Monday 22 May 2017 10:24, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that the cloud hanging over his future damaged the team's morale this season.
The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years - something Wenger described as "sad" after their final day win over Everton.
The Frenchman's future is expected to be resolved at a board meeting after next weekend's FA Cup final, in which Arsenal face Chelsea, and he is hoping for an end to the "horrendous psychological environment" his players have endured.
Wenger said: "Since January, we played in a very difficult environment for different reasons.
"Some obviously that you know about, and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with. Some other reasons we will talk about another day.
"But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. It has been difficult.
"Certainly my personal situation has contributed to that."
Goals from Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey saw the Gunners claim a 3-1 victory over Everton but defender Laurent Koscielny will be suspended for the cup final after being shown a straight red card.
The clash with the Premier League champions at Wembley could be Wenger's final game in charge and, no matter what the outcome, he says he will always love the club.
"As I said before we will sit together after the cup final and see where we go," Wenger told Sky Sports.
"I will love the club my whole life. Even if I wanted to I would not be capable of changing that. My commitment, my love and my loyalty to this club cannot be questioned.
"I've said no to many clubs during my career here and I want always to do what is best for the club."
