The hosts and defending champions are bullish ahead of the Under-17 World Cup...
The host team for this year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets are expected to be back in the country on Friday brimming with confidence after undergoing a two-week training stint in Qatar ahead of the tournament.
Top team official, Garba Lawal, informed Goal.com that the team are rearing to go and are very confident they will successfully defend the World Cup they won two years ago in South Korea.
"The boys have really shown great improvement and commitment in the past few weeks, and with some luck, they will be world champions again," declared the former international.
The Eaglets will face Germany, Argentina and Honduras in the first round of the U-17 World Cup.
Stanley Okoro scored a brace in their third match in Qatar as they won 3-0 to further boost their confidence leading to their opening match on October 24 against Germany at the Abuja National Stadium.
Officials disclosed they play their final match in Qatar on Thursday before heading back to Nigeria the following day.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel
Iker Casillas believes that the demands at Real Madrid are so high that there is not time for the team and new players to gel without being criticised.
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel
Iker Casillas believes that the demands at Real Madrid are so high that there is not time for the team and new players to gel without being criticised.
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
Casillas: No Time For Kaka & Ronaldo To Gel
Iker Casillas believes that the demands at Real Madrid are so high that there is not time for the team and new players to gel without being criticised.
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
The Spain international goalkeeper admits that he and other stars are still learning about Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, and how best to play with them.
It is a steep learning curve that the team has to climb, and despite a winning start, they have already been slated for not being entertaining.
"The team is in the gelling stage, but there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism," Casillas was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it.
"It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass... It all comes together as we play more matches."
Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick
Fernando Torres' de-clawing of Hull City's Tigers is not a feat dwelled upon by the player himself, who instead will be turning his attention to the top of the table clash with Chelsea despite his hat-trick - his fourth in Liverpool colours - at the weekend.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick
Fernando Torres' de-clawing of Hull City's Tigers is not a feat dwelled upon by the player himself, who instead will be turning his attention to the top of the table clash with Chelsea despite his hat-trick - his fourth in Liverpool colours - at the weekend.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
Torres Looking To Chelsea Clash Following Hull City Hat-Trick
Fernando Torres' de-clawing of Hull City's Tigers is not a feat dwelled upon by the player himself, who instead will be turning his attention to the top of the table clash with Chelsea despite his hat-trick - his fourth in Liverpool colours - at the weekend.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
The Reds and the Blues have built up quite a rivalry within the second half of the current decade, which has only been accelerated by the seemingly constant pairing of the two sides in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
For the opening six games of the season, Chelsea led the Premier League charts, but have since dropped down to shoulder level following their weekend loss to unfancied Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool, meanwhile, propelled themselves up to third, and could usurp the Stamford Bridge side with a win on Sunday due to their superior goal difference.
Torres told the club's official website: "When you score a hat-trick it is always an amazing day. The team scored six, we won the game and it is fantastic for us because we have a lot of confidence now. It was important for me and for my team-mates.
"After starting the season with two early defeats we knew we needed to improve. We are now winning games at home against sides in the middle or near the bottom of the table and it has given us more confidence.
"As a team we are now in a good moment. We must keep trying to improve.
"We have a difficult game next weekend at Chelsea and we will be on the same points as them if we win the game, so we are looking forward to it."
Prior to the clash of the top four titans stands a European tie. Liverpool travel to Fiorentina on Tuesday, while Chelsea have a trip to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.
Jermaine Pennant Calls Ashley Cole 'A Little Rat
Real Zaragoza's free summer signing Jermaine Pennant has lauded the ability of former Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole, claiming the England international is the best full-back he has come up against.
After an extended settling-in period at Chelsea, last season Cole began to display the imperious overlapping form he showed at the Gunners, and was duly awarded the fans' Player of the Year. He has begun this campaign in an equally eyebrow-raising fashion, by contributing to the Blues' attacking play as well as keeping things tight at the back.
