Gunners boss fumes at media

Wenger blasts reporting

Last updated: 9th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at the media, as he claims they keep twisting his words.

Wenger was quoted on Sunday after their 2-0 defeat to title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, insisting his side were the better team.

A number of people, including Chelsea's Michael Ballack, have hit-back at Wenger, claiming he was a bad loser.

But the Gunners boss insists that his press conference was not accurately reported.

"I just would like to say that I was full of praise and compliments for Chelsea," Wenger stated on Sky Sports News.

Unfair

"I find it unfair from the press that you take one word from my press conference and turn it in a kind of hope [of a big story], you did that at Aston Villa, you did that at Chelsea.

"Every time if you look at the intent of the press conference it is positive to the opposition, if you want I can say nothing.

"I am in England long enough to know that if the team wins you can say what you want, it is my job to take a distance from that but I analyse it in a cold way and look at what is right and wrong."

Wenger again refused to concede the title despite the recent defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United.

"What is important is that we win, we will see who wins the title - there is a long way to go, 13 games to play and 39 points still to take," he said.

"If we don't have belief, then it can't happen and I am sure mathematically it can happen and if you look at the fixtures it can really happen.

"It is down to how much we believe and how much we won't give up."

Wenger is also unsurprised by Liverpool's rise back up the table.

"I always said they would come back, if you listen to my statements from six weeks ago, eight weeks ago," he said.

"It is a game to win and everyone can drop points, I sit here like the current situation is forever, but this is sport and things can change quickly."

Wenger also hit back at claims that he did not try and add to his squad in January, with many Arsenal fans calling for a striker to be signed.

"We tried to sign players, but it didn't work and we have to accept that," Wenger continued.

Fight

"We have lost players and unfortunately we have three strikers out and the way the fixtures are, you lose one player and you lose three big games, but I believe we promised to fight to the last game of the season.

"There were positives in the last game and we will fight to the last second of the season. But again everyone is negative with Arsenal and we have to live with that and prove them wrong."

Wenger remains coy on Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, refusing to even admit that he is in talks.

Chamakh admitted over the weekend that he wanted to sign for Arsenal, seemingly shunning a switch to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

"I believe he is talking to many clubs which he is entitled to do, we are just focusing on the [Liverpool] game," Wenger said.

"He is free to sign wherever he wants."

Comments (47)

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Martin O'neill (Aston Villa fan) says...

It's absolutely hilarious that Arsenal fans continue to stick by Wenger, it's as if Arsenal have never had good managers before him and will never find a good manager after him. as has been mentioned Wenger is content with having his players play pretty football, in EVERY game, regardless of the stakes. Man Utd and Chelsea understand that, games against the likes of Stoke, and Bolton are very different to games against Barcelona and Real Madrid, Arsenal Haven't sussed that yet and until they do, they will wonder why in amazement they struggle against these teams. And for Wenger to complain about the opposition is futile, As if clubs are going to change their tactics to ones that make it easy for Arsenal to beat them! WAKE UP YOU GOONERS!!! With Man City buying quality players, you are now in a battle merely for fourth place in the league along with Villa, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool. Money does talk. And next season will be even tougher than this one. There is one ray of hope though! And that is that Man Utd's debt along with Liverpools, cripples them in the summer transfer market. fingers crossed on that one!!!

Posted 09:43 11th February 2010

Chris White says...

I am disappointed by Arsenals poor record in the transfer market over the last few years...too many sold and very little quality bought into replace it. The reality is the Arsenal board have not supported Wenger in supplying him with money and I feel that there has been a misrepresentation for some years about available transfer funds. He is too stubborn for his own good and from a tactical point of view has failed to address very obvious weaknesses in the style of play and in certain players ( Denilson????) However when you look at the restrictions he has had in competing financially with chelsea, united and liverpool ( who regularly spend vast sums on players) wenger has done an amazing job. He is probably one of the most professional, courteous and respected managers in the world. Players come to Arsenal because wenger is the manager. So lets give him the respect he deserves. He has achieved a lot in the game and will continue to do so.

Posted 09:37 11th February 2010

Paul Jewell says...

Really honestly sack Wenger? Why? Why? Why? Thats just plain silly. Next I'll be commenting on my team Coventry lifting the champions league!!!! Sack the manager who other then Ferguson and Mourinho is the only manager currently alive and managing today thats actually won a premier league title then the lunatics really have took over the asylum.

Posted 09:14 11th February 2010

Zeeshan Sabro (chelsea fan) says...

Wenger ... keep finding young talent around the globe and keep training them so they can become perfom best when join other clubs at mature age .... Cesc should join Barca, if he want to belt silverware .....

