Wenger defiant but Arsenal's woes put manager under threat

By Ben James Feb 19, 2012, 12:37 GMT

London - Staring at a seventh straight season without a trophy, a defiant Arsene Wenger says he is still the right man to lead Arsenal, even as the vultures swoop around the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman, who has been in charge of the London club since 1996, saw his side go out of the FA Cup in the fifth round on Saturday, three days after a Champions League humbling at AC Milan.

Only a stunning turn of events in the second leg at the Emirates on Wednesday could keep alive hopes of winning silverware this season but with Milan holding a 4-0 lead that is hugely unlikely.

Rumours persist that Wenger's time could be up but even after the defeat at Sunderland on Saturday, he said he is the right man for the job.

'We have to take the criticism on board, stay together and face the critics,' Wenger said. 'It's very difficult to say where it leaves us and what we will do. The only response is to stay united and fight.

'We must focus on the next game, finish well in the league and fight, even if it's a small possibility, in the Champions League.'

Arsenal stand fourth in the Premier League, in line for a Champions League spot next season, but facing competition from Chelsea, Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Should they fail to secure a top-four spot, Wenger's position could be seriously under threat but it would be a bold move from the Board to remove the man who transformed the club from a faltering former giant into a side whose style of play set the standard for others.

Not only did Wenger change the results on the pitch, he also changed the club's ethos, removing the drinking philosophy and replacing it with an emphasis on fitness and nutrition that had never been seen in the UK before.

This season, though, they have been criticised for not having a leader on the pitch and not having the steel to battle when things are not going their way.

Wenger will point to injuries to key players including Jack Wilshere but The Mail on Sunday newspaper said Arsenal are considering moving Wenger upstairs to a directorial role at the end of the season and want to bring Pep Guardiola in from Barcelona as his replacement.

Guardiola has been at the Spanish champions for four years but said on Saturday night that he would take time before considering his future.

'I can't be at such a demanding club without being certain that I have the strength to do it,' Guardiola said.

'I still don't have it clear in mind. When I am sure then the club will know. To renew my contract, I have to feel it. We have been together for four years and the decision needs to be thought out thoroughly.

'I feel that it is better to have a bit more time. If that is okay then fine, if not then too bad. I have to be true to myself.'

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said Wenger did not deserve all the criticism that was flying his way.

'When Arsene eventually decides to retire, he will be regarded by everyone - including me - as one of the great managers in the game,' O'Neill said.

'We might not always see eye to eye about events but I think he's been fantastic. He will be disappointed that they have lost but my own view is that criticism is not particularly merited.'

And Wenger said those who are quick to criticise should look at themselves before attacking the performances of others.

'At the moment I get many lessons from many people who have managed zero clubs, zero games, zero Champions League games,' he said. 'I take it all on board, but don't think that would have helped us win this game.

'We have played 15 years at the top level and in the top four. It is remarkable consistency and one day when you manage a club, you will see it's not easy.'

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