The Arsenal legend, who spent three seasons at Camp Nou, believes the Gunners must “sacrifice parts of their attacking game” if they are to overcome the Catalans.
Arsenal face the daunting challenge of trying to stop Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night, though Thierry Henry believes they can emerge victorious if they adapt their style.
The Gunners are used to dominating possession domestically, but Henry – who played for both clubs during his illustrious career – has warned them to forget about that against Barca.
Despite manager Arsene Wenger’s claims that Arsenal will “have a go” at the European champions, the French striker-turned-pundit has urged caution and believes the north Londoners will need to put in a defensive masterclass to pick up the win.
“They have to accept they will probably only have 30 per cent possession and must be so efficient when they do get the ball,” he wrote in his column for The Sun.
“The whole team must defend more as a unit and the wingers must tuck in and play more in their own half.
“You very rarely get the chance to play against Barcelona so you must be prepared to sacrifice parts of your attacking game, home and away.
“Arsenal must be brave on the ball. They need to stay compact, play on the counter and score every time they get in their penalty area.
“They can’t be exposed in the middle and must force Barcelona to run back 60 yards before they get the ball. If you allow them to stay in your half for wave after wave, it becomes almost impossible to defend.”
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