Gunners boss shocked by speculation

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed he is “amazed” at fresh speculation regarding his future at the club.

The Gunners were thrashed 3-0 in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at the hands of Manchester City, with an abject display leading to increased calls for the 68-yearold to be relieved of his duties.

With Arsenal now sixth in the Premier League table – languishing a massive 27 points behind leaders City, who visit the Emirates tonight, knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest and up against Italian giants AC Milan in the last 16 of the Europa League, the Carabao Cup was a chance to garner both silverware and support.

Instead, Pep Guardiola’s City left Wenger’s side in tatters without ever having to play at their swashbuckling best.

The Arsenal display led to high-profile criticism from match commentator Gary Neville as well as former Gunners favourites Ian Wright and Thierry Henry.

But Wenger responded with apparent shock when asked if the result meant his 21-year tenure was now under increased threat.

“I am just amazed that I have to always answer things that are exactly the same,” he said.

“I am here for 21 years, I turned the whole world down to respect my contracts. So I am still amazed that I still have to answer these questions.

“My job is to focus on performing and my job is to perform. It’s for other people to judge me, it isn’t for me to evaluate that.”

Guardiola is confident Sunday’s cup success will not affect his players’ focus.

“To win more trophies is to win another game,” said Guardiola, whose side will bid to restore a 16-point lead at the top tonight.

“In football, always forget what you have done, good or bad, and think in the next one.

“The fact we are fighting for the most important title of the season by far, the Premier League – more than the Champions League, more than the FA Cup, more than the Carabao Cup – is enough argument to focus and stay focused.”

Arsene Wenger: facing calls over his future.