Wenger wary of "tricky" Zagreb
Wenger doesn't have Thierry to rely on in Croatia
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Tuesday, 08, Aug 2006 02:21
Arsene Wenger admits he is mildly apprehensive ahead of Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia tonight.
The Gunners boss has several of his top names missing for the crucial clash in the Maksimir Stadium and he is concerned that others are still not quite up to full fitness.
"We are not used to playing qualifiers," Wenger admitted. "It is not in the right year for us. The World Cup has pushed it back so the preparation time is very, very short. Physically it is a tricky game for us."
Freddie Ljungberg (ankle), Gael Clichy (foot), Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Abou Diaby (ankle) and Lauren (knee) are all injury absentees for Arsenal while Jens Lehmann is suspended and Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole have been left at home.
But Wenger is confident his young team, beaten by Barcelona in last season's final just three months ago, can rise to the occasion.
"I am an optimist," he added. "We have to always think that we are ready. We have prepared as well as we could and we have not brought the players here who are not physically ready. We have a very good attitude and we have quality.
"I respect Zagreb but I believe in the resolve of my team to repeat the performance of last year. We went to the final without losing a game. That is no coincidence. We have enough confidence to feel we want to go back to the final again and win it."
Meanwhile, Wenger's Zagreb counterpart Josep Kuze has said he is determined to inspire his team to what would be a famous victory over Arsenal.
"I am feeling a great atmosphere within the team at the moment, and this is something that will inspire us in the game with Arsenal," he said.
"We do not want to pass by this opportunity - even though we are modest and realistic about the fact that Arsenal are an experienced team, and one of the best in the world at the moment.
"We are not giving up the ambition of gaining a positive result, and if we use all the best assets that the team has at the moment, and take advantage of possible shortcomings and carelessness of Arsenal, then we can hopefully get a positive result."