Wenger - We can beat Milan

Gunners will be ready for European test

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st December 2007

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Wenger: Confident

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Arsene Wenger believes that Arsenal are more than capable of dumping holders Milan out of the UEFA Champions League if they play to their potential.

The Gunners have been drawn against the Italian giants in the last 16 of this year's competition, but Wenger is confident that he has the players at his disposal to secure progress.

Milan have struggled for form so far this season, currently languishing in mid-table in Serie A and out of the Coppa Italia after a shock defeat to Catania.

Wenger certainly believes that his side will be ready to face the recently crowned World Club Champions by the time the Champions League gets under way again in February.

Exciting

"It's going to be interesting," he told Sky Sports.

"Can we do it? I believe we can if we play our best.

"I believe it is a good target to make us stronger in March, and that is achievable for the squad as we have a lot of young players who are improving.

"They have again shown that against Blackburn, and it's an exciting time."

Big team

The Frenchman did admit though that it was going to be difficult to beat a side which has a history of European success.

"They have just won the Champions League, so they must have some qualities," he said.

"It is a big challenge, but if you ask me 'do we have a good chance to knock them out?' I would say yes.

"We have a job to finish and we are trying to do it the hard way, but we are not responsible for the draw.

"If you want to win the Champions League you have to knock big teams out, and Milan are a very big team.

"They are the world champions, the European champions, but I believe that we can do it."