lsgworldl
09-13-2004, 08:50 PM
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his side are in perfect shape to achieve Champions League success.
The Gunners being their campaign against PSV on Tuesday, and Wenger feels "the momentum and spirit is there, we are in a good position.
"We are mentally better prepared and we have learned from our experiences.
"There is frustration from over the years, but we must still think if we play well, then we will win. We have to show on Tuesday how good we are."
Arsenal have never been beyond the quarter-finals, having been knocked out at that stage by Valencia in 2001 and by Chelsea last season.
But Wenger is convinced his side are making progress all the time, adding "we have got closer every year, quality-wise".
It is now up to us to show how much we want it
Patrick Vieira
"Last season was, out of the six years I've been here, our best chance to win the Champions League as we were close to being in the semi-final.
"We want to start the competition by being sound at the back. We are all concerned about defending well as a team.
"We were a little bit open at the back last season at home. What we have done before is finished though.
Skipper Patrick Vieira also believes the time has come for Arsenal to fulfil their potential.
He said: "The desire and quality are there in the squad to achieve our target. We are good enough, it is now up to us to show how much we want it.
"We know how important the game is. We are confident in the way we are playing but we need to start well at home."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3650938.stm
The Gunners being their campaign against PSV on Tuesday, and Wenger feels "the momentum and spirit is there, we are in a good position.
"We are mentally better prepared and we have learned from our experiences.
"There is frustration from over the years, but we must still think if we play well, then we will win. We have to show on Tuesday how good we are."
Arsenal have never been beyond the quarter-finals, having been knocked out at that stage by Valencia in 2001 and by Chelsea last season.
But Wenger is convinced his side are making progress all the time, adding "we have got closer every year, quality-wise".
It is now up to us to show how much we want it
Patrick Vieira
"Last season was, out of the six years I've been here, our best chance to win the Champions League as we were close to being in the semi-final.
"We want to start the competition by being sound at the back. We are all concerned about defending well as a team.
"We were a little bit open at the back last season at home. What we have done before is finished though.
Skipper Patrick Vieira also believes the time has come for Arsenal to fulfil their potential.
He said: "The desire and quality are there in the squad to achieve our target. We are good enough, it is now up to us to show how much we want it.
"We know how important the game is. We are confident in the way we are playing but we need to start well at home."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3650938.stm