After losing to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final on Feb 27,
Arsenal slumped to such an extent that they won just three of their final 15 matches of the season.
The slump took a significant personal toll on Wenger, who looked especially gaunt and agitated on the touchline. "It was because I took full responsibility for what happened," he said.
''Through November and December you could feel that the team had really taken off and could win everything. It was so close. The last part was certainly the toughest [of my career]. Emotionally, it was very difficult because we were on a low."
Wenger has looked reinvigorated during the club's pre-season tour of Asia, with the squad arriving in China on Thursday, and is challenging the players to be strengthened by their disappointments.
"I believe that the real destiny of this team is now. It demands the strength of character that champions have. I believe we are perfectly good enough.
"What we have done last year, considering the age of the squad and the problems with injuries is, for me, a credit to the team. Part of the development of a young team is to improve and win the championship this year."
Controversially, Wenger also rejected the accusation that Arsenal have serious defensive frailties.
He is hoping to add one more central defender – Gary Cahill, Chris Samba and Phil Jagielka are among the targets – but noted the return this season of Thomas Vermaelen.
"I don't think we are weak defensively but we are an offensive team and sometimes that exposes our defenders," he said.
Arsenal and Barcelona remain in negotiations over Cesc Fabregas and, despite being annoyed by Xavi speaking out this week about his captain, Wenger does not intend to make a formal complaint to Fifa.
"It has to stop of course," said Wenger. "If there are transfer negotiations between two clubs I don't think it's helpful to have other players involved."
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Originally Posted by selassie
