We’ve had ‘disturbing, destabilising’ season, but I won’t quit, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger insists his January turmoil has merely strengthened his resolve to remain as Arsenal manager.

The Gunners haven’t won a match since the turn of the year and are set to lose their best player with Alexis Sanchez almost certain to join Manchester United.

Wenger’s difficulties have once again thrust his future into the spotlight, with growing sections of fans calling for the legendary manager to walk away.

However, the Frenchman insists he will meet the challenge of trying to reignite Arsenal’s fortunes head on.
When asked if this could be his final season following a campaign of adversity, Wenger responded: ‘No, that’s not the way I respond.

‘I agree completely that 2018 until now has not been very positive but I am long enough in the job to know that what is important is how we respond to it and to focus on the performance.

‘My personal situation is a bit secondary to all of that, what is important is how the team responds and what we make of 2018.

‘We have many challenges, it is difficult at the moment, but as well very exciting because we have many challenges in front of us and we can come back in the Champions League.

‘We of course play the semi-final (of the Carabao Cup) next week and after we have the Europa League as well, which is another target, so we have to very quickly get over this transfer period because for us especially this period has been more disturbing than ever.

‘Why? Because we have big players that are at the end of their contract and that is the first time that it happens, that we have such influential players close to the end of their contracts and it has been more destabilising than ever.’
Asked whether this has been the most stressful period of his career at Arsenal, the Frenchman added: ‘I don’t know, I have no stress measurement at all.

‘Of course it occupies you on the pitch, off the pitch and at night as well because you’re very busy. After that, I think I can deal with the kind of stress it creates. The experience I have helps me to focus on what is important at the right moment.’