Arsene Wenger hails Reading manager Brian McDermott as 'miracle-worker'
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger has hailed Reading boss Brian McDermott as a miracle-worker ahead of Arsenal's Capital One Cup fourth-round tie at the Madejski Stadium.
Wenger admires the success achieved by McDermott, a former Gunners midfielder, on a limited budget and believes he has the skill to keep the Royals in the Barclays Premier League.
Last season's npower Championship winners have yet to win in the league, but are one victory away from a place in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals.
"Reading have made appointments from within the club well over the years," Wenger told Arsenal Media.
"You have to congratulate Brian McDermott for promotion last year, I believe he made a miracle basically.
"When you get to the Premier League, the level of expectation is to stay and I feel they have a chance. McDermott has the qualities to achieve that.
"We expect a challenge and we know Reading will give absolutely everything when they play against us.
"Reading have done very well in their scouting. They are one of the examples of a club not spending money and living within their resources.
"I always respect that. There is some quality work behind their success."
Arsenal's trip to the Madejski Stadium continues a busy spell that includes Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and Schalke, 2-0 winners in north London last week, the following Thursday.
Wenger will field a blend of youth and experience against Reading as the Gunners seek to reach the last eight of the league cup for a 10th successive year.
"Some players need a breather because they had two international games, Champions League and Premier League games," he said.
"They will have played five games in two weeks. Some will be rested tomorrow. After that I will see after tomorrow night.
"We will still have an experienced side out with players from the squad.
"We will go to Reading with a good team who will have a good chance to win the game.
"We fight as hard as we can to stay in all the competitions and if you have to make a choice you make it as late as possible.
"The Capital One Cup is in a period where you have to make a decision sometimes as it is a time when we also have the League and the Champions League."
PA
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