Posted 05:41 11th February 2010

Alex Ferguson says...

For some reason arsenal do not pay the same wages as the other big clubs and that is why henry, viera, flamini, hleb and soon fabregas have left. Its a good financial job wenger is doing at the club but that doesnt win trophies

Posted 17:10 10th February 2010

Kyle The heff (Liverpool fan) says...

I think the media have a big hand in football today. Few months back it was liverpool as the whipping boys and as soon as that start to bore them they turn on Arsenal. I think Arsene is a great manager and has proved that by playing great football in the worlds best league. Bought cheap an made youngsters into stars and when they get too old or big headed gets shut. Last but not least I wonder how much of 23 mill for anelka,30 million combined for petit an overmars. 15 million for Henry? and countless other players who have left for pastures new. Lack of expierence is costing arsenal and I would agree with Harry Fuller some english players would not go a miss. Football has its cycle's liverpool/everton/man u/arsenal man u/chelsea....man u/man city soon??? who knows

Posted 16:46 10th February 2010

Phil Bliss says...

I'm not a true fan of Arsenal, just an admirer of the way they play football. But i will say all this talk of them needing a striker is nonsense. They have 3 very good ones! Unfortunately they have all been injured this season. Man utd fans picture your team without Rooney for the whole season, likewise to Chelsea if Drogba ever gets injured for a long period. Liverpool know all about this with the Torres absence. Along with Van Persie these players are quite literally goal machines and no team can cope with their best players missing.

Posted 16:23 10th February 2010

Manny Man (Arsenal fan) says...

I think fans are just repeating the common opinion at this point. Its very predictable. Think about it logically, the next transfer window is the same one that van persie returns on. We play a system of 1 striker. To buy a striker on par with van persie doesnt make sense as 1 would be on the bench affecting team morlale over the course of next season. I am of the belief that Arsene can go on to outshine Fergie one day if the board and fans have patience. We have sensational foundations thanks to the same LEGEND that your all turning on. No club in the world can argue such quality youngsters each being sold for vast profits. As Chelsea age and reitre and Abromovich finally leaves. As Fergie finally reitres and utd go into the same transitional period we went through and as Liverpool fall from grace in regards to their debts there is only 1 self sufficient team to become the dominant english team. All we need is to stick by the best alongside mourinho for different reasons manager in the world.

Posted 16:02 10th February 2010

Gary Patterson says...

There is no doubt that Arsene is a terrific manager who has been great for the English game. In his time at Arsenal he has transformed the club and has countless achievements listed on his CV. However, he surely must soon face up to the fact that his current squad are not good enough to win the top honours. Arsenal on song are terrific, and are probably the best team in the league to watch on their day. Unfortunately a seeming lack of a Plan B, and poor results against the other big teams has put them out of the title race for another season. United destroyed them at the Emirates, in an almost identical display as last years Champions League semi-final. And despite the bulk of possession against Chelsea they just didn't look like getting back into the game after a poor start. As optimistic as Wenger is, there is no way they will overtake both Chelsea and Manchester United before the seasons close. I am not an Arsenal fan but i'm so bored of hearing all about the potential of this young Arsenal team. We've been hearing about it for some time now. There is no question they have potential, but potential is no good if it's not being shown out on the pitch. Wenger needs to add to his squad in the Summer, it's as simple as that. I'm surprised a striker wasn't brought in during the January window. Even a loan signing to give them some help until Eduardo and Van Persie returned. It's going to be another trophyless season for the Gunners, and you have to wonder how much longer key man Fabregas will stay as Arsenal continue to struggle to keep up with the leagues top two teams.

Posted 14:45 10th February 2010

Nick Gray (Sunderland fan) says...

Wenger was quoted on Sunday after their 2-0 defeat to title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, insisting his side were the better team. They do create goal scoring opportunities, but fire blanks when it¿s game on. Wenger inherited the best defense going when he became the boss at Arsenal, but season by season it has weakened and now lost all its balance. He may buy great forwards, but his choice of defenders is his weakest link and Arsenal never had the muscle to compete against the power Chelsea have in abundance as the result confirmed.

Posted 14:38 10th February 2010

Jatinder Singh(chelsea fan) says...

Its a tragedy really for arsenal fans. Gunners have not won anything in last 5 years which frustrates them but at the same time they have always been in top 4. If they sack wenger they know they wouldnt even qualify for europe if they dont sack him their frustration grows. Truth is arsenal dont have the money to buy any good striker. Its a truth that nobody can run in such limited amount. The problem is money not wenger.

Posted 13:11 10th February 2010

Adel Newman (Arsenal fan) says...

