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Wenger: Let's end flirtation with Europe

Arsรจne Wenger
Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to end their 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."

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