UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Bojan hoping to give Gunners both barrels

Hopeful of filling in for the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović, FC Barcelona forward Bojan Krkić has warned Arsenal FC to expect another attacking display in Tuesday's quarter-final decider.

Bojan Krkić struck twice against Athletic at the weekend
Bojan Krkić struck twice against Athletic at the weekend ©Getty Images

Bojan Krkić has warned Arsenal FC to expect another whirlwind attacking display in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final decider at the Camp Nou, with the young FC Barcelona forward hoping for the chance to make his mark.

A goalless stalemate would suffice to send the European champions through to the last four after they secured a 2-2 draw in London last week, but that is unlikely to be the scoreline targeted by Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola. Having thrilled neutrals with their ability to penetrate the Gunners' rearguard only to let their hosts back into the game, the Azulgrana will be eager to make the tie safe as early as possible.

"It'll be the kind of match where we will have to play attacking football and I think that if we do just that, then we will win," said Bojan, an unused substitute in the English capital. "This is our most important game [of the season]; there's a lot at stake and we will be at 100%."

With the hosts bent on driving forward and Arsenal even more obliged to carve out routes to goal, the 19-year-old is predicting another entertaining feast of football. "It's a great match, one to enjoy," he explained. "I think it's a magnificent scenario. Arsenal will come here to win the match; they need to score and I'm sure they will also plan to play attacking football, because they need the goals."

Whether Bojan is handed the chance to take part is another matter, however, although he did his cause plenty of good with two goals in Saturday's 4-1 Liga victory against Athletic Club, having been drafted in at the last moment after Zlatan Ibrahimović injured his right calf in the warm-up. With the Sweden striker ruled out of Tuesday's contest, Bojan is clearly hoping to get the nod.

"The other day I played a great match and maybe I stand a chance of playing tomorrow," he said. "If I do get to play, I won't be scared. I'll enjoy every minute of it and I'll do all I can for the good of the team. The other day I felt comfortable playing in attack and I'm ready to play in any position the coach feels he wants me to play in."

This is a crucial time of the season for Guardiola's charges, with the defeat of Athletic ensuring they remain tied at the top of the Liga standings with Real Madrid CF ahead of Saturday's much-anticipated Clásico at the home of their great rivals. Despite that looming fixture, Bojan insisted that Arsenal are the only side occupying Barça minds. "Saturday's game will come along, but tomorrow is an extremely important match for us and we're fully concentrated on that," he said.

Selected for you