標題: Wenger backs players to prove their class [打印本頁] 作者: chuu 時間: 2008-10-1 09:59 AM 標題: Wenger backs players to prove their class
Arsene Wenger has demanded Arsenal use tonight's clash with Porto to demonstrate they are genuine Champions League contenders.
The Gunners have been busy addressing the fallout from Saturday's shock 2-1defeat by Hull amid accusations of complacency.
Wenger, who felt physically sick at the result, remains convinced it was amomentary blip that will be forgotten with an emphatic win over the Portuguesechampions.
"We had a disappointing result against Hull but I have been sitting on thebench long enough to know that if we'd played that match 100 times we'd lose itonce,'' he said.
"I believe we will win tonight. We want to make sure we win and get the rightbelief into the game.
"Everybody says we should not have any chance of winning the Champions Leaguebut I believe we have enough quality to do it and that is what we want to showtonight.''
Wenger initially reacted to one of the most embarrassing results of his 12-yearreign by threatening a cull of the players exposed on the weekend.
Winger Samir Nasri is likely to be restored to the midfield after recoveringfrom the knee injury that has troubled him since August.
But with Wenger's anger at the Hull defeat subsiding, the Arsenal boss' resolveto swing the axe appears to have softened.
"Players will not be dropped to punish them. Sometimes you make changesbecause you consider the other team and the balance in your own side,'' hesaid.
"Sometimes one player is not at his best. If a player is not playing tonightit's not down to punishment, it's just because of the rotation in the side.
"You cannot play every single game with the same 11 players.''
Porto provide an early shot at redemption following the Emirates horror showagainst Hull and Wenger wants to see his side's character.
"The players were very disappointed after the Hull match and are focused ontonight's game,'' Wenger added. "It is part of a career to deal with disappointments and to show enough mentalstrength and desire to go forward.
"The players are desperate to go out and win the game against Porto.''