Pennant has praised his compatriot, although the former Liverpool winger - who played a starring role in the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan - bizarrely compared Cole's playing style to that of a "rat".
"Ashley is probably the best left-back I have played against," the 26-year-old proclaimed to the People. "He is so annoying - like a little rat.
"You think you have got past him and there he is in front of you again. As soon as me and him cross the white line we lose that friendship, but it would be great to be back in a squad with him," said Pennant.
After an extended settling-in period at Chelsea, last season Cole began to display the imperious overlapping form he showed at the Gunners, and was duly awarded the fans' Player of the Year. He has begun this campaign in an equally eyebrow-raising fashion, by contributing to the Blues' attacking play as well as keeping things tight at the back.
Pennant has praised his compatriot, although the former Liverpool winger - who played a starring role in the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan - bizarrely compared Cole's playing style to that of a "rat".
"Ashley is probably the best left-back I have played against," the 26-year-old proclaimed to the People. "He is so annoying - like a little rat.
"You think you have got past him and there he is in front of you again. As soon as me and him cross the white line we lose that friendship, but it would be great to be back in a squad with him," said Pennant.
MORATTI PONDERS INTER REACTION
Rubin Kazan could face an Inter Milan backlash as the Italians head into Tuesday night's Champions League Group F match on the back of their first Serie A defeat of the season.
Inter, who played out a goalless draw in their first European fixture against Barcelona at the San Siro, failed to find the back of the net in their game at Sampdoria on Saturday.
A 1-0 defeat saw Jose Mourinho's side drop to third in Serie A.
"I couldn't say if it is better to arrive at a Champions League game on the back of a victory or a defeat," said Inter owner Massimo Moratti, when asked about the state of mind of his players.
"At times a defeat can stimulate the team."
Inter certainly need stimulating in front of goal when it comes to the Champions League.
The last time they scored in the competition was December 2008 in a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the scorer of that goal and he now plays for Barcelona.
Moratti is keen to see an improvement on the weekend loss to Sampdoria.
"I did not see an ugly Inter in Genoa," Moratti said. "The team played well and we didn't make any mistakes with the exception of the goal given away.
"I am satisfied with the performance of the team. Of course, a certain bitterness remains considering that we lost despite playing good football."
One player who has scored a lot of goals over the years in Europe is Samuel Eto'o, the former Barca striker who joined Inter in the summer.
Eto'o, who is expected to start alongside Diego Milito, has found the net just once in his last four appearances.
Rubin Kazan lost 3-1 at Dynamo Kiev in their first Champions League match.
There has been intense interest in Tuesday's game at the Tsentralnyi stadium, not only because Inter are among the world's top clubs but also because Kazan are hosting a game in the competition for the first time.
Expectations are high for Kurban Berdyev's defending Russian champions, who lead the domestic Premier League with 47 points in 23 games.
Like Inter, though, they go into the game on the back of a defeat.
Kazan's eight-match unbeaten run, including six consecutive victories, was halted by last Friday's 2-1 home defeat to FK Amkar Perm.
Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has warned his team-mates not to take Kazan lightly.
"Our Champions League group is not an easy one and we have to be ready to face a team that, even though they lost their last game, they can create many problems for us," he said.
The Italians will fancy their chances of taking a positive result home, for they have lost just once on their last six visits to Russia.
The visitors will be without Dutch winger Wesley Sneijder, who has failed to recover from a hip injury. Moreover, Thiago Motta and David Suazo have also stayed in Milan to recover from their respective knocks.
Kazan will be without midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who serves his second of a three-match ban.
Inter, who played out a goalless draw in their first European fixture against Barcelona at the San Siro, failed to find the back of the net in their game at Sampdoria on Saturday.
A 1-0 defeat saw Jose Mourinho's side drop to third in Serie A.
"I couldn't say if it is better to arrive at a Champions League game on the back of a victory or a defeat," said Inter owner Massimo Moratti, when asked about the state of mind of his players.
"At times a defeat can stimulate the team."
