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Olivier Giroud has warned Monaco will provide stern opposition for Arsenal in the Champions League last 16, stressing he was in no way relieved with the draw.
The French side, currently managed by Leonardo Jardim, sit sixth in the Ligue 1 table, nine points off leaders Marseille.
The club’s hierarchy faced criticism from fans after two of the club’s star players – James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao – were allowed to leave in the summer transfer window.
But despite this, Monaco have been performing well in Europe, with a first place finish in Group C earning them a spot in the knockout stages for the first time in a decade.
And France striker Giroud is wary of the threat Monaco pose.
“I’m not relieved [with the draw],” he told French publication L’Equipe. “But it’s true that we had not been spoiled by the draw in recent seasons.
“Since I arrived at Arsenal, we have come up against Bayern Munich twice in the last 16. That was a very tough draw.
“I have a friend who called me and said: ‘Oh, it’s good, a French team, you’re lucky!’ Meaning: ‘It’s going to be easy.’
“Well we’ll have to see after the game.
“I think it’s 50/50 – Monaco are a good team, even if they don’t have a lot of Champions League experience.
“They are a young team with very good players.”
