Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Wenger speaks on chances of Mkhitaryan being among his starters

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger spoke, at a press conference, on the team’s newcomer, Armenia midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan who transferred from Manchester United, and their forthcoming English Football League Cup semifinal second leg against Chelsea.

On whether Mkhitaryan’s time with Manchester United has affected his confidence, Wenger said, “I don’t know that very well, I will know much more about that in the next two to three weeks,” informed the Arsenal official website. “He knows what it is to fight at the top level.”

On whether he is confident he can get the best out of Mkhitaryan, the Arsenal boss said: “I hope, yes. I have no doubt about his attitude, his commitment, his desire to do well. He suffered a little bit maybe from the competition he had there and overall that is his challenge. My challenge is to get him to express his talent completely, that we know is absolutely right because he has done extremely well, so he has a new challenge that we want to help him be successful in.”

As to whether Mkhitaryan will go straight into the team, Wenger noted: “That depends first of all on the team performances and on his own fitness and performances in training as well.”

On whether the Armenia international can play alongside Germany midfielder Mesut Özil, the Gunners’ manager noted: “They can play together as well, of course.”

As to the importance of Wednesday’s Football League Cup semifinal second leg against Chelsea, the Arsenal manager said as follows, in particular: “It’s an important game and we want to go to the final. We have an opportunity to do it at home against Chelsea. I think the two teams know each other very well.”

And on whether Arsenal are favorites against Chelsea, Arsène Wenger stated: “Honestly, I don’t see any favourite in that tie.”
Chelsea and Arsenal played a goalless draw in their Football League Cup semifinal first leg at Chelsea’s stadium. Wednesday’s second leg of this London derby will be played at Arsenal’s stadium.

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