Alexis Sanchez reaction 'not a problem', says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Sunday 15 January 2017 10:52, UK
Arsene Wenger has dismissed Alexis Sanchez's reaction to being substituted at Swansea as a "minor, minor, minor" incident.
The Arsenal boss replaced star men Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the 79th minute in south Wales with his side 4-0 up, prompting the Chilean to kick his gloves and sit on the bench under an overcoat.
Both Sanchez and Ozil are inside the final 18 months of their Arsenal deals, and talks over extensions on improved terms have come to nothing.
But Wenger, who defended Sanchez's behaviour after this month's 3-3 draw at Bournemouth, played down the latest show of displeasure from his top scorer.
"Looking at the game tonight, that is really minor, minor, minor," he said. "All players are frustrated when they come off - some show it, some don't. I am long enough in the job to know that.
"He's a good guy who gives a lot and wants to do well, always, for the team. There is no problem.
"But every culture is different. Some South Americans are a bit different to Europeans, Southern Europeans are different to northern Europeans. You have to respect that. That's why we are a multi-national team.
"Look, he is hugely influential, Sanchez, but we also had players on the bench who are strikers, who need competition. We were 4-0 up. Ozil as well comes back from sickness so it was a good opportunity not to be stupid."
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Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck were the strikers introduced against Swansea, Welbeck making his first Premier League appearance since suffering a serious injury at Manchester City last season.
Wenger said: "I look at the players coming on. We have some good players like Danny Welbeck coming back and it was an opportunity to bring him into the competition."
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