Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger has no ulterior motive after Gunners get Barcelona
Arsene Wenger insists 'revenge is not on my mind' after his Arsenalside were drawn against the Barcelona side who destroyed them in theChampions League last season. [LNB]The Gunners' manager and players had spoken of their desire for arematch with the much-admired Catalans, and their wish was granted inthe draw for the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday. [LNB] Tough draw: Arsene Wenger under no illusions[LNB]Tottenham also face a stiff test, against AC Milan, in their first experience of the knockout rounds while Chelsea were given arguably the easiest draw of the round against Danish champions FC Copenhagen, and Manchester United will play Marseille. [LNB]The other ties see Lyon take on Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, and there will be a repeat of last season's final when Inter Milan, now managed by Rafael Benitez, face Bayern Munich. [LNB]Meanwhile, Valencia will play Schalke and Roma have to overcome Shakhtar Donetsk. Arsenal v Barcelona is the outstanding tie of the round, on paper at least, and Wenger said it would be 'difficult but possible' for the Gunners. Wenger said: 'Revenge is not on my mind. We want to qualify and we want to knock them out. So is it difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Yes. [LNB]'Barcelona are certainly the favourites [for the competition] and a famous team but, on their side, they did not want us either because they know they will get a game. [LNB] 'I think we are better than last year and we have a good opportunity to show that.'[LNB] [LNB]Reunion: Fabregas faces former club[LNB]The match will also give Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas the chance to face his former club at the Nou Camp - he missed the away leg last year with a cracked bone in his fibula. [LNB]Spurs were top scorers in the group stage but in Milan they will face a side currently six points clear at the top of Serie A and with plenty of Champions League experience in their ranks. [LNB]Harry Redknapp has already seen his team see off holders Inter in their group, and the Tottenham manager said: 'They are leading the league in Italy but it has the makings of a great game over two legs.'[LNB] Asked if the experience of the San Siro was an advantage he replied: 'No. They are different players. It will be a fantastic occasion - a tough draw but it will be a great game.'[LNB] The tasks ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea appear more straightforward. [LNB]Nevertheless Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: 'Marseille are a handful at their own ground, their fantastic atmosphere and incredible support guarantees that. [LNB]'They've had a good change in fortunes in the last two or three years, after a dry spell, and I think it'll be a difficult tie.'[LNB] Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti warned that there could not be any complacency against Copenhagen, who are romping away with the Danish league. [LNB]He said: 'Copenhagen had very good performances in the group. They were able to draw against Barcelona at home and away - I watched them and they played a good game. [LNB]'They don't have a lot of experience in the Champions League but obviously we have to pay attention. [LNB]'They have a possibility as well to prepare for the game physically because now they have a [winter] break.'[LNB] Gunners go for Ryo [LNB]Promising young Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi will be joining Arsenal in January, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed. [LNB]The 18-year-old impressed manager Arsene Wenger during a trial spell with the Gunners earlier this year. [LNB]'He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world,' Wenger said on the club's official website, www.arsenal.com. [LNB]'I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal.' [LNB] Wenger is gunning for revenge! Puyol fires first shot with dig at FabregasWayne Rooney: I'd love to take a penalty against Chelsea despite THAT miss against ArsenalARSENAL FC: All the latest news from across the web[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Rafael Benitez, Harry Redknapp, Cesc Fabregas, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Arsene Wenger Places: Copenhagen, Lyon, Barcelona, Milan, Italy
