Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted that he remains “100% committed” to helping the club move forward and in turn will likely continue as coach.
The Frenchman has come under intense scrutiny this season, with the Gunners crashing out of all cup competitions while seeing their Premier League title hopes slip away.
With the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City struggling for consistency, this season was seen as the ideal opportunity for Wenger’s men to end their 12-year wait for a league title.
However, with eight games remaining they sit 11 points adrift of leaders Leicester City, and are firmly in danger of finishing the campaign with no silverware.
Nevertheless, Wenger remains defiant about his future at the club despite growing calls from some sections of supporters for a change to be made this summer.
“I have no doubt because I am committed,” he said in response to being asked if he would be in charge next season, as reported by Sky Sports. “When I do something, I do it 100 per cent. I’m always committed to give my best as long as I am at the club.
“I think that the criticism during the season is not very welcome when you fight for the championship, especially after the game against Tottenham where we were a bit unlucky.
“You have to live with that. I have my conscience. What is the most important is that I give my best every day, I work for the club I love and if I can share that love with the supporters it’s even better.
“I don’t worry too much about all the rest, what people say. All the rest is judgments, opinions and that is linked with the beliefs from the last result or the last disappointment or the last happiness. In my job you focus on what is important and that’s to perform. My future is my future. I don’t master that more than you.”
It is a fine balancing act when it comes to Wenger and Arsenal, as while the veteran tactician should be commended for everything he has done for the club, their lack of success isn’t acceptable for the majority of supporters.
Meanwhile, there is also the factor of a natural successor not coming through as of yet, which in turn could leave the club vulnerable if Wenger does indeed opt to step away.
Wenger can arguably fix the issue by appeasing disgruntled supporters through investing heavily in the squad this summer in what would be a clear statement of intent. As he continues to show faith in the individuals that have ultimately failed him in recent years, aside from the FA Cup triumphs, he is merely leaving himself in the firing line for further criticism.