Arsene Wenger spoke with a wry smile this afternoon as he discussed the extended touchline ban handed to him by UEFA after Europe’s governing body adjudged him to have breeched the rules of an initial one game suspension during last month’s Champions League qualifier with Udinese.
While admitting that he is allowed to sleep in the same hotel as his squad – despite the two game sanction – the Frenchman joked that he may head straight to a seat in the stadium as soon as Arsenal’s flight touches down in Germany to ensure he doesn’t agitate Michel Platini’s self-righteous pomposity any further.
In the interview with Arsenal Player, Wenger also discussed the importance of securing points on the road, the danger men in the ranks of the Bundesliga champions and Aaron Ramsey’s absence.
On looking forward after Saturday’s win against Swansea…
Yes, we were under pressure to win the game and overall it was a relief after the game. We can focus better on the Champions League and to start well in the Group Stage. We feel we have already started the Champions League but now the Group Stage starts and we are very happy to be there. We know that we have a good team against us and the start is always very important in the Group Stage.
On a tough Group Stage draw…
Especially because of drawing Dortmund in pot number four. We have Olympiakos and Marseille, Dortmund and us. I don’t know whether it is the most difficult because sometimes you discover the real difficulty when you’re in it and you play the games.
On his squad…
We have lost Ramsey from Saturday because he has an ankle problem, but we have Gervinho and Song back. Rosicky is still out. Jenkinson is back from suspension but not in the squad.
On Mario Goetze…
He’s a provider, he is the one with the best assists in Germany and the most dangerous player. He comes in from the right side and links well with strikers and [Shinji] Kagawa who plays just behind [Robert] Lewandowski. We have to keep him quiet, the best way to do that is for us to attack.
On Mertesacker’s experience in Germany being useful…
The experience is important but I believe we have players who have experience in the Champions League. The fact it is in Germany means maybe he will know a bit better, especially at the start of the game, but overall we know Dortmund well. They are a dynamic, mobile side who like to attack and put early pressure on the ball. For us it’s important to play our game and get out of their pressure.
On away points being vital…
Of course, if you want to qualify in the Champions League you want to win your home games and then grab 3-5 points away from home to be absolutely sure. The earlier the better.
On his touchline ban…
It’s not ideal, especially in the first game. I don’t understand anymore what the rules are and what you can and can’t do. I think I’ll go to the stands straight away when I arrive tonight. Until I go to the stadium there is no problem. I am at least allowed to sleep in the same hotel as my team. There is no difference until you arrive at the stadium.
On Ramsey’s absence…
Aaron Ramsey has been very influential in our team since the start of the season, but it is a good opportunity to show we have a big squad and that we can cope with it [his absence]. We have of course three other midfielders out with Diaby, Wilshere and Rosicky. It’s many but we still have hopefully a strong enough team in midfield tomorrow.
On building confidence…
It’s a good opportunity for us to get positive vibes – we need a little bit of that. Every team, no matter how good it is, needs a confident environment. I believe my team needs that at the moment…[A win] would create a certainty that we have a good chance to go through. They [Dortmund] look up there to be the team who can go through. For us to have a positive result tomorrow night would be a big lift.
On away form in the past…
For a long time we have been successful away from home in the Champions League. Last year we got nine points early then we dropped points that I believe, especially in Braga, we were unlucky with. It’s difficult to win anywhere. Look at the record of managers who have worked in the Champions League and they are all around the same.
On Arteta, Benayoun and Mertesacker bringing experience…
That’s what you want ideally, it’s a good opportunity to show we have experience. I think football though is down to quality, no matter how old you are. Experience helps a little bit when you are under pressure and in preparation, but I believe it is very important we focus on our game and prepare ourselves to play our game. Hopefully I’ll be able to see that from the stands.
Arsene Wenger to be handed further three match ban by UEFA for sleeping in the same hotel as his team.
Tomorrow will be tough, but i think we will score and get at least a draw
The Sun headline – Wenger: I sleep with my young players
Ha-ha! 😀
haha….That’s Metro headline…………Sun’s headline is “Arsene admits to sleeping with his young players”
A draw will do, but a win would greatly boost confidence in the squad.
Have a feeling we might sneak it 1-0.
Ramsey will love that break. He has been playing every game. But on the brighter side, when he returns–guess what he will be? LANS!
Lol this reminds me! What will Henri Lansbury be when he returns from West Ham next season? LANSbury!
How can Wenger say we do well in (CL) away games!?
There is no mention of how long Ramsey will be out. Not sure if he will be available for the Blackburn game.
0-0 Draw??
Doubt it. 2 very attacking teams. There’ll be a few goals in this one for sure. Will be a good test.
No idea what to expect which at leases suggests some hope even excitement
A win would be a huge confidence boast no doubt
Love to see how the new recruits perform in a proper game
How good is Ox Frimpong Ryo? All interesting times ahead in 2013 we will be brilliant again
wemger still doesnt get the fact that experience helps alot not a little bit. on field they lead the team, in the changing room they can change the mood, in training they can inspire the younger players. Momentum is what we really lack these days. its sad to see teams playing against us in the final moments of the game pressurings us, and we automatically go into panic mode whether we are winning or not.
A good result on Saturday. They can build on this for the rest of the season. At last a defender who can tackle” was my fave comment from the crowd. Swansea will do well too I think.
I’m not convinced. We scraped a 1-0 against a championship side. Now we go to Germany to play there best domestic side. Let’s hope it’s no too embarrassing. If we scrape a draw it will be a miracle. We don’t scare opponents anymore. I wonder how many players come back injured from tomorrow night! I hope to god I’m talking shit
GOD: you are talking shit!! 🙂
On Mario Goetze…
“We have to keep him quiet, the best way to do that is for us to attack.”
To Mr. Wenger: The best way to keep him quiet is to sign him! He is good enough, he is young enough. Please do it Mr.Wenger.
To Samir Na$ri: F*ck You! I hope Joey Barton comes into your face!
Wenger to be given an extended ban due to the fact Na$ri is still a cunt
Ramsey is injured? BOO to our trainers! Seriously it’s just practice, players should not try so hard that they injure themselves. According to Physioroom.com, Diaby should be back against Blackburn, but who knows right?
We need wins in our next two BPL games badly and I think we can do it. Come on you Gooners!
why isn’t AOC given a chance ahead of Walcott?
i’m tired of Walcott running into players, falling over, then walking over to the linesman/ref all hunched over like an angry woman.
I think AOC deserves a chance and seeing as we’ve paid 12million for him.
Never a statement more fucking true, he’s starting to believe in his own hype he’s around long enough now to start being consistant did’ent fucking help out back last night when he lost the ball and to mouth off to jenkinson in one of his first games is a fucking cheek
[…] I keep forgetting, Arsene Wenger will serve a two-match (I think) touchline ban in UEFA matches. He doesn’t seem that disheartened, but he’s still a bit surprised about why he’s actually serving […]
[…] Tonight’s game also sees us without our manager on the touchline once again, due to the ruling of evidence-ignoring-UEFA. The Arsenal boss was understandably displeased with the ruling, and took pot shots at UEFA in this interview. […]