Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has moved to congratulate Chelsea on their title-winning season, whilst warning them that next season WILL be different.
The Gunners endured a torrid campaign, and are now clutching at hopes of a top-four finish, which now depends on us earning two wins inside five days, as well as Liverpool NOT winning their home tie with Middlesbrough next Saturday.
Despite his thoroughly disappointing campaign, he isn’t afraid to call the shots on Antonio Conte, possibly starting the mind-games early ahead of the FA Cup final.
Wenger has claimed that Chelsea have been strongly aided by their lack of European football this season, and insists that they will not win the title again next year, which is harsh words.
He said: “In the last two seasons the team that won the league hasn’t played in Europe.
“I take advantage to congratulate Chelsea on what they’ve done but you will see when they play in Europe it’ll be a different story.
“I feel that in Spain Real Madrid can win games by playing at a lower percentage of the maximum. Bayern is similar – they dominate the German championship.”
It seems a cheeky comment from the Frenchman, especially considering that he himself has copied Conte’s tactical system which he decided to put in place this term, and his use of the formation has seen a huge upturn in fortunes.
Chelsea have easily been the best team this year, and yes of course they have been aided by their lack of European competition, but to claim Europe will stop them next term is jumping the boat slightly.
His words do seem as though he is of the belief that his side have a strong chance of challenging for the Premier League title next term, and also sounds an awful lot like he will be sticking around for the new campaign…
Is it just me or does Wenger sound like he is confident of a strong season next year? Does Conte not deserve more praise for his term? Is this just mind-games for the final?
Pat J