Wenger determined to end silverware drought
The Gunners haven’t won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup final and face a tough start to the Barclays Premier League season, with a trip to Newcastle followed by games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Wenger said: “We know that but we are ready, well-prepared and determined to have a strong start.
“We’ll give absolutely everything to do it. Let’s focus and believe that we can do it.”
He added: “We had a good preparation and, I think, good team bonding.
“Overall, we are very happy and confident. We feel we were very, very close last year and we want to do it this year.”
Wenger was speaking at the club’s annual Members Day where Cesc Fabregas faced supporters for the first time in more than three months.
Fabregas could have been forgiven for expecting a frosty reception as he took to the pitch with the rest of his Gunners team-mates for an open training session at the Emirates Stadium.
But there were no jeers for the 24-year-old, despite his desire to quit the club for Barcelona, although things might have been different had Arsenal decided upon their usual roll call as the players entered the field. Heavy rain also forced the club to postpone their official team photo, which may spare them being left with one that includes Fabregas were he to leave.
Meanwhile Arsenal will hope to avoid Udinese and Rubin Kazan when the draw is made today for the Champions League play-off round, in Nyon.
Wenger has cited the fact Arsenal have repeatedly qualified for the Champions League in order to defend his record in the wake of their six-year trophy drought. So failure in their matches on the weeks commencing August 15 and 22 would doubtless pile the pressure on the Frenchman.
Other possible opponents include FC Twente, FC Zurich or Odense, last year’s runners-up in Holland, Switzerland and Denmark, respectively.
Arsenal are seeded in the play-off round’s ‘league route’, as are Bayern Munich, Benfica, Villarreal and Lyon.
Meanwhile Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley has joined Rangers on a season-long loan.
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