Inter certainly need stimulating in front of goal when it comes to the Champions League.
The last time they scored in the competition was December 2008 in a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the scorer of that goal and he now plays for Barcelona.
Moratti is keen to see an improvement on the weekend loss to Sampdoria.
"I did not see an ugly Inter in Genoa," Moratti said. "The team played well and we didn't make any mistakes with the exception of the goal given away.
"I am satisfied with the performance of the team. Of course, a certain bitterness remains considering that we lost despite playing good football."
One player who has scored a lot of goals over the years in Europe is Samuel Eto'o, the former Barca striker who joined Inter in the summer.
Eto'o, who is expected to start alongside Diego Milito, has found the net just once in his last four appearances.
Rubin Kazan lost 3-1 at Dynamo Kiev in their first Champions League match.
There has been intense interest in Tuesday's game at the Tsentralnyi stadium, not only because Inter are among the world's top clubs but also because Kazan are hosting a game in the competition for the first time.
Expectations are high for Kurban Berdyev's defending Russian champions, who lead the domestic Premier League with 47 points in 23 games.
Like Inter, though, they go into the game on the back of a defeat.
Kazan's eight-match unbeaten run, including six consecutive victories, was halted by last Friday's 2-1 home defeat to FK Amkar Perm.
Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has warned his team-mates not to take Kazan lightly.
"Our Champions League group is not an easy one and we have to be ready to face a team that, even though they lost their last game, they can create many problems for us," he said.
The Italians will fancy their chances of taking a positive result home, for they have lost just once on their last six visits to Russia.
The visitors will be without Dutch winger Wesley Sneijder, who has failed to recover from a hip injury. Moreover, Thiago Motta and David Suazo have also stayed in Milan to recover from their respective knocks.
Kazan will be without midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who serves his second of a three-match ban.
WENGER DEFENDS VAN PERSIE
Arsene Wenger believes Robin van Persie is right to highlight when he has been unfairly challenged by defenders - but accepts it is increasingly hard to win penalties in Europe.
With striker Nicklas Bendtner set to sit out Tuesday's clash with Greek side Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium after suffering minor bruises when his car went off the road, Dutchman Van Persie will again be leading the Arsenal attack.
Van Persie's well-executed finish against Fulham proved enough to take all three points on Saturday, when the Gunners were up against it for long spells and had rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for a man-of-the-match display.
The Holland international, 26, had also made the pre-match headlines when admitting he has exaggerated when he has been pushed by a defender.
By so doing, Van Persie weighed into the diving debate after team-mate Eduardo was banned by UEFA, a decision which was subsequently overturned, following an incident against Celtic in the Champions League qualifier.
Wenger, though, feels Van Persie has a point.
"Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about," said the Arsenal manager.
"He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.
"In fact, the television showed a great example of it at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when [Patrice] Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent.
"He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled."
Wenger added: "There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before - at Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed."
Bendtner, meanwhile, is expected to return to the squad at the weekend.
The 21-year-old was driving along the A1 on Sunday morning towards South Mimms when his car left the road.
It is understood no other vehicle was involved in the incident.
"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train," said Wenger.
"He should be back for Sunday's game [against Blackburn]."
Winger Theo Walcott may also be in line to feature at the weekend, having not played at all this season because of a back problem, which have hit his England chances.
Wenger said: "He is short of competitive action at the moment, he needs a game and we will organise a game for him."
Midfielder Denilson is, however, set for an extended spell on the sidelines because of a fracture to his back.
Wenger feels he has plenty of cover, with both Abou Diaby and Czech international Tomas Rosicky challenging for a starting place on Tuesday.
"We have plenty of options," said Wenger.
"We have a very big squad at the moment and there are opportunities there for anybody to take.
"Aaron Ramsey is not far away from the first team now and Jack Wilshere who can play when requested, so we have plenty of opportunities for young players to come in."
Arsenal have shrugged off the disappointment of their two away defeats to both Manchester clubs to record four successive victories.
