other words, trying to dominate the match and playing the way we know controlling the game.’’

Against an in-form Gunners team brimming with pace and power, however, Irureta is well aware that this will not be easy.

‘‘Arsenal play fantastic on the counter attack because they take advantage of Henry’s speed,’’ he said.

‘‘Also, they get a lot of support from the players behind him with Bergkamp and Pires that is their biggest strength.

‘‘Henry, (Robert) Pires, Bergkamp and (Patrick) Vieira stand out but the whole team is strong, which is why they are second in the English league and playing so well in Europe.’’

And while Sergio may not be the image of confidence, Irureta believes Deportivo can draw great strength from their impressive cup triumph.

‘‘It has given us much more security. We know we can win under a lot of pressure, and in an atmosphere which is against us,’’ said the former Celta Vigo boss.

‘‘If we have the right attitude and conviction as we showed against Real Madrid, we are capable of winning anywhere.

‘‘Tomorrow is very important. Whoever wins guarantees themselves a place in the next round and, although we respect Arsenal, we will go out to play our own game.

‘‘Depor will play attacking football, as usual.’’