Wenger expects response

Frenchman sure Gunners will bounce back from United loss

By James Dall   Last updated: 20th February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger expects response

Wenger: Not worried

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects a response from his players after Sunday's defeat to Manchester United.

Wenger's men suffered a 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford as they crashed out of the FA Cup.

The Frenchman is now preparing his side for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 encounter against Milan - a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 2.

And Wenger is confident that his men will respond to the United loss with success against the Italian giants on Wednesday.

Focused

"I am not worried at all, I'm focused on tomorrow's game and that is the most important, what is in front of us," he said.

"We have such high targets, we are five points ahead in the Premier League, we have a fantastic opportunity against Milan, who are the holders of the trophy.

"I believe when you are at the top level, people expect always the worst for you, but it is down to your quality to show you can cope with this kind of game.

"The players will bounce back tomorrow, don't worry. I'm highly confident in the quality and the mental strength of this team, and the ambition of this team.

"Many people have written us off from the start of the season up to now and we always responded well."

Decisive

Wenger went on to voice his belief that the first leg at Emirates will be decisive in determining who progresses to the quarter-finals.

"Usually it is decisive. Not only mathematically - but mentally," he explained.

"I noticed it always has great, great weight on the second leg. Why? Because it can strengthen belief one side and weaken the belief on the others. Usually that is very difficult to reverse."