Wenger determined to stay on
Arsene Wenger insists he will not be forced out of Arsenal despite growing discontent from supporters.
|||Arsene Wenger insists he will not be forced out of Arsenal despite growing discontent from supporters.
Thousands of fans are due to stay away from the Emirates Stadium for tonight’s match against West Brom in protest against the manager, who has been subjected to abuse from supporters this season.
Wenger, who could name Jack Wilshere on the bench, was defiant when asked whether he would consider walking away this summer.
‘I do not want to come back on that, I always respect my contract,’ he said. When pressed, he added: ‘I’ve just answered your question.’
Wenger admits disquiet among supporters is affecting his team, who have won just five out of 14 league games in 2016.
‘I want our fans to be happy and when they are not it affects me. You do not want to play in a negative environment.
‘I hope in the next years Arsenal will always play in the top three and hopefully people won’t get disenchanted.’
On the prospect of around 2,500 season-ticket holders not showing up, Wenger added: ‘I don’t want to come out on that.
‘I focus on my job. I’m not here to judge our fans. People are shouting, yes, but it’s a modern world. What can I do about that?’
Wenger expects Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to sign new deals this summer.
The pair have two years left on their contracts, and Sportsmail understands Ozil is close to agreeing a deal which will take him close to £200,000 per week.
Wenger said: ‘We are not in a hurry. We are talking and the players are very keen to stay.’ – Daily Mail