This Arsene Wenger debate is becoming all too familiar and there is very little left unspoken about his situation, besides the actual fact as to whether he is leaving or not. The fans are really starting to get riled up and a protest march took place ahead of Arsenal’s second leg against Bayern Munich.
The protest march outside the Emirates had plenty of fans in attendance, as supporters looked to voice their opinions. I don’t think the fan base has ever been so united together in wanting Arsene Wenger gone, but of course the question remains as to whether he will actually leave in the summer. Wenger is fully committed to the Gunners and there won’t be any change until after the final game of the season, so whilst a protest may voice opinions, it isn’t going to force the boss out any sooner.
Some have argued that the protest march was a silly act to do from the fans, as it just emphasises the turmoil that the club is in; but for Arsene Wenger, it seems to be getting the point across. Speaking ahead of the Gunners FA Cup quarter final match against Lincoln City, Wenger said: “It [the fan’s opinion] will not be the most important factor but you consider it, of course. I worked very hard for 20 years to make our fans happy and when you lose I understand they are not.”
It’s not just that Arsenal fans are unhappy because of a few losses here and there; the season has dramatically fallen once again for yet another consecutive year. The fan base has lost all faith in him and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the players have too.
Wenger is reported to have told players at Arsenal that this season will be his last with the Gunners, although he denied this during the press conference. Alexis has also reportedly told his colleagues that he has no intention of staying beyond the summer. The club is in an absolute mess at the moment and following bad defeats against Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich (twice), the pressure on Wenger has never quite been so high.
I do think he’ll step down at the end of the season because he surely recognises he’s lost the support of the fans. Wenger may still be considered the right man by the board, but if he has excess of 60,000 unhappy fans every time Arsenal play at home, then that isn’t a good situation for him to be in. I really think he’s in danger of losing his Arsenal legacy and for a man that’s done so much for the club, this isn’t the end that he deserves.
By AH