Wenger guards against complacency

12 September 2010 12:07
Arsene Wenger has warned against complacency when Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Braga next week.[LNB] The Gunners appeared to be handed a favourable draw for the opening stages of Europe's elite club competition, with Shakhtar Donetsk and Partizan Belgrade making up the other opposition in Group H.[LNB]Wenger's men are again expected to progress to the knockout rounds, where they were beaten by Barcelona in the quarter-finals last season.[LNB]However, the Arsenal manager insists taking qualification for granted would be unwise as they prepare for the visit of the Portuguese runners-up, who beat Celtic as they came through two qualification rounds.[LNB]"For us a win next Wednesday night is vital, because I believe the group is much more difficult than people expect it to be," Wenger said.[LNB]"Braga finished in front of Porto last year - we played against Porto and know they are a good side. Also, they have just kicked Seville out in the play-offs.[LNB]"Shakhtar Donetsk are one of the best European sides, that is why I believe it is very important we start well at home."[LNB]Defender Thomas Vermaelen should be fit from the Achilles problem which ruled him out of Saturday's Premier League clash with Bolton at Emirates Stadium.[LNB]However, neither Robin van Persie nor Theo Walcott will be available for possibly up to six weeks.[LNB]Arsenal travel to Belgrade for their first away European match at the end of the month.[LNB]Wenger knows beating the Serbians would go a long way to helping secure safe passage to the knockout stage - but only if they can get the required result against Braga first.[LNB]"Belgrade is a good opportunity - if you want to well in the Champions League you need nine points from your home games and you need one result away from home," Wenger said to Arsenal TV Online.[LNB]"But let's first start well against Braga and then we will see how far we can go."[LNB]With Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner also recovering from injury, as he continues to be troubled by a groin problem, more responsibility will fall on summer signing Marouane Chamakh.[LNB]The Morocco forward scored on his home Premier League debut in the 6-0 win over Blackpool, and Wenger believes his style is very much suited to the English game.[LNB]However, the Gunners boss is also in no doubt the former Bordeaux frontman is also tailor-made for a European campaign.[LNB]"Chamakh will adapt well because he is a player who, no matter what game you play, likes to connect with players on the pitch," the Arsenal manager said.

Source: Team_Talk