Wenger target is seventh heaven
ARSENE WENGER is chasing a piece of FA Cup history – but says he’s not under the same pressure as three years ago.
The Gunners boss, who has won the trophy a record-equalling six times, was in a similar position in 2014 when they faced Wigan in the semi-final.
His contract was nearing its end and the club were in a nine-year trophy drought.
Arsenal won, went on to beat Hull in the final, Wenger was given a new three-year deal … and here we are again.
But this time they are underdogs, Manchester City are favourites and Wenger does not feel as if his future depends on the result as he is tipped to sign a new two-year deal whether they win the FA Cup or finish in the top four.
Wenger, who has won the trophy twice in the last three seasons, said: “In 2014 it was a special pressure, this time, is a special opportunity for the team.”
If the Gunners win the FA Cup this year it would put Wenger above Aston Villa’s George Ramsay who won the trophy six times between 1897 and 1920.
He also knows that the nightmare scenario for his team would be a North London derby against Spurs in the final.
He said: “I’ve not thought about it. If we were playing a Championship team I might have but as we play City it’s stupid to speculate on the final.
“Let’s first deal with City. It’s a 50-50 game. If you ask the neutrals, maybe they will say City are favourites even.
“I have won the cup in every country I have worked in so it is always something that is special to me.”