Zimpapers Logo

THE LAST SUPPER . . . Arsene Wenger shows off his skills in Arsenal’s training session yesterday ahead of tonight’s match against Barcelona, but this could be his final shot at the Champions League. — Mailonline

LONDON. — Arsene Wenger is concerned that growing supporter unrest could force him into an early Arsenal exit — despite having the unequivocal backing of the club’s board.

The Frenchman, who has one year left on his deal after this season, will be allowed to mastermind his exit strategy but acrimony from Arsenal supporters means he could consider walking away after 20 years in north London.

Owner Stan Kroenke has given the beleaguered boss his full backing despite the team’s alarming slump in form. Arsenal are 11 points adrift of Leicester in the English Premier League soccer title race and were dumped out of the FA Cup at home by Watford on Sunday.

They face Barcelona in the Nou Camp tonight needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit to progress to the Champions League last eight.

Fans clashed outside the Emirates following Sunday’s Cup exit and, should the mutiny in the stands get worse, Wenger could do the unthinkable and leave before the end of his contract. Sources insist Wenger is as determined as ever to continue, but increasing bitterness from supporters who once revered him has shaken the manager.

Wenger has always maintained he will leave when he no longer feels he is the right man for the job. And the behaviour of fans until the end of the season could be pivotal as English football’s longest-serving current boss ponders his future. — Daily Mail.