Manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he may consider his future at the end of the season after his misfiring team slumped to another defeat and he had to endure a torrent of abuse from fans.
The 2-0 home defeat by Swansea City made it the club's worst start to a Premier League season under Wenger - and it followed an angry protest by fans against what they claimed was the 'greed' of the Arsenal board.
Wenger, criticised in some quarters for Arsenal's seven years without a major trophy, has never even hinted that he might be close to quitting the club he loves.
Making their point: Arsenal fans march prior to the game
Not flagging: Supporters make their feelings known to the board
New motto: These fans held placards suggesting profit had taken precedence over points at Arsenal
March: Arsenal fans make their way towards the Emirates behind a banner saying 'Let's kick greed out of football'
But after this defeat, asked whether it was crossing his mind to resign, Wenger replied: 'Not at all. You make your assessment at the end of the season. I know we've got unrest everywhere. It's a good opportunity to stick together and show we're a strong club.'
Although Wenger was clearly keen to dispel any thoughts that he might walk away in mid-season, his remarks were being interpreted as a clear indication that he will give his future careful thought when the last ball of the season has been kicked. And if he has not managed to turn Arsenal's season around, he may be ready to end his remarkable era in North London.
Asked if it hurt that a once-glorious club were languishing in 10th place, Wenger said: 'Of course. But I'm not as worried about the places. We need to get the quality of our game back.'
But Arsenal fans vented their fury at Wenger and he admitted: 'I can understand that.'
Not good enough: Arsene Wennger saw his side slump to a home defeat
Magic Michu: Swansea's Miguel Michu celebrates after scoring against Arsenal
Oh dear: Santi Cazorla (left) and Mikel Arteta look defeated after the defeat left them in 10th in the Premier League
Asked if he needed new players, Wenger said: 'It's difficult to comment straight after a defeat like that but I can't say No. I believe the board are there for us to spend the money if we can find the players.'
But if Wenger's faith in the board is not rewarded with cash for players in January, and the club fail to qualify for the Champions League, the Frenchman could call time on his Arsenal career.
Certainly a hard-core army of fans believe that their money is not being spent by the club where they believe it should be - on players.
Mutiny: Fans have started the Black Scarf Movement to make their feelings known over the way the club is being run
Vocal: The protest march ended outside the Emirates stadium, though there were jeers inside after the final whistle
Dan Deamer, 27, explained: 'I've been an Arsenal fan for 20 years and I do have a gripe with Wenger. It's a joke that he is paid £7.5million and hasn't won anything for years.'
Wenger added: 'The quality of our game wasn't there. But I'm in this job to turn it round and I'm confident we will.'
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He gets too much money for his salary and other allowances but he finds it difficult to spend money in getting qualitative players to make us proud.
ReplyDeleteArsene Wenger should be dismissed with immediate effect and get replaced.
He is not prudent but naturally stingy.