Wenger promises Arsenal will take game to AC Milan
Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to play with "desire" against AC Milan
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Wednesday, 20, Feb 2008 05:19
Arsene Wenger says his Arsenal team will not be overawed by hosting Champions League holders AC Milan in tonight's second-round tie.
The Gunners boss has pledged to get his players performing "without the handbrake on" and called on his team to "go into the match with desire".
Tonight's game – Arsenal's 100th in the Champions League – comes days after the north London side were embarrassed by a 4-0 FA Cup defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
Yet Arsenal still occupy top place in the Premier League, something that eludes Milan in Serie A by 21 points.
And Wenger insists his young side are determined to prove their worth against the seven-time Champions League winners.
"People cross each other," he explained. "We hope we're at a crossroads now where the youngsters can show how good they are. I believe they will.
"But it is a cup competition against a very experienced side. We have to play free of pressure and I believe we will do that."
Arsenal could have a host of first-team players back for Milan's visit to the Emirates Stadium, with Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini, Gael Clichy and Denilson all back in contention.
But Jens Lehmann will continue in goal in place of the injured Manuel Almunia.