Robert Pires thinks Arsenal have a tough challenge ahead of them to beat Atletico Madrid, but argues they have a ‘very good opportunity’ to win the whole competition.

Pires was speaking to the media after Arsenal’s announcement that they would be participating in the International Champions Cup this summer as one of the favourites. He didn’t shy away from the fact his old club aren’t favourites to win the Europa League, but insisted he’s confident nonetheless because he has a bonuskod unibet.

“It would be very difficult against one of the best Spanish teams,” Pires told Wednesday’s edition of The New Paper. “So I don’t know what will happen. Arsenal are a very good team with talents, and have a good opportunity to win the Europa League.

“We’ll wait and see, but I’m very confident when I talk about Arsenal.”

First things first, Arsenal have to get through that two-legged semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Pires says the team need to start well if they’re going to have any chance of progressing.

“The most important thing is the first game at the Emirates,” he said. “It’s very important to be focused, to prepare well for this game. Atletico are favourites for the competition, but Arsenal have a very good opportunity to lift a trophy at the end of the Europa League.”

It’s not just a trophy up for grabs at the end of the competition, of course. For Arsenal, it’s also about Champions League qualification, given they’re nowhere near achieving it through the domestic route. Tottenham only need two points to put a top four finish beyond their rival’s reach.

With the news that Arsene Wenger will leave at the end of the season, there’s a third reason to motivate the players.

They need to win for silverware, for the return of Europe’s premium competition and to send their manager off in the best way possible. Hopefully Pires is right to feel confident they can do so.