Young Gunners fighting for their futures in Europa League - Wenger - 7M sport

Young Gunners fighting for their futures in Europa League - Wenger



Posted Thursday, September 28, 2017 by Express.co.uk

Young Gunners fighting for their futures in Europa League - Wenger
Arsene Wenger hopes his Arsenal kids can handle the pressure

ARSENE WENGER has warned his young Arsenal players that their futures are on the line against BATE Borisov in the Gunners' Europa League game on Thursday.

The Arsenal boss has flown his side to Belarus having left many of his star players back in London.

Alexis Sanchez, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil, Hector Bellerin, and Aaron Ramsey are all among the contingent who have not made the long trip.

Wenger argues that squad rotation for this Europa League Group H clash is necessary due to his side facing three games in six days.

But that has opened the door for the fringe elements of his squad, including two youngsters Vlad Dragomir and Charlie Gilmour who have never previously been part of an Arsenal first team squad.

Wenger said: "This is the kind of job you do not get 10 opportunities to play for Arsenal.

"When you get it, even if they only get 20 minutes, you have to convince people you have the qualities to do it and you have the courage to play and show your qualities.

"There is always an uncertainty. We know in training, you see in training that the player has the quality.

"Yes, he is here because he has the qualities. After, to show it during competition is something different.

"And in my experience you only discover that during the competition."

The scenario could prove tough in the surroundings, with the Borisov Arena known for its hostility and holding the unwanted distinction of having had a section closed in 2014 for racist chanting in a Champions League match.

"I believe handling the pressure is part of it," Wenger added. 

"When you play at Arsenal, at a young age, you have to.

"They have a new stadium, they have a good crowd. I've heard that there's a 17,000 capacity, so certainly it will be very loud.

"I don't have any preconceived ideas (about the history of racist chanting). I hope that will not happen, and UEFA has always been very strong to deal with that.

"We know [BATE's strength], we watched them yesterday. They are a team with good quality, technically strong, so we will need a good performance to have a chance."



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