Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was given a standing ovation at the club’s Annual General Meeting on Monday with various topics being covered.
Perhaps most important though, was chairman Sir Chips Keswick failing to give reassurances over his future with the French tactician’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Wenger was handed a portrait by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke to celebrate his 20 years in charge, and was given a standing ovation after addressing those in attendance, as noted The Mirror.
Nevertheless, Keswick stopped short of confirming whether or not the veteran coach would get a new deal as it sounds as though all parties concerned will wait to see how this season goes.
“We are confident about his ability to take us forward,” Keswick said. “We will sit down and discuss the future at the appropriate time but our focus is on maintaining the current run and competing for trophies.”
Previous meetings have seen unrest among shareholders, but there was certainly a more positive response this time round as Wenger went on to discuss what he believes it will take for the Gunners to win the Premier League title this year.
“I believe we have a competitive team in a very competitive league,” he noted.
“If you look now it is 20 points which means the championship will be decided between 82 to 86 points and what we have learnt since the start of the season is every game is a fight and you need absolutely to be at your best to win.”
Various other topics were discussed by Wenger, Kroenke and CEO Ivan Gazidis including safe standing, fans leaving the stadium early, contract renewals for key players and Gazidis’ hefty salary.
Arsenal’s good form so far this season has led to a positive atmosphere at the club as they currently sit joint top of the table after nine games and have performed well in Europe too.
In turn, the pressure will likely continue to build on the manager and players in the months ahead with Wenger hoping to sign off with success or potentially earn an extension to his time at the club if they are in agreement that he remains the right man for the job moving forward.