HBA- maturity, positivity and respect

From the Sun on Sunday

HATEM BEN ARFA is prepared to become Public Enemy No 1 by inflicting serious damage on England’s hopes of progressing in Euro 2012


The Newcastle and France midfielder will not lose a wink of sleep if his side puts England to the sword on Monday — as his country comes before his love of playing in the Premier League.

Ben Arfa, 25, said: “Each defends his own and if France win I know I will have to endure problems from the English fans next season when I return to play.

“But it does not bother me in the least. My focus is ensuring France progress and if that comes at the expense of England, then so be it.

“I won’t hang my head in shame if that’s the case, why should I? I’m prepared to accept my fate, I won’t lose sleep thinking about it.”

He has no doubt France are well equipped to beat England. Ben Arfa insisted: “We are well prepared. The coach, Laurent Blanc, has left nothing to chance in preparing for the game.

“It’s like a cup final for both countries because neither of us can afford to lose this game. Defeat makes qualifying so much harder.

“But we are not going into the game looking to lose, it’s not something we have considered, it’s not an option for the French.

“For England it will be a very difficult opening game especially as they are missing key players through injury and suspension.

“If you are England you can ill-afford to lose your best player in Wayne Rooney, and the injuries they have suffered to key players will inevitably weaken them.

“But even at full strength we feel we have enough about us to beat them. We are unbeaten in 21 games and our confidence is very high.

“We feel we can beat anyone on any given day so there is nothing but positive feelings in the French camp.

“England also have to contend with preparing under a new coach who has had very little time to have any sort of impact.

“I know Roy Hodgson has vast experience but I’m not sure coming into a major tournament so late is the best way to prepare.”

For Ben Arfa, playing under enormous pressure is nothing new or unnatural.

He revealed: “I have lived with pressure and expectations throughout my career. From an early age when I first went to the French football academy at Clairefontaine people expected very big things from me.

“But it was a big learning curve for me. The education I received was second to none, it prepared me in every way for a life as a professional footballer.”

Despite the widespread plaudits he has received from people such as Newcastle boss Alan Pardew — who likened him to Lionel Messi — Ben Arfa still maintains the best is yet to come.

He said: “Naturally it’s nice when people talk about you in glowing terms — but I’m not a big star.

“I just aspire to be one. I want to be the best I can and fulfil my own ambitions not just those of other people. I am improving all the time. I have had to contend with a very serious injury when my left leg was badly broken against Manchester City nearly two years ago.

“That obviously set me back but I believe I have recovered well and I am beginning to reach a level that is getting me noticed.

“But people are yet to see the best from Ben Arfa — that is still to come. I know that I can improve, I know that I will get better.”

After an impressive season with Newcastle the midfielder has been linked with numerous other clubs across Europe but he is emphatic in his wish to remain at the Premier League club.

He insisted: “I’m happy where I am. I don’t take much notice of speculation. Other players thrive on that but I just prefer to concentrate on playing for Newcastle.

“We surprised a few people last season. Naturally there was disappointment that we failed to secure a place in the Champions League and now have to settle for playing in the Europa League instead.

“But we fought for a place in the CL until the death — it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

“And this team will get better. If we can strengthen the squad over the summer there is no reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for Champions League football next season.

“And there is no shame finishing above a club like Chelsea in the Premier League — they won the Champions League. For now though I’ll concentrate on France and the small matter of England.”

 

Really can't see England doing it against France tbh.

 

I'll be very surprised if we get anything out of the game.

 

I think it'll be tough. They're a decent side and one who have potential. In all honesty they haven't been great over the last few years but have steadily built confidence from 21 match unbeaten run (charmed life at times). They have certainly had a less problematic build up. I will go for a 0-0.

 

They seemed to be united this tournament, think they will beat us 2-0

 

We'll get beat then HBA and Cabaye will be sold... (I'll say it for you Mr T)

 

He will light it up at euro 2012 and then it will bee stories on who should buy him.