Wenger: Fifth place a worthy achievement
Arsene Wenger feels missing out on a Champions League place this season would not be disastrous for the club. Not only would it be a huge financial blow, it would mean finishing below their north London rivals Tottenham for the first time in Wenger's reign.
However, the Arsenal boss is not overly worried about the consequences, stating, "Fifth is not globally harmful. You tell me there is a 50% chance we become a forgotten club, but I must tell you we will still be in the upper 20% of the Premier League. As well you know, Arsenal.com is the most popular football website in the world and you see boys in Tanzania wearing our kit. What does this tell you? I cannot say. But yes, it shows we are up there."
"The Champions League is important yes, but finishing fifth is also a good evidence of our consistency," continues the Frenchman. "We have given the fans an exceptional legacy of Champions League football. Do they have a right to be disappointed if we do not qualify? I will not speak about this. Is disappointment a quality? I believe no. You [the gathered press] say I only focus on the top four, but now if I say it is not essential you kill me! I have qualified seventeen times, I do not have to justify myself to you."
And on the possibility of Tottenham finishing above their fierce neighbours?
"First, I must say we are not fierce. We are respectful to the opposition always. We will respect Spurs if they finish ahead of us. Will I appear on their celebratory DVD as little bit talking head and congratulate them? I do not know about this. Will Christian Gross leave a foreword in my book, which I will one day release?"
With or without top-level European football, Wenger is adamant that his squad does not require a major overhaul.
"I feel we are not far from showing a top, top, top level of consistency. We are on an outstanding run and they have shown me now what they can do when they leave the nervous zone. Theo, Jack, Tomas, Carl: these boys are young and will grow. Will we buy? What has buying done for QPR? That is a sign that buying is not the answer. If we see a special talent, we always look closely. Is Jovetic a special player? I do not watch Serie A or Youtube compilations featuring 23-year-old Montenegrin forwards."