Marseille vs Arsenal preview - Europe brings us freedom - Wenger
Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by PA
Arsene Wenger is looking forward to another Champions League outing in Marseille after admitting his side play with more freedom in Europe.
Wenger's side have endured a troubled start to their Barclays Premier League campaign, with four defeats already after eight matches - including a shock 8-2 reverse at the hands of Manchester United and defeat to Tottenham in the north London derby at the start of the month.
They have fared better in the Champions League, though, winning both legs of a tough play-off against Udinese, beating Olympiacos and drawing at Borussia Dortmund.
Group F leaders OM are next up at the Stade Velodrome on Wednesday night but, after edging another nervy league encounter with Sunderland 2-1 on Sunday, Wenger is relaxed about returning to continental competition.
"We play with a bit more freedom away from home in Europe and there is a bit less pressure," he said.
"But in Udinese we also played with massive pressure because that was the game of the season for us. Not to win that game would have been a disaster.
"You can see since then that it was a good game (to win) because Udinese are top of the League in Italy and at the time I could feel they were a very good side."
Despite feeling more at ease in Europe, Wenger brushed aside suggestions that he would transfer his focus from domestic matters this season.
Instead he believes it is impossible to separate the two, as consistent league form is the simplest route to Europe.
"We will not give up on the league because it represents our future and the qualification for the Champions League (next season)," he said. "A season without the Champions League would be a catastrophe for us."
Wenger has only recently welcomed defenders Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou back from injury but continues to suffer fitness problems.
Kieran Gibbs (stomach) has joined an injury list which includes long-term absentees Thomas Vermaelen, About Diaby, Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere, but there was better news from Aaron Ramsey, who is available after missing the Sunderland clash with a hamstring strain.
Marseille boss Didier Deschamps is not fooled by Arsenal's slow start in the Premier League.
They sold Cesc Fabregas and former Marseille man Samir Nasri in the summer, but Deschamps looks at the players available to Wenger and notes their quality.
"They are a team who have lost key players but they remain competitive," Deschamps said.
"They have attacking players who can pose a problem to any team.
"We have an advantage over them and it is simple: the two points more than them that we have gleaned.
"After Wednesday evening we will see things more clearly. If we win, we won't be through but we will have made a great step forward.
"The main objective is to get out of the group. After that it is to consolidate our first place."
Marseille have beaten Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund without conceding a goal.
Photos
More»
Estela Braga, a stunning Brazilian beauty
Saturday April 27 2024
Meet Eva Murati, the glamorous UCL presenter
Friday April 26 2024
Your Say