Post by Salem6 on Nov 24, 2003 7:30:03 GMT
Nov 23 2003
By Paul Smith
ARSENAL plan to stage their own version of the Great Escape this week as
they travel to Inter Milan looking for three points to keep their Champions
League hopes alive.
The Gunners must win their remaining two games in Group B to reach the
knockout stages, with Arsene Wenger claiming to do so would be one of the
most dramatic comebacks in the club's history.
"If we qualify under the circumstances we presently find ourselves in it
will give the players a special resolve to do well for the rest of the
season," said Wenger. "It is the best present we could hope for - it would
be a remarkable comeback."
Even with a depleted squad which sees Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Lauren
and Sylvain Wiltord missing and Dennis Bergkamp failing to travel, Wenger is
optimistic that Thierry Henry and Co can do the job.
"I have no time to think about disappointment," he added. "We can't regret
what has happened before, that won't help us get through. The only way we
can get through is to win our remaining games.
"I still think we have a good chance. Remember, we have done quite well in
Italy in the past."
And it appears Arsenal couldn't have picked a better time to take on Inter,
with the club seemingly in free-fall.
Wenger added: "The contrasting fortunes of both clubs since they won 3-0 at
Highbury in the opening group game is amazing.
"While we have responded well they have dropped dramatically in their
League. They have changed their manager as well, so that gives us hope. What
annoys me is when people say we are underachievers in Europe. After all,
only one club can win the competition."
Even if Arsenal are eliminated, Wenger wants the other two English clubs to
do well.
He added: "If all three teams go out everyone will say the English League is
rubbish and I do not want that to be said. I want the teams to progress -
and if Chelsea are lucky or play well in every game in the Champions League,
for me it's fantastic. It was encouraging for us to see Chelsea go away and
beat Lazio on Italian soil.
"At least we play three days before the tie, Inter play two days before and
because of the competitive Leagues we know we go there with a chance.
"I know Christian Vieri is likely to play but you can't expect to go to a
club like Inter Milan and find average players. You are going to face
world-class players and it's down to us to cope with that.
"We expect Inter to play a 3-4-3 formation, which is not something we are
used to. But we will have to adapt to a different shape. It will be very
important that we adapt quickly as well.
"Don't forget if Inter lose to us they are in trouble as well."
www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/content_objectid=13652685_method=full_siteid=106694_headline=-%2DIF%2DWE%2DGET%2DTHROUGH%2DTHIS%2DTEST%2DJUST%2DWATCH%2DUS%2DGO%2D-name_page.html
By Paul Smith
ARSENAL plan to stage their own version of the Great Escape this week as
they travel to Inter Milan looking for three points to keep their Champions
League hopes alive.
The Gunners must win their remaining two games in Group B to reach the
knockout stages, with Arsene Wenger claiming to do so would be one of the
most dramatic comebacks in the club's history.
"If we qualify under the circumstances we presently find ourselves in it
will give the players a special resolve to do well for the rest of the
season," said Wenger. "It is the best present we could hope for - it would
be a remarkable comeback."
Even with a depleted squad which sees Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Lauren
and Sylvain Wiltord missing and Dennis Bergkamp failing to travel, Wenger is
optimistic that Thierry Henry and Co can do the job.
"I have no time to think about disappointment," he added. "We can't regret
what has happened before, that won't help us get through. The only way we
can get through is to win our remaining games.
"I still think we have a good chance. Remember, we have done quite well in
Italy in the past."
And it appears Arsenal couldn't have picked a better time to take on Inter,
with the club seemingly in free-fall.
Wenger added: "The contrasting fortunes of both clubs since they won 3-0 at
Highbury in the opening group game is amazing.
"While we have responded well they have dropped dramatically in their
League. They have changed their manager as well, so that gives us hope. What
annoys me is when people say we are underachievers in Europe. After all,
only one club can win the competition."
Even if Arsenal are eliminated, Wenger wants the other two English clubs to
do well.
He added: "If all three teams go out everyone will say the English League is
rubbish and I do not want that to be said. I want the teams to progress -
and if Chelsea are lucky or play well in every game in the Champions League,
for me it's fantastic. It was encouraging for us to see Chelsea go away and
beat Lazio on Italian soil.
"At least we play three days before the tie, Inter play two days before and
because of the competitive Leagues we know we go there with a chance.
"I know Christian Vieri is likely to play but you can't expect to go to a
club like Inter Milan and find average players. You are going to face
world-class players and it's down to us to cope with that.
"We expect Inter to play a 3-4-3 formation, which is not something we are
used to. But we will have to adapt to a different shape. It will be very
important that we adapt quickly as well.
"Don't forget if Inter lose to us they are in trouble as well."
www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/content_objectid=13652685_method=full_siteid=106694_headline=-%2DIF%2DWE%2DGET%2DTHROUGH%2DTHIS%2DTEST%2DJUST%2DWATCH%2DUS%2DGO%2D-name_page.html
