Wenger: FA Cup final is about Arsenal, not me
DEFENCE POSES CONCERN AS GUNNERS TAKE ON BLUES
rsene Wenger insists that Saturday’s FA Cup final is about much more than him and his future, and revolves instead around Arsenal’s drive to beat Premier League champions Chelsea and end a troubled season on a high note.
The 67-year-old Frenchman has constantly refused to give a definitive answer on whether his current contract, which expires at the end of the season, is to be renewed.
It is the issue that has divided Arsenal supporters for months, with many vociferously calling for him to end his 21-year stint.
Wenger has also admitted the uncertainty contributed to the club’s first finish outside the top four in two decades.
Once again he declined to clarify his personal position to journalists Wednesday, but did make it clear that if his weekend date at Wembley did turn out to be a farewell it would be from Arsenal, not the game itself.
“This will not be my last match anyway because I will stay, no matter what happens, in football,” he said.
“Will this be my last match Chelsea have cancelled a planned victory parade in London on Sunday in light of Monday’s bomb attack in Manchester.
Antonio Conte’s side won the Premier League title and could claim the double by winning Saturday’s FA Cup at Wembley. Thousands of fans were expected to turn out for the parade.
“In light of these tragic events, we feel it is inappropriate to go ahead with the victory parade in London on Sunday,” the club said in a statement.
“Given the heightened security threat announced by the [British] government, and recognising that this is a developing situation, we have given this careful consideration,” it said. at Arsenal? I don’t know. What I want is to win the next game.
“I love to win and what I want is do well for my club. That’s all I care about, it’s not all about me.”
The Cup final could also be a swansong for Alexis Sanchez, whose agent is known to have spoken to German champions Bayern Munich this week.
Indeed, the forward was listed as a Bayern Munich player on a Confederations Cup squad list by his nation, Chile, apparently by mistake. Wenger insisted it would be his decision whether Sanchez stayed.
“We have nobody at the end of their contract so that will be completely our decision,” he said. “The club of course has a big job to do in summer, we want to keep players like Alexis and end all the speculation about what could happen. He is under contract until 2018.”
Sanchez is an injury doubt for Saturday after limping off in the final Premier League game of the season, Sunday’s victory over Everton, with a thigh problem.
The Arsenal defence is Wenger’s main concern as Laurent Koscielny is banned and fellow centre-back Gabriel is out injured.
Per Mertesacker will fill one of the gaps despite limited game time himself following injury.