AT THIS STAGE OF THE GAME
Arsenal’s Wenger can’t say what future holds despite his record-breaking success
LONDON — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he remained in the dark about his future after steering his side to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea was chasing a Premier League and cup double, but instead the Gunners claimed a record 13th FA Cup success and an unprecedented seventh triumph in the competition for Wenger.
The Frenchman’s future has been up in the air for months and will be settled at an Arsenal board meeting on Tuesday.
However, the 67-year-old said he could not say for certain whether or not the north London club’s decision makers will back him.
“I don’t think I can answer that question at the moment,” Wenger said after Saturday’s win at Wembley.
Wenger is reported to have been offered a new contract, but when asked if he knows what will happen, he replied: “No. I know my mind. Let’s enjoy the win tonight and not worry about the future.”
Wenger was also dismissive of the notion that his recordbreaking FA Cup success, after previous wins in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014 and 2015, might have an impact on his position.
“I believe that it’s a positive trend, but it would be ridiculous if 20 years depends on one game or the future of the club depends on one game,” he said.
“I believe that I just want to do well for this club and apart from that I think it’s down to the board members.
“Am I the right man to lead this club further? And for me to decide, am I the right man to lead this club further? It’s not about popularity, it’s about competence.
“You cannot make 35 years at the top level if you believe you’re not the right man to do the job.”
Wenger came under fire from sections of Arsenal’s support during a Premier League campaign that concluded with his team failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
‘Disgrace’
He described the criticism he has faced as a “disgrace” in a BBC interview broadcast prior to the final, and returned to the theme after lifting the trophy.
“I think this season has been hurt by some dip in March and I am convinced now, having looked back again at the season, we were hurt by the uncertainty about my future with the players,” Wenger said.
“I know I am in a public job. I accept to be criticized and I accept people don’t agree with me. But once the game starts and you are a fan, you stand behind the team.
“That’s what I did not accept during the season and I will never accept it.”
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte fell short in his bid to emulate Italian countryman Carlo Ancelotti by leading the Blues to a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season as manager.
He complained, with justification, that Alexis Sanchez’s fourth-minute opener for Arsenal should have been disallowed due to a “very clear” handball, but admitted his team’s start “wasn’t good enough”.
Despite having Victor Moses sent off after he received a second yellow card for diving, Chelsea equalized through Diego Costa in the 76th minute, only for Aaron Ramsey to head in Arsenal’s winner just three minutes later.
While he hopes to add quality and quantity to his squad over the summer, Conte said Saturday’s result should not be allowed to tarnish the memory of Chelsea’s title triumph.
Aaron Ramsey called on Arsene Wenger to extend his Arsenal reign after the Welsh midfielder fired his manager into the FA Cup record books.
Wenger has now won the FA Cup a record seven times, but uncertainty hangs over the 67-year-old heading into the offseason.
Heavily criticized by Arsenal fans furious at the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, Wenger is yet to confirm if he will stay in charge next season.
Wenger’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, but he remains popular with his players, and Ramsey made it clear he wants his boss to extend his 21-year reign.
Pinpointing Wenger’s decision to switch to a three-man