Arsenal throws its manager a lifeline
Wenger has seventh medal but future is still in hands of the Gunners’ board
LONDON— Removing the record seventh FA Cup winner’s medal from his pocket, Arsene Wenger was gratified and yet apprehensive.
“For once I have kept my medal,” said the Arsenal manager, who usually gives them away to staff members. “So that means it’s a special night for me.”
And maybe his last night managing an Arsenal team?
Even after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final on Saturday, Wenger indicated he has to stew until Tuesday’s board meeting before discovering whether his 21-year reign will be extended. Owner Stan Kroenke told The Associated Press earlier in the season he remained “very high on Arsene.” Unsurprisingly, Wenger was not anxious to publicly discuss whether he expects the north London club to offer a new contract.
“I don’t think I can answer that question,” Wenger said, “at the moment.”
Aaron Ramsey, who scored the winning goal to deny English Premier League champion Chelsea a double, certainly hopes there isn’t change in the dugout.
“I’m happy for the manager,” Ramsey said on the Wembley Stadium pitch. “Hopefully he will be here next season.”
The fan base certainly seems more divided, with Wenger bemoaning the “very hostile environment” created by some fans demanding his removal.
“It’s down to the board members if I am the right man to lead this club further,” the 67-year-old Frenchman said. “It’s not about popularity, it’s about competence.”
Perhaps more competent leadership would have cleared up far sooner whether Wenger was staying. Delivering the FA Cup three times in four seasons has papered over some of the cracks as Arsenal has repeatedly come up short in the Premier League and Europe.
The Gunners were eliminated from the Champions League for the seventh consecutive season in the last 16. And they won’t even be back among Europe’s elite in September after finishing fifth in the Premier League; the lowest finish since Wenger took charge in 1996.
“I am convinced we were hurt by the uncertainty about my future with the players,” Wenger said.
And yet Arsenal still ended the campaign with a cup victory that Wenger put on a par with his last Premier League success in the unbeaten 2003-04 season.
Just as the season reached its climax, Arsenal turned in the type of tenacious display lacking so often, and against a side so commanding in the Premier League in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.
“We had outstanding performances,” Wenger said. “We know this team has suffered.”
But the season ended with a run of six victories in May after Wenger adopted the three-man defence that has served Conte so well.
“They showed strength and unity,” Wenger said, “and we played spectacular football again.”