ARSENAL MANAGER Arsene Wenger claims securing qualification for the Champions League is a bigger ‘trophy’ than winning the FA Cup.
The Gunners boss told fans and journalists at the club’s annual general meeting that his priorities lie more with ensuring a continued presence in Europe’s premier club competition than chasing domestic silverware.
Arsenal are currently enjoying their 15th consecutive Champions League campaign, but have not won a trophy since an FA Cup triumph over Manchester United in 2005.
“For me there are five trophies: Premier League, Champions League, the third is to qualify for the Champions League, the fourth is the FA Cup and the fifth is the League Cup,” he said. ”A player does not want to know if you’ve won the League Cup.”
The Frenchman also appealed for calm and renewed support from Arsenal fans after a poor recent run of form.
“I used to say to the players ‘our job is not to talk, but to produce performances’, so I am not very comfortable to speak to you,” he said. ”I know there seems to be a lot of dissatisfaction and I can understand but it’s important we don’t go overboard.
“We hit a wall in the past two games in an unexplainable way, but this team can deliver. I am optimistic.”
There is a common perception among Arsenal fans and in the media that Wenger is denied the financial backing afforded to his Premier League rivals, but the Frenchman insists he is happy with the way the club is run.
“I never complained about resources,” he said. “I wouldn’t be proud to take my wages at the end of the month just because somebody puts a cheque in.”
Whoever gets to play Mayo in the final is going to have 31 counties against them.
It’s how we like it. Áth Cliath abúuuuu.
Not afraid at all , we were tested by Tyrone an came out on top .. Everyone in the country knows mayo are a different team this year .. Bring it on Dublin or Kerry cause Sam will b in the west this year !
Cool vid.. I hope mayo finally get over the line this year. As a limerick man we feel yere pain
Different ! I like… :-)
Leslie Alan rock , silly cocky dub comment best let your football do the talking Sunday … As a mayo man I hope Kerry beat ye !!
Nothing cocky. Just humourous. Why would ye want kerry to beat us? Afraid are we?. If its Mayo v dublin in the final and you start like ye did against tyrone, its good night Irene
Looking forward to the Dublin/Kerry game, it’ll be like a final.
Poor Mayo, I think they actually believe the hype.
Bless ‘em.
Why are people so begrudging towards Mayo? Seriously?! Its not like they haven’t waited long enough to win without listening to the typical “choke” comments every 5 mins. They are in a different league this year, anyone can see that they have just as good a chance of winning the all ireland as Dublin/Kerry, if not better. Maigh-Eo abu!
Its fear……
Whos begrudging ? Every man and his dog wants Mayo to win and im from Kerry.
Delighted to hear that Ciaran! And in fairness most people feel the same , was just saying that some people seem a bit put out (scared) that Mayo are doing so well this year and just cant seem to give credit where it’s due! I really think this is the year they will do it and well deserved too!
Don’t take it personally – wait till you win it – then it’s 10 times worse. It’s just petty envy.
Don’t worry about Mayo our boys are training for a final id but be looking at Kerry
Mayo for sandwiches, dubs for Sam!
Dubs could get smoothered in Kerry Gold on Sunday Chris
Hang sambos, with Kerry Gold butter, mmmm. All that’s missing is the flask of tae, and a package of Tayho.
Fair play to them.
Sure why wouldn’t Mayo be the best at football, there is £uck all else to do there, except your cousin and sheep.
Fishing, mountain climbing, hill walking, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, beautiful scenery, amazing beaches, good pubs (cheap pints), great restaurants, sense of community, cheaper cost of living. Sure who would want any of that ;)
All that from a bottle of Hellmans. Cool.
And why does 1/2 of Dublin have a holiday home in Mayo then sid?
As a dub (and proud of it ) ive just come back from mayo and to say they are an amazing bunch is an understatement .i found them very friendly and genuine .. So if the dubs don’t win Sam id like to see mayo .. It will be a cracker of a day on Sunday :)
Ah people are always nice to pretty faces :)
You describe it as humorous Paul. I describe it as original, different and cool. I describe your hairstyle as humorous :)
Did he choke when he was on the crest of a wave?
Wow that’s original :)
We’ll beat kerry by 10-15 points, then beat mayo by 6-8, i get slattec everytime i predict this, but watch the dubs slaughter kerry on sunday. #COYBIB
Nice song
Niall I wouldn’t even respond to that pathetic comment
*slatted
*slated
Jesus ye don’t half build yourselves up in mayo, sharon murray you are simply a hype machine, you and your ilk should be playing things down, not ramping it up. Ye have’nt won it in sixty odd years, hold off on yer “they deserve to win it” untill ye actually win it. Setting youselves up for a massive fall the way some of you carry on.