"I believe we have played well since the start of the season and what's worse, but in a good way, is that in the games we have played the best we haven't won," said Wenger.
"But we showed that we can beat anybody since the start of the season and we have that belief in the squad."
With striker Nicklas Bendtner set to sit out Tuesday's clash with Greek side Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium after suffering minor bruises when his car went off the road, Dutchman Van Persie will again be leading the Arsenal attack.
Van Persie's well-executed finish against Fulham proved enough to take all three points on Saturday, when the Gunners were up against it for long spells and had rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for a man-of-the-match display.
The Holland international, 26, had also made the pre-match headlines when admitting he has exaggerated when he has been pushed by a defender.
By so doing, Van Persie weighed into the diving debate after team-mate Eduardo was banned by UEFA, a decision which was subsequently overturned, following an incident against Celtic in the Champions League qualifier.
Wenger, though, feels Van Persie has a point.
"Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about," said the Arsenal manager.
"He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.
"In fact, the television showed a great example of it at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when [Patrice] Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent.
"He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled."
Wenger added: "There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before - at Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed."
Bendtner, meanwhile, is expected to return to the squad at the weekend.
The 21-year-old was driving along the A1 on Sunday morning towards South Mimms when his car left the road.
It is understood no other vehicle was involved in the incident.
"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train," said Wenger.
"He should be back for Sunday's game [against Blackburn]."
Winger Theo Walcott may also be in line to feature at the weekend, having not played at all this season because of a back problem, which have hit his England chances.
Wenger said: "He is short of competitive action at the moment, he needs a game and we will organise a game for him."
Midfielder Denilson is, however, set for an extended spell on the sidelines because of a fracture to his back.
Wenger feels he has plenty of cover, with both Abou Diaby and Czech international Tomas Rosicky challenging for a starting place on Tuesday.
"We have plenty of options," said Wenger.
"We have a very big squad at the moment and there are opportunities there for anybody to take.
"Aaron Ramsey is not far away from the first team now and Jack Wilshere who can play when requested, so we have plenty of opportunities for young players to come in."
Arsenal have shrugged off the disappointment of their two away defeats to both Manchester clubs to record four successive victories.
"I believe we have played well since the start of the season and what's worse, but in a good way, is that in the games we have played the best we haven't won," said Wenger.
"But we showed that we can beat anybody since the start of the season and we have that belief in the squad."
SAGNA: WE CAN LEARN FROM HEARTACHE
Bacary Sagna admits the Arsenal players are still haunted by the manner of their Champions League semi-final exit to Manchester United last season - but feels the experience can help them go all the way in Europe this term.
The Gunners, who host Olympiacos in their second Group H match on Tuesday night, failed to perform during the first leg at Old Trafford, but escaped with only a 1-0 defeat.
But a slip by young defender Kieran Gibbs handed United an early away goal in the second leg which all but killed off the tie, United going on to win the game 3-1.
Full-back Sagna, 26, believes those "bad experiences" can only serve the squad well as they bid to reach the 2010 final in Madrid.
"We knew we had the quality to play the final last year, but we didn't play our own game," he said.
"Against Manchester United we have some regrets and this year we want to give everything and go until the end.
"After the game we were still thinking about what might have been.
"This year we have to think about last year to improve and go forward. We are all looking forward.
Sagna added: "Two years ago we played the quarter finals, this year the semi finals, so even with a young team we can go very far in this competition and we have the quality to play big teams."
Arsenal were caught cold in their Champions League Group H opener when Standard Liege raced into a 2-0 lead inside five minutes.
However, Arsene Wenger's men fought back in Belgium to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Sagna revealed the players are determined not to let the same slow start prove costly once again.
"I hope everyone is ready now to give 100 per cent on the pitch including the forwards because they are the first to defend," said Sagna.
"Everyone knows we have to be more powerful in defence to be good in attack.
"We have a good team and everyone is able to in this team to play good football and we show it."
