Wenger hits back at Arsenal's Eurosceptics
Arsene Wenger launched a vigorous defence of his Arsenal reign at the club's annual general meeting on Thursday as the Frenchman in- sisted it was more important to qualify for the Champions League than win trophies.
Wenger has failed to deliver any silverware since the 2005 FA Cup, but during that time Arsenal have remained consistent participants in the Champions League and the Gunners boss is adamant that is also a genuine form of success.
LONDON, Oct 25, 2012 (AFP) - Arsene Wenger launched a vigorous defence of his Arsenal reign at the club's annual general meeting on Thursday as the Frenchman insisted it was more important to qualify for the Champions League than win trophies.
Wenger has failed to deliver any silverware since the 2005 FA Cup, but during that time Arsenal have remained consistent participants in the Champions League and the Gunners boss is adamant that is also a genuine form of success.
While Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, chairman Peter HillWood and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke were all heckled at AGM at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger escaped with a relatively warm reception from an audience made up of the club's shareholders and supporters.
The meeting came at a bad time for Wenger, who has seen Arsenal crash to lacklustre defeats against Norwich and Schalke in their last two matches to leave them 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and uncertain of progress
For me, there are five 'trophies' - the first is to win the Premier League, the second is to win the Champions League, the third is to qualify for the Champions League, the fourth is to win the FA Cup and the fifth is to win the League Cup
in Europe.
But Wenger made it clear he regards simply being in the Champions League as a trophy of sorts given the tough competition for the top four places in the Premier League.
“For me, there are five 'trophies' - the first is to win the Premier League, the second is to win the Champions League, the third is to qualify for the Champions League, the fourth is to win the FA Cup and the fifth is to win the League Cup,” Wenger said.