DIEGO ALONSO: "WE'RE FACING A GREAT TEAM, BUT WE'RE READY"

Diego Alonso, joined by Erik Lamela, spoke at the official UEFA Champions League press conference on Monday. "Having not won in the two opening games of the competition, we need a win. Tomorrow we have that opportunity and we are ready for it. We'll have to work our socks off for the whole 90 minutes. We're facing a great team, but we're ready."

When discussing the possible starting XI, the Uruguayan revealed that "we haven't decided who's going to play yet, that is tomorrow's job. It is quite a quick turn around having played on Saturday evening, not a lot of time for rest and recovery. So tomorrow, when we have a better understanding of everyone's fitness, we will make the decision. Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League. They have quality players and a great manager. It will be a tough match, we will need to fight in defence, midfield and attack. But I know that the players will give it their all."

"Tomorrow is a great opportunity. Naturally I am optimistic. I see opportunities where others might not. Every game is different. We showed against Real Madrid that we are capable of competing at the highest level, but of course tomorrow's game will demand something different. I don't need to prepare anything to motivate the players. I speak my mind in the moment. Motivating others should be organic. We are fully focused on tomorrow's game on tomorrow's game only. We will do our best to claim the three points. We are going to play as if it were a final."