‘Horrendous’ mood hurt side: Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said an “absolutely horrendous” atmosphere had been partly responsible for the club’s failure to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

“Overall I believe we played since January in a very difficult environment for different reasons. Some obviously that you know about and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with. Some other reasons, we will talk about another day.

“But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. I am very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season.” Wenger said uncertainty over whether he will continue at Emirates had also contributed to the mood at the club.

Arsenal face league champions Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Victory will give Wenger a record seventh title.

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke responded Monday to speculation about a possible takeover by insisting his company KSE UK’s shares in the club “are not, and never have been for sale”.

Guardiola insisted Manchester City are “decades” behind Europe’s largest clubs despite the 5-0 win away to Watford that clinched Champions League qualification. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach said wealth did not count as much as experience and status.

“When Real Madrid and Barcelona want one player other teams cannot compete,” said the Spaniard. “It’s not just money. It’s Real and Barca. (Money) is not enough. To compete against them we need time, decades.

“For years City was not playing in Europe, and now we’ve been there seven years. But to achieve the next step, the gap is shorter but it’s more difficult.”

Liverpool’s German coach Jurgen Klopp was delighted after the club finished fourth in the EPL to clinch a Champions League spot only the second time in eight years.

“Everything is good at this club at the moment,” said an elated Klopp. Sports minister Vijay Goel on Monday said: “They (the organisers) can call them (Pakistan players) but they can’t let them play. Even if they are selected, it is (the) Government of India which will decide whether they are allowed or not.

“Unless Pakistan gets rid of terrorism, it is impossible to play with Pakistan…Our ministry’s stand is very clear, sports and terrorism involving anti-India activities cannot go together.”

Earlier, Charu Sharma, director of Mashal Sports and an