Champions League

AZ Boss Ronald Koeman: Arsenal Can Go Far In Champions League

Gunners good but not the best, says Dutchman...

Nov 5, 2009 7:04:04 AM

Ronald Koeman, coach of AZ Alkmaar (foto PROSHOTS)

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Ronald Koeman, coach of AZ Alkmaar (foto PROSHOTS)

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Ronald Koeman

AZ coach Ronald Koeman believes that Arsenal can go "a long way" in the Champions League this season.

Following the Dutch club's 4-1 loss to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, the former Netherlands international explained that while he does not believe the north London club are the best in Europe, he does believe that they have what it takes to challenge for the honour.

"They have a lot of qualities but it's [a] very young [side] and maybe they miss a little bit of experience that other teams like Chelsea and Barca [Barcelona] have," Koeman is quoted on BBC Sport as saying.

Despite getting hammered in London, where the hosts dominated for lengthy periods during the game, the former Valencia boss doesn't believe that there is a gulf in class between the Gunners and the rest of Group H.

He added: "One bad day and you can lose against everybody. It's not one team better than the rest - it's very close.

"But Arsenal can go a long way in this competition."

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK