Wenger blames the system for dreary Euro 2008 qualifiers

LONDON COLNEY, England, Mar 30 (Reuters) Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Today blamed the qualifying system for the European championship for the dull football produced in many recent internationals.

Wenger said qualifiers too often pitted 'big' soccer nations against minnows in games that left the major nations facing teams committed to packed defences and spoiling tactics.

''If you want to see a good game of football, then both teams have to play to win and that is not what happens,'' he said. ''I feel very sorry for many national coaches because of this.

''In these games, they are expected to be 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes and if they are not, then they are booed. But the other team is only interested in 0-0 and that is all.'' Wenger backed under-fire England coach Steve McClaren, whose side drew 0-0 with Israel last weekend and were then booed after a goalless first half in a 3-0 qualifying win over Andorra.

''I was appalled and I give my full support to Steve McClaren,'' he said of an England coach who only took over last August. ''For him, it is much too early.

''England took four points from two away games and I blame the competition for the situation that happened.'' Moving on to Arsenal matters, Wenger said he was not concerned at recent media speculation of a takeover of the north London club.

''It is only speculation,'' he said. ''If something is happening, I don't know. My only concern, if something did happen, would be that the new owners were interested in developing the club.'' Wenger added that he had one more year on his contract and would see it out before considering his own future.

Arsenal, third on 55 points, are away on Saturday to fourth-placed Liverpool, who have 54.

Wenger's men are looking to beat them for the fourth time this season, having triumphed at home in the league and twice at Anfield, in the FA Cup and in the League Cup.

Brazil midfielder Gilberto is doubtful with a hip injury, but Arsenal welcome back Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor after suspension and defenders Emmanuel Eboue of Ivory Coast and Frenchman Gael Clichy after injury.

REUTERS PDS KP2103