Wenger: Judge Me In May

The Gunners are currently on a poor run having followed the 4-4 draw with Tottenham with defeat to Stoke and then being held to a frustrating goalless draw at home to Fenerbahce in the Champions League in midweek.

However, speaking The Guardian the Frenchman explained it was far too early to be criticising his side.

“I am always having to answer questions as though we have failed,” he said before adding, “Let us speak about it in May. I would not exchange my position with any other manager because I believe in our qualities.”

Next up for Wenger’s men is a visit from the champions Manchester United and another defeat would heap even more pressure on the North Londoners, yet Wenger is clearly relishing the fixture.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show how strong we are, when everyone is doubting us,” explained the Arsenal boss, “Mental strength is maybe the most important quality to playing for a big club.”

Arsenal currently lie fourth in the Premier League and a loss today would seriously harm their chances of claiming the league title.

Yet Wenger insists his side are on the right path. He revealed: “I stick to what I believe is right. You have moments that go well and those that go less well. You are not God when everyone says you are, and you are not miserable when everyone says you are. The truth is somewhere in between.”

The Gunners last tasted glory back in 2005 when they claimed the FA Cup, however their manager is clearly unconcerned at the lack of trophies currently sitting in the Emirates cabinet. He said: “A trophy is important because you want people who care about the club to be happy but again, what does a Carling Cup trophy weigh compared to the fact that you play in the Champions League again next year? Nothing.”

The Frenchman also revealed the difficulties of competing with the financial power of Chelsea and Manchester United, when trying to build a young team.

“The way we build the team, you have to accept that you have to get them to grow together,” he said before concluding, “You take how Chelsea and Man United have been built and how we built and the investment we have made and you have to accept that. It is easier to say, 'OK, we buy him, him and him', but when you go for a team with young players, you have to be strong. You have to give them belief and strength and continue to push them through the criticism.”