Wenger - CL is like silverware

Arsenal boss unconcerned by lack of trophies

Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger - CL is like silverware

Wenger: Happy with top-three

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Arsene Wenger is insistent that doing well in the Champions League is as good as winning trophies.

Arsenal have not picked up any silverware for nearly five years since they lifted the FA Cup in 2005.

Wenger, although applauded for playing his youngsters in the League Cup, has also come in for some criticism from sections of his own club's supporters.

But the French tactician is insistent that winning something like the League Cup does not take precedent over the Champions League.

"If you win the League Cup you cannot say you win trophies for me," he said.

"We're here to win trophies, but it depends on what you call trophies, is it the Champions League, the Premier League, the League Cup?

"We've just qualified from the group stage in the Champions League for the tenth consecutive season.

"That, for me, is three times as difficult as winning the League Cup five times. I know what's difficult and what's not."

Premier League difficulty

Wenger says finishing third in the Premier League is better than winning the League Cup, adding: "Of course. It's much more difficult. I want to win trophies and, like the fans, I'm frustrated if I don't. But it doesn't mean the rest of the season has been completely useless.

"A season does not go from fantastic to zero. A season in the English league when you fight with Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa to finish in the top three is still not a disaster."

Wenger adds that his young players are suffering from the fact that most have not yet tasted glory.

"I believe this team want to do well but because they haven't won yet they make it harder in their heads than it really is," he said.

"When we get close to winning we play with the handbrake on.

"The team is mentally strong and dedicated. I see them every day and wouldn't defend them if they didn't have the right attitude. But they do have to find that final part to win the big games."