After the 2-0 win against Basel on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger insisted that his sole focus is on the Arsenal job until his contract expires at the end of the season.
On Wednesday, Arsenal grabbed their first win in the Champions League this season as they saw off Swiss side FC Basel 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. English attacker Theo Walcott was in top form as he scored both of his side’s goals on the day.
After the game, a positive Arsenal boss stated that his side were no longer nervous of playing at home as recent results at the Emirates have not worked in favour of the Gunners.
“The confidence comes from the last results. I think we were a bit edgy at home for a few games and now it looks like we are playing with full power and pace,” said Wenger, according to ESPN.
“I think it was a game where again the first half was top quality. The pace, the quality of our movement, the technical quality. And we created many dangerous situations. I would like to congratulate my team for the quality that they produced tonight.
“But I have a regret which is that we didn’t take enough chances that we created. But it’s a good basis to have a taste for more.”
However, the prime focus of the journalists present in the press conference room was pertaining to the job of England’s next coach. Former boss Sam Allardyce was sacked by the FA after he was caught giving advice on how to circumvent the FA’s third party ownership regulations in an undercover sting carried out by the Daily Telegraph.
Wenger has consistently refused to rule out managing the Three Lions, a position that he could realistically take up in the summer if he were to finally part ways with Arsenal.
“Of course, but my priority has always been this club,” said Wenger when a journalist asked him whether he would be interested in the England manager’s job (via Sky Sports). “Until the end of this season I’m here, and I am completely focused on that.”
Current under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has been named interim head-coach and will take charge of the senior side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, and next month’s games against Scotland and Spain.