In Arsene we believe...this is the man who spots the tallent at a young age! Has everyone forgot that he brought the like's of Anelke, Henry, Veira, Pires, Fabregas etc. Well in my opinion I'd rather have world class stricker playing here next season rather then just anyone will do.

Posted 13:03 10th February 2010

Paul Page says...

Every time Arsenal lose, Wenger makes some comments that are designed to deflect concentration away from the fact that his players have lost. Every year, it is the same story..."this year they are going to win" ..."this is the year that the young team (not so young these days actally) come true". They start well and are in everything....then come January they start to falter and by the end of February they are out of everything. You have to give it to the majority of Arsenal fans though...they stick by him, when in most other teams he's be gone. But surely football is about winning - or is Arsene trying to turn the league into something like Strickly - where he will get marks for 'artistic interpretation'!!

Posted 12:50 10th February 2010

Johnny Wheelen (Arsenal fan) says...

We don't need any whining fans, who keep complaining that they know what best. It's not like Arsene if he doesn't blame others. He only protected the player. That's what managers do. And stop complaining about, Arsene didn't buy this, didn't buy that. I'm actually grateful cause Arsene doesn't have the sense to buy with illogical amount of money. (not like Rafa) He always knows what a player's worth. If it goes out of hand (the price), off course he will back off. The ones who don't have to pay the tickets, don't have to complaint much. Alas, the season still far ahead. Just patiently wait for the team to improve. Don't know what it feels like to be fans for 30+ years cause I'm still young, but I will luv the Gunners piece of football till I die. If you really like Mark Hughes to be our manager, kept chanting 'Wenger out!' next time. Then, you will see what's the future holds. Ha ha...

Posted 11:42 10th February 2010

Vick Owuor (Arsenal fan) says...

Love arsenal to bits and have faith in arsene! But lately, being beaten twice in a row by rivals isn't the best feeling! He has to change his tacts + sign a new striker! Arsenal has been cashing in on businesses plus, arsene has been selling star players and not replacing them so he'd better not use the excuse of not having funds!

Posted 10:51 10th February 2010

Kelvin Simpson (Arsenal fan) says...

I think Arsene has done great over the years with the resourses he has been given, I do admire his charachter of responsibility in not been reckless with the finances of the club to sort out a short term short sighted problem , I do believe though that he could be a bit more flexible with his policy, if some is not producing results there is no sin in making adjustments , he does not need to completely change his philosophy with regards to his approach and Arsenal style of play, but he could add a new dimention to the team by making changes in tactics and game plan when the former is not successful....Arsene is truly a great manager, but the thing is, what makes great men great is that they are able to see the things that ordinary men cannot see, but what makes them not so great is that they fail to see the things that everyone else can see....We want you to stay Arsene..just give a listening ear and act before you unwrite all the greatness that you have already achieve.

Posted 10:41 10th February 2010

Tim Keane (Arsenal fan) says...

if anybody thinks they can do better than Mr Wenger then shut up moaning and become a coach prove yourself all over the world then try and get his job and see how well you do with a limited budget, every year i hear the same moaning from the same people, without Mr Wenger we would not be were we are today, new stadium anybody great training ground and a buch of youngsters that could be playing together for the next 10 years that cost nothing. so shut up moaning and get behind this great club and lets start hearing the positive from you so called fans. arsenal 4ever

Posted 10:30 10th February 2010

Raags * (Arsenal fan) says...

I feel Arsenal have to bring new players for next season to compete against big guns.There should be a goal keeper to replace Almunia. Clichy is not enough in defending as well as passing the ball. Good midfielder and a good striker.

Posted 07:22 10th February 2010

Deco So (arsenal fan) says...

I just hope that Arsene could sign a goalkeeper that can be reliable.Almunia does not deserve to be in the Arsenal starting 11.Maybe Arsene can think about Joe Hart.

Posted 05:47 10th February 2010

Harry Fuller (Liverpool fan) says...

I am a Liverpool fan for more than 20yrs. Sorry to say that my team and Arsenal will not or never win the premier again with most foreign rubbish players in our teams, apart from the likes of Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie,.... Torres, Reina,(for Liverpool). Look Ferguson has been successful with most british players for nearly 2 decades, even big spending Chelsea have 5 or 6 british players. Arsenal has been successful in recent years with players like Adams, Keown, Wright, Dixon, Seaman, Winterburn, etc.... If you have noticed, only Rafa and Wenger are first to complain whenever the FA decide to restrict certain amount of foreign players in a team......make your conclusion.....We need more british players in our teams, they play with their heart..... From a disappointed Liverpool Supporter........ Anyway my comments will never be passed because they have never been, but the house I am living, he is a sky sports subscriber.....anyway thank you

Posted 03:35 10th February 2010
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