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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger targets Champions League qualification over FA Cup run
The Emirates boss believes his side must concentrate on securing a place in the group stages next season above any attempts to end their seven-year trophy drought
09-Jan-2012 9:32:00 AM
By Chris Davie
Getty Images
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal need to focus on securing Champions League qualification, rather than embarking on a run in the FA Cup.
Arsenal face Leeds United in the FA Cup third round on Monday evening at the Emirates, while nine wins from 13 games since October 16 has countered their early-season blip in the Premier League, leaving them a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Wenger's men have also topped Group F in the Champions League and now face a last-16 tie against Serie A champions AC Milan.
Wenger has urged his players to maintain their concentration on retaining their Champions League status for the 15th consecutive season, despite pressure to end the club's seven-year wait for a trophy.
"The FA Cup is something that is for enjoyment. It is a bonus that we want. The Champions League, for us, is something that is needed. It is more important," said Wenger.
"For us, the Champions League and FA Cup are not comparable. The Champions League is compulsory.
"That means you will want me to say it's not important to win on Monday. It is very important to win on Monday for us. But the basis of our life at the top level is dictated by the championship.
"If we can add on top of that the FA Cup, it is fantastic. But our life, at the level where we are, with the wages we have and the aspirations we have, is to play in the Champions League. After that, you want, of course, to win all the other trophies.
"I don't know where I have my medals. I look forward for the next one, for the next game, for the next win. That's the life of a top-level player. A top-level player wants to play at the top. He wants to win medals. But there is a difference between playing in the Champions League and playing at a lower level."
Arsenal face Leeds United in the FA Cup third round on Monday evening at the Emirates, while nine wins from 13 games since October 16 has countered their early-season blip in the Premier League, leaving them a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Wenger's men have also topped Group F in the Champions League and now face a last-16 tie against Serie A champions AC Milan.
Wenger has urged his players to maintain their concentration on retaining their Champions League status for the 15th consecutive season, despite pressure to end the club's seven-year wait for a trophy.
"The FA Cup is something that is for enjoyment. It is a bonus that we want. The Champions League, for us, is something that is needed. It is more important," said Wenger.
"For us, the Champions League and FA Cup are not comparable. The Champions League is compulsory.
"That means you will want me to say it's not important to win on Monday. It is very important to win on Monday for us. But the basis of our life at the top level is dictated by the championship.
"If we can add on top of that the FA Cup, it is fantastic. But our life, at the level where we are, with the wages we have and the aspirations we have, is to play in the Champions League. After that, you want, of course, to win all the other trophies.
"I don't know where I have my medals. I look forward for the next one, for the next game, for the next win. That's the life of a top-level player. A top-level player wants to play at the top. He wants to win medals. But there is a difference between playing in the Champions League and playing at a lower level."
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