Skip to content

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are 'discovering the level' in Europa League

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are beginning to 'discover the level' in the Europa League as they prepare to face Red Star Belgrade

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says they are "discovering the level" in the Europa League as they prepare to face Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night.

Victories over Cologne and BATE Borisov leave the Gunners top of Group I going into the game in Serbia, two points ahead of Red Star.

Arsenal's fifth-placed Premier League finish last season means they missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time in two decades, although winning the Europa League would offer a route back into European football's premier competition, as it did for Manchester United last season.

"It's the first time in 20 years we've been in the Europa League so we are now discovering the level," said Wenger.

Live Nissan Super Sunday

"For us it's a potential trophy to win but we also want to do well in all the other competitions we are in.

In six days we play in the Europa League, Premier League and the League Cup and we want to fight in every single competition.

"It's a target [to play in the Champions League]. It's one of the routes but it's not the only route for us."

Also See:

Red Star's Rajko Mitic 56,000-seater stadium can be an intimidating venue for away teams but Wenger insists Arsenal will not be fazed.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch highlights from Arsenal's defeat to Watford

"The support for a team is always a positive impact and we have had to deal with that in every stadium in England," he added. "We also have a long experience in the Champions League so we are used to it.

"But of course, we are in a country with a big football tradition and it has produced fantastic players in history.

"It's a country with a tradition in other team sports too so we expect a game with a huge commitment from everybody."

Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park when they return to Premier League action this weekend, live on Sky Sports. Coverage of the Super Sunday clash begins on Sky Sports Premier League at 12:30pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 12:45pm.

Around Sky