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Arsene Wenger wants his young Arsenal squad to prove they are ready to fulfil their undoubted potential.
With the UEFA Champions League providing the Gunners with their only opportunity to land some silverware this season, their manager is keen to take that title this term.
A semi-final showdown with Manchester United represents the next hurdle to navigate on their way to achieving that dream, with the first leg of that contest set to take place at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Wenger believes the Red Devils can be beaten, despite being the current holders of the continental crown, and insists his exciting side are up to the challenge.
"This is the moment we have been waiting for and this is the moment we want to show what's needed to take advantage of the first leg," said the Frenchman.
"We have tried to build our team in a different way. It is not better or worse, we have just built a young team because we wanted to develop a special way of playing and a special spirit.
Special
"When the players had been educated together from the age of 16 to 23 or 24 there is something special we hope will come out at this level of the competition."
Asked if he regarded the failure to win the European Cup as a notable gap in Arsenal's history, he said: "It is - that is why we are here and that's why we are very determined to wipe that out."
Wenger came close to winning Europe's most prestigious club competition in 2006, coming up short against Barcelona in the final.
He is determined to go one better this time around and admits he will be giving his all in pursuit of a trophy that has so far eluded him throughout his glittering career.
"I don't know what I would feel if I didn't win the Champions League," said Wenger.
"I am an optimist. I believe I will win it, the sooner the better. That is why I am here with complete belief.
Focus
"I am at a stage of my career that I am more focused to do it for the players, the club and the fans than for myself.
"I had the luck to stay at the same club for 12 years and I also know how much it means to the club and the players. I am just focused to give every bit of energy I have to the team."
While desperate to get his hands on the Champions League crown, Wenger insists he will not change his philosophy on how success should be achieved.
"Every title makes you bigger," he said.
"What makes the size of the club are the people who love it. People love success. The more you win, the more fans you have who love the club.
"But there is something more than winning trophies. It is the style of play as well. The ambition you have, the vision and values the club has. It is all around. But it has all to be right."
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With the UEFA Champions League providing the Gunners with their only opportunity to land some silverware this season, their manager is keen to take that title this term.
A semi-final showdown with Manchester United represents the next hurdle to navigate on their way to achieving that dream, with the first leg of that contest set to take place at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Wenger believes the Red Devils can be beaten, despite being the current holders of the continental crown, and insists his exciting side are up to the challenge.
"This is the moment we have been waiting for and this is the moment we want to show what's needed to take advantage of the first leg," said the Frenchman.
"We have tried to build our team in a different way. It is not better or worse, we have just built a young team because we wanted to develop a special way of playing and a special spirit.
Special
"When the players had been educated together from the age of 16 to 23 or 24 there is something special we hope will come out at this level of the competition."
Asked if he regarded the failure to win the European Cup as a notable gap in Arsenal's history, he said: "It is - that is why we are here and that's why we are very determined to wipe that out."
Wenger came close to winning Europe's most prestigious club competition in 2006, coming up short against Barcelona in the final.
He is determined to go one better this time around and admits he will be giving his all in pursuit of a trophy that has so far eluded him throughout his glittering career.
"I don't know what I would feel if I didn't win the Champions League," said Wenger.
"I am an optimist. I believe I will win it, the sooner the better. That is why I am here with complete belief.
Focus
"I am at a stage of my career that I am more focused to do it for the players, the club and the fans than for myself.
"I had the luck to stay at the same club for 12 years and I also know how much it means to the club and the players. I am just focused to give every bit of energy I have to the team."
While desperate to get his hands on the Champions League crown, Wenger insists he will not change his philosophy on how success should be achieved.
"Every title makes you bigger," he said.
"What makes the size of the club are the people who love it. People love success. The more you win, the more fans you have who love the club.
"But there is something more than winning trophies. It is the style of play as well. The ambition you have, the vision and values the club has. It is all around. But it has all to be right."
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