'We have nothing to lose' - Giovagnoli reacts as Dundalk learn of Europa League Group Stage opponents

The draw for the 2020 Europa League group stages took place in Nyon on Friday afternoon and Dundalk will face Arsenal, Rapid Vienna, and Molde.

The Lilywhites qualified for the competition proper on Thursday night with a 3-1 victory over KI Klaksvik in the play-off round at the Aviva Stadium.

Dundalk Head Coach Filippo Giovagnoli was honest in his assessment of the draw which will see his side travel to London, Vienna, and Molde in Norway.

“It is a really difficult group like all the groups. It’s going to be really difficult for us but it is going to be exciting to play at this level,” he said.

“Can you imagine playing at the Emirates Stadium? This really is a dream for everyone.

“We’re going to prepare like we always do and we are going to perform. We have nothing to lose. We just have to be more relaxed compared to Thursday and stick to the plan.

“We need to play by our football principles. We saw on Thursday that if you are nervous you don’t perform. We got through and that was the objective. We want to enjoy the rest now.”

The group is highlighted by Premier League giants Arsenal, who reached the final of the Europa League in 2019 and qualified for this years tournament by winning the FA Cup last August.

They will be managed by former Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta, who took over the club in December 2019. At the Sky Blues he helped the club win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two League Cups while working under Pep Guardiola.

“Arteta is an unbelievable coach and I really like him. He is young and he is trying to install his football principles as best he can. Can you imagine that he was building up play in his defensive third against Liverpool without a panic?

“When I see things like that I get inspired. I like that a coach who isn’t afraid of anything. He wants to get a result through his football principles. That is amazing.

“I think Arsenal have better players and coaches than us. But that is the challenge. How will we fill the gap?

“We will have to play with a lot of heart and run a lot. We will need to be a little bit crazy and a brave. Anything is possible.”

Dundalk’s three home games will also be played in the ‘unbelievable’ Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the site of their 2015 and 2018 FAI Cup triumphs.

“The Aviva Stadium is unbelievable. I’ve never been to Tallaght so I do not know what that is like. The Aviva Stadium has an unbelievable pitch, atmosphere, and environment. If we have our fans that who knows what could happen.

“I hope that fans can come and watch the game. That will be great for the Dundalk fans. But listen, without supporters, football is less fashionable.

“Supporters are everything in football. Without them you play and it is a little bit sad. I hope that we are going to have some percentage allowed into the games.”