วันพุธที่ 22 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Premier League:Wenger: Arsenal have no excuses left


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side can no longer hide behind the excuse of youth and must deliver this season.

The Gunners have not won anything since the FA Cup back in 2005 and a lot of it has been down to Wenger's reluctance to spend large amounts of money.

He was trusted his youngsters to bring back the glory days to the club and after five years of rebuilding on and off the pitch, the boss feels it's high team supporters had something to cheer about.

In comments quoted by L'Equipe, he said:"People are always saying that we haven't won anything for five years. This is true, but we have always remained at the highest level, even during difficult periods in the club's life.

"Arsenal built a new stadium and we have to pay for that, while also building a new team which had reached the end of a cycle.

"What would you say to Manchester City if they did not win any trophies this season after investing £200 million?

"To me, the main reason why we have not won anything in five years is the fact we play in the best league in the world against clubs that have unlimited funds.

"Of course I want to win trophies. Our hopes for the season are always the same - we are fighting for the Premier League title and want to win the Champions League.

"The plan is to continue our improvement with the strength of our team and their youth.

"My players don't have the excuse of inexperience any more. They are eager for titles. I believe they are capable, but they have to show it."

Arsenal currently stand second in the Premier League and entered the fourth round of the FA Cup by beating Tottenham 4-1 on Tuesday night.

The Frenchman also took some time to talk about his future.

Wenger, 61, recently penned a new deal to keep him at Emirates Stadium until 2014.

By then the Frenchman, who has revolutionised the north London club since arriving in September 1996, may well have decided enough is enough.

Wenger, who would not be short of suitors, revealed he would like to continue his habit of working with emerging talent, even if that was away from a top club.

Wenger said: "I will coach for as long as I am healthy enough. I could finish coaching young players, but not necessarily at professional level.

"I am planning to remain with Arsenal until the end of my new contract, but at my age I am forced to consider the short term.

"If I am still here it will not be because of a lack of offers from clubs overseas, but because I really appreciate what I have been given here. I am fortunate to work with complete freedom."

Wenger admits a return home would perhaps be appealing one day, for the right project.

"In France, there is the club who are close to my heart, Strasbourg," he said. "[Also] here is a club with huge undeveloped potential, PSG [Paris St Germain].

"Am I tempted by Paris' challenge? I don't know. So far, not at all. At the moment, PSG does not have the means which matches the size of the city."

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