Koeman aims to maintain record

AZ boss hopes to frustrate Gunners supremo again

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 3rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Koeman aims to maintain record

Koeman: Done well against Wenger

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AZ Alkmaar coach Ronald Koeman is relishing the challenge of once more frustrating Arsenal supremo Arsene Wenger.

Koeman is still to lose a contest with the Gunners boss after AZ's stoppage-time equaliser secured a 1-1 draw in Alkmaar a fortnight ago and he hopes to maintain that record in the return fixture on Wednesday.

The former Holland international steered Ajax to two draws against Wenger's men in the 2002-03 Champions League.

And on his last visit to the Emirates Stadium, Koeman's PSV Eindhoven side dumped Arsenal out of the 2006-07 competition after a late goal by Alex.

But Koeman expects a much tougher contest this time around with AZ struggling to recapture the form which saw them win the Eredivisie title last season.

And even after snatching that 1-1 draw two weeks ago, they are third in Group H with just two points from three games.

"It is always a nice feeling to be back at this stadium," said Koeman.

Memorable result

"Of course, I remember one moment with PSV, when we played out a 1-1 draw, which was enough to beat Arsenal at that time.

"However, we are now a few years later, and this game is the most difficult one of all six group games we will have to play.

"You also need a bit of luck, because in those results, Arsenal could have scored and then won," he added.

"Arsenal have a team who can go far in the Champions League. They have some fantastic individual players.

"But to reach the Champions League final is not easy. There are a lot of strong teams.

"In the knockout stages, one bad day and you will be out."

Arsenal are top of Group H with seven points and victory will secure their passage into the last 16.

Confidence

"We had a good result against Arsenal at home and have confidence, but we know where we are," added Koeman, who scored Barcelona's extra-time winner against Sampdoria in the 1992 final at Wembley.

"We respect Arsenal, who have more qualities than we do, but the best team does not always win.

"We realise that Arsenal will put more pressure on us because they are at home, and what matters is how we can deal with that."

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