Wenger Facing Test In Champions League Qualifier Against Besiktas

Istanbul: As Arsene Wenger prepared to sign a new contract that would take him into a third decade at Arsenal, he was asked what remaining ambition he still had after 1,012 games and now 6,532 days as the club's manager. There was not even a flicker of hesitation. "Win the Premier League, win the Champions League," he said. The emphasis on not one but two targets felt significant. The Champions League has always eluded Wenger but, as he prepares tonight (Tuesday) for what is his 20th assault with Arsenal and Monaco on club football's most prestigious competition, there is renewed optimism. The contrast with last season - when the Frenchman arrived in Istanbul to face Fenerbahce - is certainly marked. Arsenal had just been defeated 3-1 Aston Villa and Wenger himself was being questioned like never before. He now describes that situation as "explosive" but is also at pains to stress how the relative tranquillity of life at Arsenal can again shift rapidly. Indeed, with a trip to Everton looming on Saturday in between these two play-off matches against Besiktas, it is no exaggeration to say -Arsenal's season will be shaped, maybe even defined, by the next eight days. "We're more positive at the moment, but the reality of the competition is it's about performance," Wenger said. "The environment doesn't count for anything. We had a short preparation, and we know that in one week we have three big games. It's a very difficult task. We know we have to put in two big performances against Besiktas." Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-facing-test-in-champions-league-qualifier-against-besiktas-20140819-105yh9.html#ixzz3ApRldyUk