Arsenal have won just twice in 2016 in nine league games, drawing four and losing the other three, which could derail their title bid fully if their form doesn’t improve soon.
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Hull City defender Curtis Davis is expecting a strong Arsenal line-up in Tuesday’s FA Cup replay as he reckons that the cup represents the Gunners’ best chance of silverware this season.
“He has to be great to manage a club like Arsenal for 20-odd years”, he said.
But ahead of his side’s FA Cup fifth round replay against Hull City on Tuesday, the veteran French coach has launced an attack on those who feel he should leave the north London outfit if they fail to win a trophy this season. “He has a chance to be available for the weekend, but I think even for then he will be short”, said Wenger.
“That’s why I think the group is healthy and there’s a good mentality”.
“You have more people talking than 20 years ago and more opinions”.
The 66-year-old has been accustomed in recent years to supporters and pundits alike calling for him to end his long reign with the Gunners, and in recent weeks he has faced a fresh wave of criticism after the team’s Barclays Premier League title hopes were derailed by some poor results. I do my job and some day somebody will replace me, will replace you. If you can’t get up for a derby game, what game can you get up for?
“I find it appalling that they can”. I try to do my job in a proper way and with full commitment. Ideally it’s not the best position for us but I couldn’t see any other solution. “It can only do them good, so in that respect we will be making changes”.
Speaking after the game, Wenger told his club’s official website: “We showed good attitude and character and I’m happy and proud of our performance and attitude”.
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He made 10 changes to his side for the initial tie last month and confirmed he will rotate his squad again tonight with his team having embarked on a run of five games in 16 days when they lost 1-0 at Birmingham last Thursday. It’s more about rotating a little bit and keeping the right balance in the team.
