Will317
09-04-2004, 12:05 PM
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the retention of captain Patrick Vieira is a major boost to his side's Champions League aspirations this season. Vieira turned down a move to Real Madrid this summer and Wenger believes that decision could prove key.
"Real Madrid have the players to compete at the highest level but they have not got Patrick," said Wenger. "They usually get want they want. This time it didn't work. At first he wanted to go but then changed his mind."
Wenger, who saw his side lose out to Chelsea in last year's Champions League, is a big fan of Spanish players and predicts Spanish clubs will be the ones to beat this season. "All the Spanish teams will be strong," he said. "Barcelona have a very good side this season and Real Madrid have strengthened their defence. I like good players and the Spanish have a good technical level and a good footballing education."
"Real Madrid have the players to compete at the highest level but they have not got Patrick," said Wenger. "They usually get want they want. This time it didn't work. At first he wanted to go but then changed his mind."
Wenger, who saw his side lose out to Chelsea in last year's Champions League, is a big fan of Spanish players and predicts Spanish clubs will be the ones to beat this season. "All the Spanish teams will be strong," he said. "Barcelona have a very good side this season and Real Madrid have strengthened their defence. I like good players and the Spanish have a good technical level and a good footballing education."