Bernd Leno has criticised UEFA for hosting the Europa League Final (Wed., 21h live on DAZN) in Baku. Nevertheless, the FC Arsenal goalkeeper is hoping for his first big title.
Above all, the fact that his team mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not travel with Leno because of the serious political differences between Azerbaijan and his home country Armenia makes Leno “sad”.
“This is a scandal that he can’t play because of it. He works hard the whole season and then for political reasons he can’t come to such a final,” Leno said in the kicker interview.
He could understand the decision of his team-mate and the club. Security concerns had been crucial. “I’m just sorry for him,” Leno said.
Also that only 6000 fans per team get tickets is “funny”. But boycotting the final or sending a clear signal by other means is damaging for the club: “The club wants the title, wants to be in the Champions League. If Arsenal and Chelsea refused, they would probably be excluded from UEFA. This isn’t so easy.”
But Leno’s anticipation of the final can only diminish the grievances a little. “Winning the Europa League would be the first big title for me,” said the goalkeeper.
Leno threatens to sit on the bench on Wednesday. He is number one in the Premier League, but Petr Cech is between the posts in the cup competitions. Nevertheless, Leno still has a spark of hope for a mission: “I have great respect for Petr, and we get along very well. He deserves all credit, and I’ll give him anything. But it’s clear that I’m an athlete, I always want to play, especially in a final.”
The title would qualify Arsenal for participation in the Champions League. In the past Premier League season, the Gunners finished fifth one point behind Tottenham Hotspur – that would only be enough to rejoin the EL.
“We all finally want to hear the anthem again,” Leno said. “The Thursday-Sunday rhythm isn’t so good either, because you’re always chasing the music in the league.” The game on Wednesday could save the season, “I don’t want to say, but make it a success. If we lose the final, our season, which was actually good, would be disappointing,” says Leno.
