Arsene Wenger dismisses AC Milan's Champions League hopes

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed AC Milan's chances of winning this season's Champions League.

The Frenchman, whose side were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate by the Rossoneri in the first knockout stage, praised their attacking flair but, writing in his column for Eurosport, he maintains Milan do not have what it takes to win their eighth European Cup.

"I know Milan very well; they play very well as far as collective work is concerned, but I do not think they are up to the task of winning the trophy," he said.

Massimiliano Allegri's table-topping side take on current Champions League holders Barcelona tomorrow and Wenger feels home advantage could hold the Italians in good stead for the first leg.

"Milan know what to do to win at the San Siro," he said.

"I hope the condition of their pitch has improved because against us it was a disaster.

"They have some weak points, although they have a player with the quality of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Robinho can also be very dangerous in attack, but 'Ibra' can score a lot of goals on a good day."

After almost throwing away a 4-0 first-leg lead against Arsenal, Milan progressed into the quarter-finals but despite their undoubted European pedigree Wenger is certain they will not succeed this year.

"Everyone looks at Milan with respect, but I think they have no chance of winning the Champions League," he said.

PA