Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that the criticism that is being directed to his team as a result of their faltering challenge in the Premier League title is “emotional” and “excessive.”
Their 3-2 defeat by Manchester United left the team 5 points down the league leaders, Leicester City and thus interfering the chances of the team ending their 12-year wait to win the title.
Media personalities then rounded up on Arsenal as some of them like former Liverpool manager regarding the team to be insipid and weak. Paul Merson, ex-Arsenal midfielder, said that it was time for Wenger to leave if he will not win the league.
During a press conference, Wenger said that he is “never surprised by Arsenal criticism” that follows after a defeat. He spoke with the media ahead of his Wednesday match against Swansea City.
He added that the reaction is part of the media; the opinion in some cases is a bit excessive and emotional.
He also stated that he was not going to respond to individual criticism saying that people get a bit too emotional and that they would like to take a neutral position while analyzing things as they are.
“Arsenal commands respect throughout the world in spite of what people way. Each person has the freedom of opinion and I am pleased that people are concerned about my future. I am grateful for that. ”
Arsenal will play against Tottenham Hotspur during the weekend. The manager wants his team to make use of the Swansea visit to a send a message that they have a pivotal game in the competition to win the Premier League.
He said that people should not go overboard. Their reason for playing is not to be relegated but to win the title. That makes them be focused on putting criticism in the right place.
Wenger also revealed that Alex Oxlade could be sidelined for up to 2 months because his knee injury is yet to heal. He sustained the injury while playing against Barcelona in the Champions League clash.
The estimated time scale that Wenger provided for the 22-year-old to recover is 6 to 8 weeks according to Wenger.
He added that there was no surgery.
At some stage of the treatment, it was feared that surgery would be required but that was left after the MRI (scan) was seen.
Talking of six to eight weeks implies that the months of March and April are taken. He should be better for the European Championship.