flirtation with the Champions League and go
all the way in this season's competition.
The Frenchman guided his side to the final in Paris in
2006 - where they led Barcelona before losing to two
late goals - and that's the closest Arsenal have come
to lifting the trophy despite reaching the knockout
stages for 13 consecutive seasons.
The Gunners resume their latest European quest with
a tough test against Napoli at Emirates Stadium on
Tuesday and Wenger would love to fill a rare hole in
his CV.
I feel in recent years we have not been
helped by the draw. We have played
Barcelona, Barcelona, Milan and Bayern [in
consecutive seasons], so we have had
difficult draws. Recently we haven't had the
quality to go through
"We would love to win it as it has never been done
with this club and we have flirted with it a few
times," said Wenger.
"I feel in recent years we have not been helped by
the draw. We have played Barcelona, Barcelona,
Milan and Bayern [in consecutive seasons], so we
have had difficult draws. Recently we haven't had the
quality to go through.
"It's something I miss and I will try to fight very hard
to fill my CV with that. But you play against
Barcelona, Bayern, Real Madrid - every year they are
there with a chance.
"You always think 'let's do it every year, one year it
will go for you'. Let's hope it will be this year. The
competition is higher than ever."
Having cruised past Fenerbahce in their play-off,
Arsenal made a strong start to Group F with a 2-1 win
in Marseille on matchday one. Wenger believes 10
points could be enough to qualify for the knockout
stage - and he knows anything can happen after that.
"It's difficult to predict because it's a cup after the
group stage," said Wenger. "After Christmas it's
about who is available, who is fit and who isn't, you
cannot plan.
"For two or three years Barcelona were above
everyone. In October you know if Messi doesn't get
injured they will win it. But you could say today that
the favourite is Bayern.
"They are the same team as last year. They have won
it. They have bought Goetze on top. As well they
know they can do it and have played in the final
many times. That might make them a favourite
ahead of Barcelona as Messi does not seem to have
the same consistent presence that he had for years
before."
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
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