Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger fears the cost of an early Champions League exit ahead of their qualifier against Besiktas.
Wenger is ready to put his proud record of 16 consecutive seasons playing in Europe's elite competition up against any other success, with qualification set to bring with it some 8.6 million euro (£7million) in prize money, with each subsequent group home match worth around £3m of additional match-day revenue.
"It's difficult because in England the competition is always hard. There are six or seven clubs who can get into the top four," said Wenger, whose nine-season trophy drought was finally ended with FA Cup glory at Wembley in May.
"We finished fourth with 79 points last year, but in the past have won the championship with 78. That shows you that the number of teams who can achieve big, big quality in England has increased. There are six or seven teams who can fight for the championship this year."
Wenger added: "You let people judge what you do. All I can do is do my best every day and accept the verdict. I'm in a public job, so I accept it."
