FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao has highlighted the remarkable depth of Arsenal’s squad, noting that even players of the caliber of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior are not guaranteed starters for Mikel Arteta’s Champions League contenders.
As Porto prepares to face Arsenal in the last-16 clash, they find themselves in an unusual position, cast as the underdog against Arteta’s well-favored team.
Traditionally part of Portugal’s ‘big three’ alongside Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, Porto is now embracing the role of ‘David’ against the Premier League giants.
In a pre-match news conference with Record, Conceicao underscored the magnitude and quality of Arteta’s roster, emphasizing the wealth of options available to the Arsenal manager.
Notably, players like Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior, despite their talent, have often found themselves on the bench.
The Estadio do Dragao manager acknowledged the Premier League’s reputation as the most competitive and financially robust championship globally.
The league is characterized by rich squads, providing numerous solutions for managers.
Trossard, who has contributed with goals in the absence of Gabriel Jesus, and Kiwior, a player Conceicao regards as starter-caliber, have faced competition for playing time.
The rotation in goalkeepers, with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale sharing duties, further exemplifies the abundance of quality within the Arsenal squad.
Conceicao highlighted the similarity between the competitiveness in the Premier League and their own league.
Despite the financial differences between clubs, he drew a parallel with an upset in their league where FC Porto was defeated by Arouca in February.
He expressed awareness of the significant challenge they face against Arsenal but emphasized their determination to compete.
Trossard, a Belgium international with the potential to be a starter in many Champions League teams, has seen limited appearances in England’s top tier, showcasing the depth and competition within the Arsenal squad.
As the showdown in the Champions League approaches, Conceicao’s acknowledgment of Arsenal’s depth sets the stage for an intriguing clash between a Portuguese giant and a Premier League powerhouse, highlighting the complexities and competitiveness inherent in top-tier European football.
