Wenger Staying?

[Munchies]

Arsene Wenger hints at Arsenal stay.. but admits it could be ''painful'' season without Champions League

Arsene Wenger dropped another big hint he is staying at Arsenal by revealing he is planning for next season.

But Wenger admitted it will be “painful” if they do not reach the Champions League as he claims it is vital for Arsenal to be on Europe’s biggest stage.

We do make plans for next season, we are really focused and working very hard,” said Wenger. “Every day we spend time on that.

“It’s vital to me to make the top four. I want this club to play in the Champions League.

“What will be an advantage is our desire to play in this competition because we love the Champions League and just to imagine how much we love it will help us to achieve it. I would like them rather to concentrate on the pleasure to be in it rather than the pain of not being in it.

“It is vital for the young players as well. You learn more by playing against Bayern or Barcelona or Real Madrid than if you play in the Europa League, that is for sure.

“You don’t go backwards, but you want to play with the top teams.

“On the other hand for many years I had to convince you it was important we were in the top four.

“Now it is in a reverse *position, you say to me, ‘you realise how important it is for us’.” If Arsenal fans have taken the Champions League for granted in the past few years and ridiculed Wenger for wanting a trophy for finishing in the top four, then these next few games will provide a timely reminder of its importance.

Wenger, who defended the club’s lengthy injury list, said: “You are limited to 25 players.

“It’s difficult to predict you will have Ozil, Walcott, Wilshere out at the same time and Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil and Walcott out. It’s too many.

“Fatigue is an issue but it’s difficult to predict how you will be three days later after an FA Cup semi-final.

“The mental part is so *important in the *physical recovery. The fact we come out in a positive mood will help us to recover. I believe physically we can cope with it.”

[Heisenberg]

I love Wenger. I love what he's done for this club. But this season has become pretty hard to take because it has turned out to be more of the same. Early on it looked like a fresh start because we were getting the wins, but we've just collapsed again. Really, what's the difference between this and the last few years? Those seasons we've put together great runs at the business end but been undone because we started so slowly. This time we started well and didn't keep it up (like 2007/08). Even if we win the FA cup, it's hard to take being in the scrap for fourth yet again, regardless of whether we get 4th or 5th.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I love Wenger. I love what he's done for this club. But this season has become pretty hard to take because it has turned out to be more of the same. Early on it looked like a fresh start because we were getting the wins, but we've just collapsed again. Really, what's the difference between this and the last few years? Those seasons we've put together great runs at the business end but been undone because we started so slowly. This time we started well and didn't keep it up (like 2007/08). Even if we win the FA cup, it's hard to take being in the scrap for fourth yet again, regardless of whether we get 4th or 5th.

Where's my crystal meth you?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Arsene Wenger hints at Arsenal stay.. but admits it could be ''painful'' season without Champions League

To be fair whilst a contract has not been signed, anything he says in this regard should not be taken as a firm statement of his intentions, the media like to read between the lines but i think the truth is (and again this is only specculating on my part) that even Arsene Wenger doesn't know what he is going to do yet. I think whatever happens between now and the end of the season, i don't expect any decision to be forthcoming.....even if we finish 4th and win the fa cup i don't think he is going to put pen to paper straight away.

[Niall_Quinn]

No option for him to stay regardless - framed poll again.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I really want him to win the FA cup, try for 4th....and then leave.

Don't have any hatred for the guy, but his time is up. I really cannot stand watching he same season for another 2 years after the last 10, it's just too draining and frustrating.

At least if he wins the cup he can leave on a high, and we can start afresh with someone new in the summer.

The team need some silverware, but ultimately they also need a new direction and a fresh approach.

I don't even care if were in Europa next season, I actually think it will be a benefit to make them work harder in the long run.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

No option for him to stay regardless - framed poll again.

Do you want him to stay if we finish 5th and without a trophy?

If so than perhaps a new poll can be created, but i would guess it wouldn't be a choice many people would click on. Bit like having an assisted suicide App on your Iphone

[IBK]

I voted 4th plus Cup, but it was a close call, as I have lost any real belief that he can take this club forward. I suppose my main problem is that I don't think the board have any proper plan for life after Wenger, and if he reaches this bare minimum, would prefer a well managed transition. Wenger has so much power over so many aspects of this club that the fall put from his departure concerns me.

[IBK]

To be fair whilst a contract has not been signed, anything he says in this regard should not be taken as a firm statement of his intentions, the media like to read between the lines but i think the truth is (and again this is only specculating on my part) that even Arsene Wenger doesn't know what he is going to do yet. I think whatever happens between now and the end of the season, i don't expect any decision to be forthcoming.....even if we finish 4th and win the fa cup i don't think he is going to put pen to paper straight away.

We all know that the decision to stay or go will only be Wenger's, however we finish the season. Not a healthy place for a football club to be. TBH.

[gunnerrrrr]

Hope he goes...or swallows his ego, loses his arrogance and accepts he needs help.