Javi Gracia post Arsenal

Gracia's here - how harsh is that scoreline?
We started well in the first half created some good chances, not conceding many chances. It's true they score from a penalty, but we were in the game and competing. The game changed in the second half with their early goal. After that, we kept going knowing it was difficult, but we scored a goal. Very, very tough for us. I am happy with the attitude of the players. We knew it would be very demanding for us, but for now we are playing in three days and don't have time to complain. Best we can do is prepare for the next game.


Penalty harsh?
It can be because there is contact, but I don't know if it's enough.

Plan?
We tried to be compact. Tried to protect the middle. Tried to defend in a mid or low block because playing against Arsenal you can knot decided where you want to defend and knowing we need to run many distances, we need players with those qualities to do it. Knew we had to play another game in three days and managed the efforts.


Kristensen?
You can believe and trust in him because he plays in different positions in a good way. Motivated. Good to have players like Ras.


No Cooper?
Pascal is training for more time than Liam and he was better prepared for the game today. Liam played some minutes with Scotland, but it's only a decision. Both are going to be important down the rest of the season No doubt about.


Half-time message?
I know the message I gave them but in the first minute, we concede a second goal. I don't know if they took the message, but it was something like keep doing something similar because we were losing and competing well. Needed it for all the game.

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