Wenger warns Arsenal against 'taking a breather' versus Dortmund

By Alex Smith

Nov 4, 2013 11:17:00 PM

The manager is happy with the togetherness of his squad after the win over Liverpool, but is keen to avoid a mental relaxation from his players in the crucial Champions League game

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned his side against taking a "little breather" against Borussia Dortmund if they have trophy ambitions this season.

The Gunners face an all-important Champions League tie in Germany, just four days after beating Liverpool 2-0 to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Victory at Westfalenstadion is key if Arsenal are to keep pace with their Group F rivals, with the two sides and Napoli all level on six points after three games, and Wenger is keen for his squad to stay focused.

"We passed [the test against Liverpool] in a convincing way," Wenger told the club's official website. "The focus of the team and the togetherness you could feel from the outside.

"Let's enjoy it, take a lot of encouragement from it and continue to develop as a team, but as well we must be cautious and be on our toes ... so let's make sure we continue to grow and do not think 'Okay let's have a little breather'."

Arsenal are likely to be without Jack Wilshire and Keiran Gibbs for Wednesday's clash, the pair suffering from an ankle injury and calf concern respectivly, which could see former Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky start.

The Czech Republic international, who played 145 times for the Bundesliga side before moving to north London in 2006, is confident of building on the Gunners’ bright start to the season.

"Of course we would like to stay there on top of the league, it's a good feeling to be there, but it's too soon, it doesn't mean a lot at this time," Rosicky added.

"But it is not a bad feeling I have to admit and I would like to stay there." ------------- goal.com