PARIS: Arsene Wenger sees his Arsenal future as only “short term” and that he has the feeling that “something’s coming to an end” at the club.
The Frenchman took charge in 1996, guiding the club to three league titles and the league and FA Cup double on two occasions. But frustration has grown among fans as the club is without a trophy since the FA Cup six years ago. In an interview with L’Equipe magazine published Saturday, Wenger was asked if he envisages staying at Arsenal for a long time.
“No. For me we’re now talking short term, it’s obvious,” he replied.
However, he said after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Norwich that he is “completely committed” to seeing out the remaining two years on his contract.
Wenger considers last season as the toughest of his career.
Arsenal lost the League Cup final to Birmingham after a late, calamitous mix-up in defense, lost to eventual winners Barcelona in last 16 of the Champions League after winning the home leg, and slipped away from contention in the league.
“During the storm I was strong and I stayed focused,” Wenger said. “If I admit my mistake, it was wanting to win everything. We played 27 matches between November and January.”
“I know my recruitment was criticized,” Wenger said. “But I think it was successful beyond all my expectations.”
He admits to feeling let down by young players leaving, as he had a vision of building the club’s long-term future around them.
“What’s tough is the feeling that something’s coming to an end,” he said. “You had a project with players you took on at 18 and who leave at 23. It’s not what you dreamt about. (Agencies)
