Manuel Almunia... not bothered by Champions League qualifier
Almunia - Solid start is crucial this season
By Chris Harris
Manuel Almunia is determined to start the new football season in style.
The first month of the 2009/10 campaign will be crucial for Arsenal with a Champions League qualifier to negotiate and tricky trips to Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Arsenal lost five of their first 14 League games last year and left themselves with too much to do in the title race. Almunia does not see that European qualifier as a hindrance to their domestic ambitions but he is urging his team-mates to hit the ground running when the season gets underway.
"It is crucial for everyone to get off to a good start," he told Arsenal.com.
"In the beginning of last season no one team was strong enough to get a big advantage in points. But we will have to start well this season if we want to win the League. A good start gives you confidence, stability, points and a nice cushion for the rest of the season.
"We have been playing a Champions League qualifying game for the last few seasons so it is nothing new for us. We will have our mind on it and we have to be prepared for it."
If they do qualify for the group stage, Arsenal's Champions League squad will have a healthy smattering of experience this season with Tomas Rosicky expected to be fit and Andrey Arshavin eligible after playing in Europe for Zenit St. Petersburg last term. Almunia expects both players to make a difference.
"They are going to help us," he said. "Arshavin has already helped us in the League but now he can help us in the Champions League because he is a great player.
"Tomas will have a big welcome back because he is one of the greatest players in this Club but he had a serious injury. He had to come back slowly, he could not rush his recovery. He has experience; in and out of the dressing room he is a senior player. When he comes back, when he is on the pitch, he will take responsibility to lift the team up."
[Friday, July 17, 2009]
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