Wenger still has the hunger for Gunners glory, insists Bould
ARSENAL assistant Steve Bould insists Arsene Wenger remains as hungry as ever to bring success to the club.
Manager Wenger has come in for fierce criticism from some quarters again this season as the Gunners sit 33 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City.
There is also a 13-point gap to Tottenham in fourth and a return to the Champions League now seemingly hangs on winning the Europa League, the club’s last chance of silverware this season.
But even Europa League success will still be deemed by some as not enough to keep Wenger in the dugout.
The Frenchman (above) was absent from his usual pre-match press conference duties yesterday due to losing his voice, with former Arsenal defender Bould stepping in.
Wenger, speaking during the international break, claimed some of the negativity aimed at him was “age discrimination” but Bould believes he is still ready for the challenge after over 21 years at the helm.
Asked if Wenger’s desire to win is as strong as ever, he said: “Absolutely, he’s remarkable. Behind closed doors I’ve never known someone who’s as hungry and determined to win football games. (The hunger) is as big as I’ve ever seen, yes, for sure.
“I admire him immensely. He takes unbelievable stick off an awful lot of people and he’s just one of the great managers. It’s a pleasure for me to sit next to him.”
Stoke, another of Bould’s former clubs, are the visitors to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Potters sit 19th in the table having not won in their last seven games but secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the reverse fixture in August.
Arsenal will have one eye on Thursday’s visit of CSKA Moscow in the Europa League quarter-finals but Jack Wilshere could be involved despite missing both England internationals due to a minor knee complaint.
Alexandre Lacazette could also be in contention for his first appearance since the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on February 10.
The France star underwent knee surgery following the loss, but his return to fitness is timely given fellow striker and club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is cup-tied in the Europa League.
Q AI can remember playing at Garryduff Primary School just outside Ballymoney. My older brother Chris played for the team too, and for me it was a joy to play with him, represent the school and play competitively. I was into rugby too but football came to the fore even though I went to Andrew Trimble’s school, Coleraine Inst. I felt I could do better at football and went to Riada Soccer School with James McLaughlin, Ian Parkhill and Brad Lyons. I was dedicated and committed and progressed to playing for Coleraine in the Foyle Cup. At the Milk Cup I just missed out on making the County Antrim side but a team called San Francisco Seals were missing a few players and I ended up playing for them, including a game against County Antrim. Later on I was part of the Northern Ireland Elite Milk Cup team which made history, winning it back-to-back. At club level I got the breakthrough under Marty Quinn, playing right-back against Portadown.
Q AYour work outside football can be emotionally challenging, tell us about that.
I’m a social worker based in Ballymena. I work with young people and children in families. It’s full-time and demanding of you in terms of time and the mental side of things. It can be quite frantic at times fitting training in around the odd crisis but I organise it as best I can. It’s physically demanding as you are rushing about to different houses and meetings, but you are dealing with sad, difficult and risky situations so you need to be on your game. It’s child protection work and making sure kids who are vulnerable are given the right care and protection that every child deserves. You could be dealing with domestic violence cases, drug or alcohol misuse, kids who are neglected or emotionally, sexually or physically harmed. I’ve spent time in court too dealing with situations where unfortunately you have to remove children from their home because the risk has been so great. You have empathy for the children. At the same time you can’t become too attached to the point where you can’t switch off. I’ve a new post now with Community Adolescents Mental Health services, young people’s mental health.
QTell us about your family life and how some of your experiences mirror the work you are doing as part of your job. I’m not married and I’m living at home just outside Ballymoney with my two brothers Chris and Simon, mum Amanda and grandmother Isabella. We’re a close family and all Christians. They are big supporters of me and enjoy the games, home and away. My mum and dad separated when I was young, and I don’t have real memories of that time, but my father left and, as you grow older, you have to deal with those issues. I wouldn’t say I was ashamed, it happens a lot, but mum was our primary carer, she did everything for us without much support or help. It was always her and us. When you’re older you realise what your mum has done and what your father hasn’t. Now there is no regular contact with
AHow did your football career start?