It was a confident - and witty - Arsene Wenger facing a barrage of questions from the media this morning (Friday) at Arsenal’s training grounds in London Colney ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners’ boss calmly headed off questions about his team’s 6-0 defeat at Chelsea and the booing by Arsenal fans following Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Swansea.
About 35 members of the media were at London Colney for the pre-match press conference.
Arsene said although disappointed by recent results, he was concentrating on tomorrow’s game.
Asked how Manchester City could be beaten, he replied that Arsenal would “focus on our own strengths and getting it right”.
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans living in St Albans, talented local midfielder Jack Wilshere, who lives in Harpenden, still “needs more time” to recover from a fracture to his foot.
But a positive Arsene said that Jack was working “very hard” to return to the field, although he did not know “exactly how long” it would take.
He added: “It’s a fractured bone, so you cannot accelerate that process.”
However, he said that Jack was an “exceptional player for me, who has been handicapped by many injuries.”
Asked about how the last 10 days had been for him, Arsene replied: “In terms of my career, if I don’t win, I’m very disappointed. But I’m determined to win the next one.”
In regards to the recent booing at the Gunners’ stadium, Arsene said he understood fans’ behaviour, as the team was at “an important” stage of the season.
Questions are still being asked about Andre Marriner’s error at Stamford Bridge, when he sent off the wrong Arsenal player - Kieran Gibbs - instead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for handball.
Arsene told the press conference: “My opinion is quite simple, it hasn’t been treated seriously. Why? Because the linesman in front of us made the decision. Where I was, I did not see the difference between Chamberlain and Gibbs as well.
“So I think the whole case may be that the referee needs more assistance to make the right decision.
“I have said many times, the referee should have video assistance. When the referee feels he needs assistance, he should have that resource. The game today is too quick for everyone to master everything.”
Arsene said tomorrow’s game against Manchester City was of, “massive importance. They are the favourites.
“We are determined to give our best. It isn’t all doom and gloom. It is what you do on the pitch that counts; the rest is opinions. The season isn’t over.”
When grilled several times about his “commitment” to remaining with Arsenal, Arsene replied: “I will stay unless I decide otherwise.”
Arsenal play Manchester City tomorrow (Saturday) at the Emirates Stadium at 5.30pm.
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