Ace Pires has a pop at rivals
12-09-2004
Robert Pires has taunted Arsenal's title rivals Liverpool and Newcastle - claiming they are less of a threat than Birmingham and Middle**rough. The French winger claims Steve Bruce and Steve McClaren's sides have overtaken their higher-profile rivals in the danger stakes. And Pires, who embarks on the Gunners' latest Champions League quest at home to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, tipped Arsene Wenger's side to reach the semi-finals at least.
He said: "A number of teams have strengthened very well, and they can get involved in the title race alongside the three main favourites. I'm thinking in particular about Middle**rough and Birmingham. Unlike Liverpool and Newcastle, they don't get talked about a lot so there is less pressure on them. Chelsea's recruitment this summer is more balanced than last, and that is why they are favourites for the title. But the sums they spend distort the market."
"Buying big stars is not Arsene Wenger's policy. He believes in building a team patiently. Arsenal have never felt the need to break the bank, but it hasn't stopped us from winning trophies."
"We have our eyes on the title again. We also hope to finally make the last four of the Champions League, which is something we have never managed to achieve."
Source: Sunday Mirror
皮雷认为利物浦和纽卡斯尔的威胁，还比不上伯明翰和米堡，他认为后两支球队更有实力。阿森纳目前正在备战周二主场对埃因霍温的欧洲冠军杯比赛，皮雷表示希望阿森纳可以进入冠军杯半决赛。
“很多球队的实力都得到了增强，与三大热门一样，他们也有能力争夺冠军。我要特别提一下伯明翰和米堡。与利物浦和纽卡斯尔相比他们没有那么受关注，也因此没什么压力。切尔西这个夏季引援显然比上赛季更平衡，所以他们也是冠军热门。但切尔西大把花钱买球员，扰乱了转会市场。”
“购买大牌球员不是温格教练的作风，他有耐心慢慢培养一支球队。阿森纳从不破费买球星，但我们仍可以取得胜利。”
“现在我们又要为冠军而战了！同时也希望可以进入欧洲冠军杯的4强，阿森纳至今还没有作到这点。”
