Bergkamp backs Arsenal

By Julia Court

Arsenal FC might be unbeaten in the English Premiership this season, but with only one win in the UEFA Champions League - a 1-0 victory against FC Dynamo Kyiv which was their first in nine matches in the competition - the Gunners have a small mountain to climb as they take on Internazionale FC at the San Siro.

Winning ambitions
While it may still be mathematically possible for the Londoners to progress to the knockout rounds if they lose in Italy on Matchday 5, striker Dennis Bergkamp insists that Arsenal will be thinking only of victory to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Quick calculations
"After the Dynamo game we were making a lot of calculations, even in the dressing room afterwards," Bergkamp told uefa.com. "There are so many permutations and even if we don't win at the San Siro we may still have a chance. But the conclusion that everyone came to is that we were only truly safe if we win our last two games and that is the target."

European weakness
Losing 3-0 at home to Inter in their opening Group B match was the worst possible start for Arsène Wenger's side, who by their own admission have consistently underachieved in this tournament. Arsenal have reached the last eight once in five years, despite winning two domestic league and cup doubles in that time.

Mystery problem
"If we knew why this was the case it would be very easy to win games," said the 34-year-old. "We don't lose games on purpose! No one at Arsenal wants to be in the situation we are in, but the only people who can get us out of it are the players themselves. Hopefully we can put in the kind of 'never say die' performance at the San Siro and against [FC] Lokomotiv [Moskva] at Highbury that we showed against Dynamo."

Fear of flying
Bergkamp was back on song at the weekend, scoring his first goal of the Premiership campaign in a 3-0 victory at Birmingham City FC. However, his fear of flying has ruled him out of Tuesday's game in Milan. None the less, the Dutchman has faith in his team-mates and believes the Gunners have plenty of attacking options in his absence.

Goalscorers everywhere
"People have said this season that Thierry Henry is the only player that can score goals for Arsenal," the veteran said. "He has been in incredible form but he turned provider on Saturday for myself, Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires. Also, Ashley Cole showed in our last Champions League game against Dynamo that we can score from elsewhere."

One more year
Bergkamp has made it no secret that he would love to achieve European glory with Arsenal before hanging up his boots and although the 12-month extension he signed on his Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season, he refuses to rule out one more year at the top.

Big decision
"How we do in Europe will not affect my decision over retirement," he said. "The only thing that would make me think again about retiring is if I am still enjoying my football. Anyway this is for the future, all I know for certain now is that this Arsenal team deserves to achieve something in Europe and I wish the lads all the best on Tuesday."

Dennis Bergkamp's personal website is at www.icons.com