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Wenger wouldn't swap Arsenal for City

Arsene Wenger oversaw Arsenal training on Monday © Getty Images

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would not swap places with Manchester City even though the Gunners find themselves languishing in tenth place in the Premier League with Roberto Mancini's men second in the table.

Wenger, who has taken a youthful looking squad to Greece to play Olympiakos in the final group game of the Champions League, said that City's elimination from the competition before Christmas means the current Premier League champions are not in such an enviable position.

"I wouldn't swap places with Manchester City," Wenger told a press conference. "We have 23 games to come back on them in the league, but in the Champions League you're in or out."

He also played down reports that defensive coach Steve Bould had lost his cool with the squad in the dressing room after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea.

"Nothing really happened after the game," he added. "But the players were not happy. You want them to dance? This group of players is highly motivated and if they don't win, they are upset.

"I'm more worried if I see players in the shower who laugh after they have lost. The most important thing is to win the next game and show how good you are."

Wojciech Szczesny was also at a loss to explain the Gunners' poor form.

"It's good for us we have a Champions League game three days after [the Swansea defeat] and we have something to focus on," said the Polish goalkeeper. "We were obviously frustrated and disappointed after the game but now it's about Olympiakos and we will do our best to move on.

"The players give 100% in training and on a Saturday afternoon. I didn't say the players didn't want it enough. I'm definitely surprised by our position in the league. When you look at the quality of our players we should be fighting for the league.

"We have one of the best teams in the league, but it's our responsibility to put things right. What's gone wrong? That's not for me to say."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.