Wenger apologised to Arsenal fans for how the season panned out and hinted that he won’t be staying for too long.
Its is that familiar time of the season, where fans of Arsenal and those who follow the English game debate on whether Arsene Wenger should be let go. After weeks of unrest among the supporters, Saturday’s game against Norwich ended with protests and support at the same time.
Wenger brought on Danny Welbeck for Alex Iwobi instead of Olivier Giroud. The decision didn’t go well with the fans and the substitution was met with deafening boos. Mere minutes later, Welbeck scored the winning goal via a Giroud assist.
The Gunners manager, instead of using the opportunity to hit back at the boo boys, decided to take the high road. In a report by Mirror, his post-match interview, he apologised to the Arsenal fans, saying they were more disappointed than aggressive after what was another trophy-less season under his reign.
Wenger admitted to feeling bad about the angry protests. “I give my best for this club. You don’t spend 19 years at a club – like Sir Alex Ferguson spent 26 – without (giving) every minute of your time, you give your whole life for that and try to do as well as possible.” He also said that one of their targets was to keep all of the people happy, and said it was unfortunate that he wasn’t able to do it this season.
On being asked what he thought of the protests, he said “I will come to your newspaper and do it as well and ask you after how do you feel. I think I can take that.” Wenger insisted he was aware of the public nature of his job and that he would have to live with himself being judged, as long it was respectful. He went on to say, “Did I think it would be worse? Yes. From what I was told, I thought the whole stadium would be white.”
Another summer of speculation
Arsene Wenger has been at Highbury since 1996. His arrival has seen a complete change in the identity of the club. On being told that he could achieve the same milestone as Ferguson, being at a club for a quarter of a century, he said “No, no, never, don’t worry.”
It is going to be another summer filled with speculation and debate about the Frenchman’s future. While his contribution to the club’s trophy cabinet and legacy is one to be cherished and celebrated, the many seasons that they have gone without a Premier League title have left many fans frustrated. This season sees them fall behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since his arrival. Arsene has made it clear he’s not going to stay at Arsenal for too long, but what remains to be seen is whether he leaves on his own accord, or by force.
