Koeman adds Arsenal to English conquests

PSV Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman added to a memorable list of Champions League moments in England on Wednesday when his well-drilled side edged past Arsenal into the quarter-finals.

The former Dutch international scored the winner for Barcelona against Sampdoria in the 1992 final at Wembley and last year, as coach of Benfica, he knocked out holders Liverpool at Anfield.

He was also in charge of Ajax in 2002-03 when they drew home and away with Arsenal in the Champions League.

Wednesday's 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, a result that gave PSV a 2-1 aggregate victory, was arguably his most memorable moment as coach.

"I don't know what the magic is in England," Koeman told reporters.

"I did it against Arsenal with Ajax, beat Liverpool with Benfica, now today. Maybe I should be a coach in England."

With three other English teams also through to the last eight, there is a decent chance that today's draw will give him another opportunity.

"It's always good to draw an English team because the atmosphere is so good," he said. "There are eight teams left but I think I would like to take revenge on Milan because of things in the past."

Koeman's credentials as a master tactician were certainly improved after two disciplined displays against Arsenal and PSV are now just one step away from repeating their feat of 2004-05 when they lost to Milan on away goals in the semi-finals.

"Dreaming is a good thing but I want to get back down to earth, we've got Excelsior at home on Sunday to worry about," he said, before praising his players' achievement.

"Tactically it was perfect. In terms of quality other teams are better but that's the attractive side of sport, anything can happen in two legs and this is great."

The one downside was an injury to Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone who was forced off in the first half with a knee injury after a robust tackle from Cesc Fabregas.

"He will be out for two or three weeks," Koeman said.