The Gunners, who host Olympiacos in their second Group H match on Tuesday night, failed to perform during the first leg at Old Trafford, but escaped with only a 1-0 defeat.
But a slip by young defender Kieran Gibbs handed United an early away goal in the second leg which all but killed off the tie, United going on to win the game 3-1.
Full-back Sagna, 26, believes those "bad experiences" can only serve the squad well as they bid to reach the 2010 final in Madrid.
"We knew we had the quality to play the final last year, but we didn't play our own game," he said.
"Against Manchester United we have some regrets and this year we want to give everything and go until the end.
"After the game we were still thinking about what might have been.
"This year we have to think about last year to improve and go forward. We are all looking forward.
Sagna added: "Two years ago we played the quarter finals, this year the semi finals, so even with a young team we can go very far in this competition and we have the quality to play big teams."
Arsenal were caught cold in their Champions League Group H opener when Standard Liege raced into a 2-0 lead inside five minutes.
However, Arsene Wenger's men fought back in Belgium to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Sagna revealed the players are determined not to let the same slow start prove costly once again.
"I hope everyone is ready now to give 100 per cent on the pitch including the forwards because they are the first to defend," said Sagna.
"Everyone knows we have to be more powerful in defence to be good in attack.
"We have a good team and everyone is able to in this team to play good football and we show it."
SEVILLA PLAY DOWN FAVOURITES' TAG
Didier Zokora and Fredi Kanoute insisted victory for Sevilla was far from a formality as they touched down in Glasgow ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Rangers.
Spanish side Sevilla are in red-hot form going into the Group G meeting at Ibrox having won their last five matches in all competitions.
But former Tottenham stars Zokora and Kanoute were not taking anything for granted.
Asked if Sevilla were favourites to win the match, striker Kanoute said: "No, no. I don't accept that."
Midfielder Zokora said: "I'm not sure because, in football, sometimes you play well, sometimes you play badly.
"I know the game is very difficult because Glasgow (Rangers) have a big stadium, a lot of fans. Glasgow are the best team in Scotland."
But he added: "I think Sevilla is better than Glasgow!"
Kanoute, whose goal saw Sevilla lift the UEFA Cup on their last visit to Glasgow two years ago, said: "It's going to be hard obviously, but we're quite confident. Hopefully, we're going to do something good."
Zokora was expecting a physical game.
"Of course, because I know the (English) Premier League, I know the Scottish league and it's very aggressive," said Zokora, who is looking forward to being reunited with another former Spurs team-mate.
"But there are a lot of good players like Pedro Mendes. I know him and he's a very good player."
Zokora feels Sevilla, who only trail Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Primera Liga, are good enough to win the Champions League.
"Why not?" he said. "This year is very important for the club."
Spanish side Sevilla are in red-hot form going into the Group G meeting at Ibrox having won their last five matches in all competitions.
But former Tottenham stars Zokora and Kanoute were not taking anything for granted.
Asked if Sevilla were favourites to win the match, striker Kanoute said: "No, no. I don't accept that."
Midfielder Zokora said: "I'm not sure because, in football, sometimes you play well, sometimes you play badly.
"I know the game is very difficult because Glasgow (Rangers) have a big stadium, a lot of fans. Glasgow are the best team in Scotland."
But he added: "I think Sevilla is better than Glasgow!"
Kanoute, whose goal saw Sevilla lift the UEFA Cup on their last visit to Glasgow two years ago, said: "It's going to be hard obviously, but we're quite confident. Hopefully, we're going to do something good."
Zokora was expecting a physical game.
"Of course, because I know the (English) Premier League, I know the Scottish league and it's very aggressive," said Zokora, who is looking forward to being reunited with another former Spurs team-mate.
"But there are a lot of good players like Pedro Mendes. I know him and he's a very good player."
Zokora feels Sevilla, who only trail Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Primera Liga, are good enough to win the Champions League.
"Why not?" he said. "This year is very important for the club."
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