Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has now admitted that the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade will have a huge influence when he will take a final decision about his future at Arsenal.
The French manager is facing the heat after a series of lack lustre performances and a 10-2 (on aggregate) defeat to European rivals Bayern Munich over the span of two-legs in the Champions League last-16 round.
And it is now believed that Wenger’s memorable journey with the North London club will finally come to an end after the end of this season.
Wenger, who has completed 20 years at Arsenal in October, is yet to start negotiations over a new contract with the Premier League club.
The Gunners bosses are willing to offer the Frenchman a new contract and now it would be interesting to see whether Wenger signs a new deal amid huge criticism from fans after a disastrous run of results in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
And now while speaking at a press conference, the under-fire Gunners boss admitted that he will ponder upon the fan protests before taking any final decision about his future at Arsenal.
When asked whether the fans’ portests will have any effect on him, Wenger said: “Yes.”
“I have work very hard for 20 years to make our fans happy.”
“But I have said many times you have to accept many different opinions.”
Around 200 fans shouted ant-Wenger chants outside the Emirates stadium before the Champions League last-16 second-leg defeat against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
The protesters outside the stadium carried banners and signs including one that read ‘No New Contract’ with the French manager set to leave the Premier League club in the summer if he does not sign a new contract.
The angry fans also chanted ‘Wenger Out’ as they marched towards the Emirates.
Wenger is also facing the heat after his relationship with Alexis Sanchez strained after a training ground bust-up and now the Chilean superstar is linked with a move away from the club in the summer.
However, Wenger also accentuated that his illustrious career at Arsenal will not be tarnished by the club’s recent problems, nor the protests aimed at his future.
Wenger said: “I don’t work for my image. I work for this club.”
“After how I will be judged, is not my problem.”
“I have shown since I have been here that I love this club and I am loyal to this club. I have made the best decision for this club and I will continue to do that.”
Wenger also accentuated that the 10-2 (on aggregate) defeat to European rivals Bayern Munich over the span of two-legs in the Champions League last-16 round will not influence his decision about signing a new contract with the Gunners.
Wenger said: “That won’t decide, no.”
“At that level, it can be very quick and go one way or the other. At that level, you can be punished.”
