Champions League

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Champions League | Round-Of-16

Mar 16, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Barcelona
3-1
Arsenal

Neymar (18'), Suarez (65'), Messi (88')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Elneny (51')

Arsene Wenger 'hungrier than ever' to taste success with Arsenal

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 15 March 2016

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger gives a staunch defence of his time in charge of the club, claiming that he has never once questioned his level of motivation.

Arsene Wenger has declared that he is currently "more motivated" than at any other point in his Arsenal career to prove the doubters wrong.

The Frenchman has come under intense scrutiny in recent times, none more so than following the 2-1 defeat to Watford in the FA Cup at the weekend.

A run of one win from the last seven games in all competitions has left Arsenal's season on the brink of completely unravelling, as they head to Barcelona needing a two-goal victory to keep their European aspirations alive.

With the deficit on Premier League pacesetters Leicester City also standing at 11 points, albeit having played one game fewer, Wenger acknowledges that he is under pressure to put things right.

"I have no doubt about my huge motivation," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "I built the club, and the way I did it was with hard work. I had no external resources.

"If you compare the club when I arrived and how it is today it is moved forward, and without any help from anybody. I am more motivated than the day I arrived, and I feel even more the pressure and the responsibility to keep this club moving forward.

"When you're a long time somewhere you always question your motivation, but I don't question mine. I don't question my dedication. It is 100% and I give more time to my club than when I arrived."

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright is among those to have questioned whether Wenger will remain in charge at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer.