Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Wenger the ‘best person’ to bring title to Arsenal
ARSENE Wenger signed a two-year contract to remain as Arsenal boss yesterday as the club’s hierarchy demanded a sustained push for the Premier League title.
The 67-year-old had been expected to extend his more than 20-year reign at Arsenal and confirmation came from the club on yesterday afternoon.
Wenger had come in for fierce criticism from pundits, supporters and former players during the second half of last season as Arsenal slipped out of the Premier League top four and were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
A turnaround in form saw the club end the season with a run of nine wins out of 10, culminating with their recordbreaking 13th FA Cup Final success against Chelsea on Saturday but some fans were still keen for Wenger to depart having not won a Premier League title since the unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ season in 2004.
The Frenchman believes Arsenal are now in a strong position to challenge next year.
“We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season,” he said.
“They are of course unlimited, our ambitions. We live in a very competitive world where you need the support of the owner as well.”
The club’s majority shareholder and owner Stan Kroenke hailed Wenger as the best man for the job as he too targeted more silverware.
“Our ambition is to win the Premier League and major trophies in Europe,” he said. “Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and our full backing.”