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Boss - The dangers of needing a play-off

Arsène Wenger says it is crucial for his team to avoid a Champions League play-off at the start of next season.

Arsenal will automatically qualify for the competition with a top-three Premier League finish, and go into Sunday’s match at Sunderland two points clear of fourth-placed Manchester City with four games to play.

The Gunners have reached the group stages through a qualifier on seven occasions, but Wenger is keen to avoid that scenario this summer.

"It’s difficult because you can play teams who are in the middle of a championship because they have started already in June"

“It’s difficult because you can play teams who are in the middle of a championship because they have started already in June,” he explained. “But for us, we don’t know where we will finish.

“We are not guaranteed the top four and we have to fight for that. Manchester United are behind us and they will fight for it as well.

“We have difficult games, they have difficult games as well.

“What has changed over the years is that the impact of the finances in the Champions League is not as big anymore. It was vital for us for a period.

“The supporter impact, the planning of next season changes completely, especially when you have a big tournament like the European Championship, which is now like a World Cup because it starts on June 10 and finishes on July 10. When you have to play qualifiers the European Championship is still going on.”

Team celebrate v Crystal Palace

 

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