Arsenala s Arsene Wenger said he is not worried about Santi Cazorlaa s contract situation.
Arsene said, a He extended his contract last year. He was 30 years old and he has two years to go. You know our policy at the club, so I dona t think therea s anything special to worry about there. The suggestion is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him.a
Cazorla has been in excellent form for Arsenal, especially after being moved back to his preferred central position, and Arsene agreed with that assessment.
He said, a Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, he has been voted player of the month twice in the last two months which means he has been remarkably consistent. Since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well.a
Arsene also said that Coquelina s and Akpoma s contract extensions have been completed, but said that it is too early to talk about Walcotta s contract.
Arsene also was happy that Luis Figo was campaigning for the FIFA presidential race.
He said, a It is interesting to see former players run for the campaign. Apart from the spectacular names, it is interesting to see that people want to dedicate themselves to improving the quality of our game. In football now what is very important is to develop our game at grass-roots level around the world. That is the most important thing and I would like to support people who have solutions for that. Dedicate more money to give good coaching, because good coaching is about education and giving values to people. What is most needed is that. For the rest, the job is done in professional football – for 98 per cent of it, it is done. You can always bring some improvements, but they are minor now. What is the most important programme for the Fifa candidates is to develop worldwide football at youth level.a
Asked if he would endorse Figo for FIFA president, Arsene said, a I endorse anybodya I am not in a good position to judge all the candidates because I have not read the back programmes. But he is one of the credible candidates of course.a
On being questioned on having to play the FA Cup game against Manchester United on a Monday, Arsene was not unduly worried about the day. He said, a We play when we are told to play, [whether it] is a Monday or Sunday or Friday. We just want to win, and we adapt to the time. I dona t think that will be a major problem for us. Ita s certainly not the most prestigious timing for people who want to watch on television. Ita s more suited maybe for a Sunday game, but television has made that choice. Wea ll adapt and have no problem with it.a
