Arsene Wenger: 'We can't feel sorry for ourselves'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 February 2012

Arsene Wenger stresses that his side can't afford to feel sorry for themselves ahead of the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged his players not to feel sorry for themselves ahead of Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham.

The Gunners face the prospect of another trophiless season after their 4-0 defeat to AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, placing even more importance on securing fourth place in the Premier League.

However, despite being all but out of Europe and being dumped out of the FA Cup by Sunderland last weekend, Wenger believes that his side are in a good position and cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves.

"Picking up the team is not the easiest task but that is part of our job," Wenger said. "You cannot complain - we are in a fantastic job and we have a big game in front of us.

"To feel sorry for ourselves would be criminal. We have a good opportunity to show we have character, that we have the mental qualities to play for this club. Let's go for it.

"Every game is massive now until the end of the season, but it is exciting. What is terrible is to play a game of no importance. We have an opportunity to get closer to Spurs and strengthen our position in fourth place, which is a big target."

Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal for over 15 years, having arrived at the club in 1996.