Almunia hails Wenger skills

Good man-management behind Arsenal resurge, says keeper

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 20th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Almunia hails Wenger skills

Almunia: Respect for Wenger

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Manuel Almunia believes Arsene Wenger's man-management skills are the reason Arsenal are just two points off the pace in the title race.

The Gunners looked dejected and deflated as they trudged off the Emirates pitch after a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea in November which suggested a gulf in class between the two sides.

Almunia admits the heavy loss was difficult to take, but a motivational speech from long-serving boss Wenger the very next day helped renew the Gunners' confidence.

In turn, Arsenal responded with a string of good results and, despite suffering another home defeat to title rivals Manchester United, they remain in with a shout to land their first Premier League crown since 2004.

"After Chelsea we felt not to have many chances to win anything" Almunia told the Daily Star.

"It was difficult because we were thinking that coming back to the top of the table would be really hard.

"We were quiet in the dressing room. Our heads were down. What are you going to say? It is better to wait until the next day.

"The next day we had a meeting with the boss in a special room at the training ground. He gave us all belief and we saw the boss like a father.

"We thought he was going to be very angry. But, no, he kept his calm and spoke well. He always says he still has belief in us, even when we lose.

"Now we are looking at Chelsea and United just waiting for them to drop (points). We have a hunger to catch them up and I think we are in a good position."