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Arsene Wenger Confident Arsenal Can Do Well Next Season

The Gunners boss feels his side can challenge for honours next season...

Jun 13, 2009 1:21:48 PM

Arsenal manager salutes the fans at the Emirates Stadium after his side beat Stoke City 4-1

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Arsenal manager salutes the fans at the Emirates Stadium after his side beat Stoke City 4-1

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident that his young side can bring silverware to the club, after four seasons without success.

The Frenchman has been criticised, in recent years, for his refusal to buy experienced players and his insistence on sticking with his youngsters..

This has contributed to club's lack of success over the past four years, but Wenger is confident his young side are now ready to deliver.

Since losing Alexander Hleb to Barcelona and Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer to AC Milan, Wenger has failed to replace these players, although the purchase of Andrei Arshavin in the January transfer window did go some way to easing the fans' concerns.

However, many still believe that more experience is needed at the club.

Despite this, Wenger has described his players as winners, and is fully confident they will bring success to the club.

Speaking to The Daily Express, Wenger said, "What these players have already achieved, at that age, is remarkable. These players are winners, they will deliver, and they are very, very young.

"To be in the last four in Europe, and to come back above Aston Villa after being eight points down is remarkable. I believe the future looks very bright.

"We had William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas out for a long time. And Tomas Rosicky did not play one game in the season. Can you believe that? And that’s why I believe what we have achieved, despite all that, is remarkable."

Wenger sees the Champions League penalty shootout win against Roma as a vital part of his team's development.

"On that day against Roma, I felt this team has not only quality but mental strength," he said.

"And the [4-4 draw] Liverpool game for Arshavin was something special that happens to you once in a career – but only if you are a special player.

"The match itself was something amazing. It was, maybe quality-wise, the best game of the season."

The Frenchman added that the Russian playmaker will become a big hit at the club.

"I admire his talent, his personality, his winning attitude and his efficiency and I’m convinced he will be a big hit.

"We’ll also have Rosicky and all the young players who have learnt a lot this year, so let’s be positive, optimistic and brave."

Wenger has stated that he will look to sign experienced players this summer, but is reportedly close to tying up a deal for young Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Nick Turner, Goal.com

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