Wenger plays down talk of leaving Arsenal anytime soon

Wenger’s future had been questioned in the wake of defeats against Watford and Chelsea that effectively killed off their Premier League title hopes. Wenger’s side returned to winning ways as Alexis Sanchez’s double secured a 2-0 home victory over Hull on Saturday. But after the game the Frenchman was quizzed on his future, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season and a minority of fans turning on the manager for recent results. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright had fanned the flames by claiming on Friday that the 67-yearold had told him he was “coming to the end” of his time after 20 years at the helm. 

“I was with the boss last night, and if I’m going to be totally honest, I get the impression that that’s it,” Wright told BBC Radio 5 live. “He actually mentioned when we were talking that he’s coming to the end. I’ve never heard him say that.” Yet Wenger countered by saying any tiredness stems from his commitment to the job and that Wright must have misunderstood any conversation. 

Asked whether he had given Wright the impression he was leaving, Wenger replied: “No, no. Mark (Gonnella, Arsenal communications director) was with me as well on Thursday. It was questions and answers. I could be tired because I get up early in the morning and I finish late at night, so I am tired, yes. But I didn’t give any indication about my future. There were many people there. We (he and Wright) had a little dinner before but it was not the two of us. There were four or five.” 

Asked if Wright could have misinterpreted any comments, he said: “Yes. You know I appreciate very much that you want me to rest, absolutely. But I am not ready for that yet.” If Arsenal had not won against lowly Hull, it would have ramped up the pressure on Wenger to depart. Although not at their best, Wenger was pleased to put the recent defeats to bed ahead of a trip to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League last first leg next week.