LONDON. — Arsene Wenger has jokingly apologised to Arsenal’s fans for every time he’s made them “suffer” during his 20-year reign. The Frenchman was addressing Arsenal’s shareholders at their annual AGM meeting yesterday. The Arsenal boss was given a standing ovation at the club’s Annual General Meeting when he was presented with a portrait by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke to mark his 20 years in charge.

And the Gunners boss began his lengthy speech with a joke to the supporters. “Yes it’s 20 years, I’m sorry but I would like to thank you for your consistent support,” said the Arsenal boss.

“I would like to apologise for every minute I make you suffer in these 20 years but you don’t look too bad for people who have suffered for 20 years. I am sorry for the boy who was born 20 years ago and only known one manager.

“I would reassure that when he will be 40 he will know a few more.

“I tried to serve for 20 years this club sincerely, with complete commitment loyalty and of course competence and that was a very important part of my guidance and I tried to respect what is important for this club, respect for people, humility and as well always try to develop the team and the club.”

Wenger has told Arsenal fans they need between 82 and 86 points to win the Premier League title. The Gunners are level on points with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table, after drawing 0-0 at home to Middlesbrough over the weekend.

The three clubs have 20 points after nine games with nearly a quarter of the Premier League season already passed by. Wenger said: “I believe we have a competitive team in a very competitive league.

“If you look now, it is 20 points which means the championship will be decided between 82 and 86 points. “And what we have learned since the start of the season is every game is a fight and you need absolutely to be at your best to win.

“That means we have to be really focused on the details, keeping the energy inside our club but even more inside our team as every single detail can get you points.” Wenger’s side have surpassed that mark twice — in 2002 when they netted 87 points and the invincibles year of 2004 when Arsenal nabbed 90 points.

The Gunners were pegged back at the weekend by a spirited Boro side, who could have taken all three points themselves. But results in the Champions League have been encouraging, the Gunners at level-pegging with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Group A, with Ludogorets and Basel on just one point. They can qualify if they win at Ludogorets and PSG beat Basel.

Wenger added: “We have an important month in front of us as the end of October and November could be an important month, we having injuries back could play a key part in that.” The Gunners have some injury troubles.

Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck are out — but will be welcomed back over the coming weeks, but the squad for once has adequate cover. Meanwhile, Wenger can still “take Arsenal forward” and his future will be discussed “at an appropriate time”, chairman Sir Chips Keswick says.

Wenger is inside the final year of his current deal and has repeatedly said he will not consider his future until the end of the season. And when a question from the floor broached the subject of a new contract Keswick, quoted by the Daily Mirror, said: “We all recognise the fantastic contribution Arsene has made to club in the last 20 years. — AFP.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey