Wenger: Timing of my Arsenal resignation wasn’t my decision
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that he was pressured into announcing his resignation last week.
Wenger was asked today why he was stepping down and why he had chosen to go public with the news just days before tomorrow night's Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
“The timing was not really my decision,” he said. “And for the rest I have spoken about it already.”
Read more: Arsene Wenger's Euro woe and his last shot at redemption
The Frenchmans comments add fuel to suggestions that he called time on his 22 seasons in charge, despite having another year to run on his contract, after learning that he had lost the support of some of the clubs directors.
Wengers resignation statement last week depicted it as his choice and he suggested after Sundays win over West Ham that squabbling among fans over his future had contributed to his decision.
He added on Wednesday: “When some people are not happy they are not always a majority. We live in a very emotional society where people can express how they feel. It doesnt mean they dont take a distance from their emotions a few days later.”
Praise for Luis Enrique
The Gunners boss praised former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, the bookmakers favourite to succeed him, but refused to be drawn further.
He said: “I do not want to influence the job for the next manager, but of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique.”
Wenger won't retire
Wenger insists that while he will not retire he is not yet ready to field job offers, with a trophy and potential route back into the Champions League still in the balance.
“I will continue to work, thats for sure,” he said. “My pride has always been to give my best where I am employed until the last day of my contract, and at the moment Im just focused on that.”
I want cup for players
The 68-year-old has never won a European trophy but said he hoped to do so primarily for his current group of players.
“Is there a perfect goodbye? I dont know, first of all. I just want to do as well as I can because this team has quality,” he said.
“This group of players deserves something special. I want to do it for them, to achieve something with them, because I believe they have a special mental quality and my biggest satisfaction would be to be successful together with the group of players I have.”
Wenger wary of Atletico
Wenger is without injured midfielders Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny for the visit of tournament favourites Atletico, who have reached the Champions League final twice in the last four years.
“They are a very strong team. If you look at the table they are the second best team in Spain,” he said.
“That will demand total commitment on our side and great discipline because they have no real weak points. They are strong defensively and offensively, so we need a complete performance.”
Read more: Trevor Steven: I hope gent Wenger signs off with trophy
[contf]
[contfnew]
CityAM
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
