(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-14 17:23

MILAN - AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti doubts Arsenal have the necessary experience to win this season's Champions League.

The English Premier League side have made an impressive start to Europe's top club competition, qualifying for the knockout stage with two group games to spare.

"Arsenal play well and they are getting excellent results, but the Champions League is decided in spring," Ancelotti, who led Milan to victory in the competition last season and in 2003, told La Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday.

Arsenal had lots of young, enthusiastic players but experience was crucial when the competition headed into its latter stages, he added.

"It's necessary to know how to handle the pressure and tension in the best way. I don't know if they are trained for this."

Ancelotti said his team were the second strongest in the Champions League behind Barcelona.

He added he had no problems with Ronaldo, who has recovered from a leg injury that has kept him out so far this season, despite some recent late shows at training that earned the Brazilian forward a fine.

"Otherwise, I'm happy with how Ronaldo has regained fitness," he said.

"He has suffered and worked a lot. It's a sign that he wants to return to be important for Milan quickly".