Another rough one for Arsenal FC and their fans Wednesday. The 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 wasn’t just a gut punch, it was an utter annihilation. Given Arsene Wenger’s declining popularity (which was already low to begin with), speculation surrounding his potential sacking ran rampant.
However, according to multiple reports, he’s safe at The Emirates until the end of the season, no matter what happens. The Frenchman maintains that he’ll keep on managing beyond this season, whether that be in London, or elsewhere.
“No matter what happens, I will manage next season, whether it’s here or somewhere else. That’s absolutely for sure,” Wenger said in his press conference ahead of Monday’s FA Cup clash at Sutton United.
“You do not stay somewhere for 20 years to then walk out after a defeat like that (against Bayern). It is difficult to take, but I have the strength and experience to respond to that.”
Wenger consistently maintains that the decision to stay or leave will be up to him and that he will arrive upon that decision in March or April. Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has suggested that Wenger has lost his dressing room.
Wenger doesn’t seem to have the players behind him anymore, the comments of Kahn imply.
“It looks like the players don’t take the coach seriously anymore,” Oliver Kahn said while doing punditry work for ZDF Television.
“Of course Arsenal have their qualities, especially on the counter-attack, and they have good players like Ozil, but I haven’t seen him. Maybe you saw him. It’s sad to see what Ozil is calling a performance, how passive he plays, a player of his genius and qualities — it’s a shame.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and Bold, contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud and YouTube