Leonardo Jardim: 'We are underdogs'

AS Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim has admitted that his side are underdogs going into their Champions League last-16 clash with Arsenal.

The Ligue 1 club were widely regarded as one of the kinder draws in the first knockout phase of the tournament, having scored just four goals on their way to topping Group C.

Jardim acknowledged that his side are one of the less-fancied teams remaining in the competition, but insists that they still have ambitions of going far in Europe.

"Clearly a number of teams were hoping to draw Monaco, but it does not mean that we have less ambition going into this game," Jardim is quoted as saying by PA.

"We managed to qualify top of our group, and although we do not start this game as favourites, that should not stop us playing as we have.

"We will try to be solid and not allow Arsenal's midfield and key attacking players to unbalance us."

Monaco beat Arsenal in the pre-season Emirates Cup but currently sit 11 points behind leaders Lyon in the Ligue 1 table.