Wenger Wants 'Another 14 Years' at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger

BBC

Arsene Wenger says he is unfazed by the current pressure on him and wants to manage Arsenal long into the future, reports the BBC.

Critics have questioned the Frenchman's position with the embattled Gunners 17th in the Premier League having sold key players in the summer.

But, after the 3-1 Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury, Wenger said: "I am not bothered at all by this speculation.

"I have had 14 years at this club and kept them 14 years in the Champions League. I hope it lasts another 14."

Arsenal Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis told BBC Sport on Tuesday that sacking Wenger was not an option they wished to pursue.

The club needed to come from a goal down to beat League Two side Shrewsbury on Tuesday with a side made up, largely, of promising youngsters and reserve players.

Much of the focus on Wenger has centred on the strength of his squad after club captain, Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona and fellow midfielder, Samir Nasri joined Manchester City in August.

In the final days of the transfer window, Everton midfielder, Mikel Arteta, striker, Park Chu Young, full-back, Andre Santos and centre-half, Per Mertesacker all signed for the Gunners, while Wenger also brought Yossi Benayoun in on loan from Chelsea.

But the upheaval has affected them on the pitch, with Arsenal securing just one league win out of five while registering the worst goal difference in the top flight.

"I can understand that people are unhappy and criticise, but you know as well as I know that people are very quick to go overboard," said Wenger, whose lowest point came when his team were hammered 8-2 by Manchester United in late August.

"When we do well we take all the plaudits, so we have to take all the blame when it doesn't go as well - but we have, on both sides, to take some distance.

Arsenal Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis insists Wenger will stay "When it goes well we must not completely believe what people say - and when it does not go as well, we must not completely believe it."

James Collins headed Shrewsbury ahead after 16 minutes on Tuesday but Arsenal hit back when Kieran Gibbs levelled ahead of half-time before recent recruit Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired in a 25-yard effort on the hour after which Benayoun wrapped things up late on.

Of 18-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain, a £10m signing from Southampton, he added: "You could see that he will be a first-team player here, that is for sure. He has still things to work on but, very quickly, he will be knocking on the door."