Arsenal boss makes trophy pledge to fans
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is convinced his young side will finally realise their potential and end a five-year wait for silverware this season.
The Gunners have not won a trophy since the 2004-05 campaign, when they lifted the FA Cup. But on a day when largest shareholder Stan Kroenke declined to clarify whether he plans a takeover, Wenger could not have been clearer about his own expectations for the months ahead.
“I know we haven’t won a trophy for four years but we were very close and I believe that this year the team will do it,” the Frenchman told shareholders at yesterday’s annual general meeting. “When I say that, it is not to please you, it is because I am really convinced of it. There’s a strong determination in the team and that’s why I’m convinced we’ll perform throughout the season.”
Wenger, who celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday, praised his side’s consistency in qualifying for the Champions League, arguing that it justified his faith in nurturing youth over big-money signings.
“We’re in the Champions League for the 12th consecutive year – only three teams have done that: Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal,” he added. “Other teams have invested money and not done it. It’s not just about pumping money into the team. There is magic in our sport and our club.”
Kroenke, who this month raised his shareholding to 28.9 per cent, sat alongside his fellow directors at the AGM, but the American sports entrepreneur allowed chairman Peter Hill-Wood to bat away a question about his intentions.
“I believe he is happy as a long-term shareholder in Arsenal,” said Hill-Wood. “What his intentions may or may not be I cannot discuss.” When one shareholder suggested Kroenke himself could elaborate, Hill-Wood added: “We have a takeover panel breathing down our necks and I have to be terribly careful what I say.”
If that left shareholders cold, they were cheered by Hill-Wood’s disparaging quip about arch-enemies Tottenham. Responding to a question about Aston Villa and Spurs threatening Arsenal’s top four place, he said: “I don’t consider them rivals really.”