Arsenal better off in Europa League, admits Wenger

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that his side might be better off playing in the Europa League than the Champions League. Despite a 2-0 win at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday, the Gunners exited Europe’s top club competition on away goals at the hands of Monaco, their fifth elimination at the last-16 stage in as many years.
The north Londoners have made a habit of narrowly missing out on victory after first-leg setbacks against their European rivals and Wenger accepts that their lack of progress in the tournament is a source of frustration.
Asked by reporters if he was unhappy with their repeated eliminations, Wenger replied: “Yes, but sometimes we have been beaten by opponents who were in the final.
“Perhaps it would be better not to go out like this and make the Europa League – we would be more likely to win.”
The Gunners boss believes that his side performed well as they chased an improbable victory against Monaco, however.
He told L’Equipe: “The performance was good. It was a difficult task.
“They surprised us in the first game because subconsciously we were too sure of ourselves.
“In the second half, we lacked a bit of freshness. I am very disappointed to be knocked out, of course, but I will remember a lot of positives from this game.”