Arsene Wenger preparing for stressful month ahead

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the recently concluded Emirates Cup (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing himself for a very stressful month ahead during which his side will kick-start their European ambitions with the play-off ties in the UEFA Champions League and also compete in the Barclays Premier League which begins mid-August.

Wenger is looking forward to the two Champions League play-off ties after watching his team get beat by Galatasaray 2-1 in the final of the Emirates Cup. Old nemesis Didier Drogba came back to haunt the Gunners as he grabbed both goals to inspire Gala to a come-from-behind win over hosts Arsenal.

The Frenchman once again conceded that he may not make a major signing before the close of the transfer window.

“It’s very difficult to predict if something will be sorted out before we play in the Champions League qualifier,” he said.

“It’s a stressful situation but we did fight very hard to be in that situation and now it’s time to take advantage of the fact we finished fourth and we have an opportunity to qualify.

“Of course it’s always very tricky to qualify but we have the experience of having done it before. I think we have enough quality to achieve it with the players we have in at the moment and if we can have some more in before then, it’s even better.”

The manager also emphasized on the need for Arsenal to get off the blocks quicker than they have in previous seasons so that they don’t spend a good part of the season catching up to the leading pack.

“It’s important that we start strongly in the championship because that will have an influence on our performance in the Champions League,” he added.

Wenger also confirmed that winger Gervinho is set to join Roma while striker Marouane Chamakh would be joining Crystal Palace.