Arsene Wenger believes qualifying for the UEFA Champions League
is 'compulsory' for Arsenal after their move to The Emirates
Stadium over the summer.
The Gunners left Highbury - their historic home of 93 years - to
move into the new 60,000 capacity arena in a bid to put the club on
a similar financial level to the giants of European football.
However, performances on the new pitch have been somewhat
disappointing so far this season, and Arsenal could face a battle
with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Bolton Wanderers and
Portsmouth for fourth place, should they not improve their
form.
Wenger's side only secured Champions League football on the last
day of last season, and the French boss admits the financial
repercussions of missing out this term do not bear thinking
about.
"To be in the Champions League is compulsory," said Wenger. "If you
build a new stadium for 60,000 fans, your target is not to be out
of the Champions League.
"When you are manager, you want the team to play to potential and I
do not want them to be worried about the financial situation. It is
not about that for them.
"What is important is that we keep going as we are."
Despite being 14 points shy of Manchester United, Wenger is
refusing to give up on the title, as he retains his unshakeable
faith in his young side.
"At the moment, I feel that everybody can drop points against
everybody - we have shown them the way," joked Wenger.
"Other teams also cannot afford to drop points. Manchester United
could not afford to drop points against West Ham, they still
did.
"I believe in this team and I am sure in the end you will be
surprised at the end of the season.
"Everyone says it is a two-horse race and at this time, we are not
in the race - but we have to try to get back into it."
Wenger has been charged with improper conduct after a confrontation
with referee Steve Bennett during the recent 2-2 draw with
Portsmouth, but the Gunners boss believes journalists should focus
on the positive aspects of the game rather than highlighting
confrontation.
"What you want is everybody to behave perfectly, but you can
understand that sometimes people are not controlled and have the
right to ask why the referee gave a free-kick.
"In the end, you are killing your own job as people will be turned
off the game, as they see only the bad things about the game. They
never speak about the beauty of the game any more."