Wenger hoping for maiden win in Moscow
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-10-17 10:13 MOSCOW - Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger said he was hoping to clinch his first ever win in Moscow in his
side's Champions League showdown with the Russian champions CSKA Moscow.
"It is difficult to win in Moscow. But we have a good opportunity tomorrow
(Tuesday) to win," said the Frenchman, who guided his Premiership side to the
Champions League final last season where they lost to Barcelona.
"We missed our chances in our previous matches here, when we were playing
against quality teams such as Spartak and Lokomotiv.
"It is very difficult for any team to win an away match in the Champions'
League. But in Europe we have one of the top percentages of winning away from
home. We have 35 percent of wins away from home but not in Moscow.
"We want to improve our record here."
The coach added that he respected the 2004 UEFA Cup winners.
"I feel they're well-organised. They have a good mixture between the Russian
defense and Brazilian strikers. And they are based on the Russian technique. And
I know Gazaev well, he's a good specialist," Wenger said.
"They are playing technical football and they are our main group rivals. And
it should be an interesting game."
Wenger also said that his team prepared well for the match.
"We had some problems at the beginning of the season but we have just a great
momentum now. And we feel confident and look good in away matches."
Arsenal's Belarus midfielder Alexander Hleb said he was confident ahead of
the match.
"We are well-prepared for the match," Hleb said.
"I'm glad that we're playing against a team from the former Soviet Union and
I hope the cold weather here will not influence the match."
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