Wenger still the right man - TV

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has been shocked by calls for Arsene Wenger's head and insists he remains the right man for the job.

Last Updated: 20/02/13 at 15:17 Post Comment   

Vermaelen: Backing Wenger

Vermaelen: Backing Wenger

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

While a place in the Gunners' history books is assured, pressure is mounting on the Frenchman as, barring a miracle, the north Londoners' trophyless spell will stretch to an eighth successive season.

Saturday's FA Cup exit to Blackburn was compounded on Tuesday night by a 3-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

With the league title already beyond them, large portions of Arsenal's support base have called for Wenger to leave - something captain Vermaelen cannot understand.

"Of course we're behind him," the defender said. "He's done a lot for this club. He still does a lot of hard work with us. He is the right man for the job.

"We have to show it on the pitch as well. At the moment the results are not good. But we will work hard with him to get the results back."

Asked if he was shocked by the fact Wenger's future is being question, Vermaelen added: "Yeah, I am actually.

"Everyone in football looks too short term. They don't look at the long term, and he's done a lot for this club.

"It doesn't mean that because it's not going well at the moment we don't stand behind him.

"You have to look at the long term. He is the right man for this club and we are all behind him."

That said, Vermaelen can also understand growing supporter unrest as Arsenal's struggles continue.

"Sometimes, as a player, you are frustrated as well," he said.

"If you lose you get frustrated but it's not the right thing to act on, we have to stick together, work hard. We need each other.

"They [the fans] must not forget that we need them because they belong to the team and to the club.

"We must stand behind each other, that's the only thing we can do."

Vermaelen and his team-mates will need that support more than ever in the return leg against Bayern in three weeks.

Jupp Heynckes' side toyed with the Gunners last night and the chances of Arsenal making the quarter-finals are slim at best.

Only twice in Champions League history has a team progressed after losing a home first leg in the knockout phase.

"At the moment there is a lot of disappointment because we lost," Vermaelen added.

"We didn't play disciplined enough as a team to win this game, especially in the first half. They were strong. It was difficult.

"Of course we are not happy. We are disappointed. We have to look at ourselves and stick together in difficult times.

"Don't look at each other, don't blame each other, work hard every day to get the results back."

Nepgunner - your current demise? How old are you, 16? Arsenal have been below 5th in the league lots of times, you know. And the club didn't have 70 million to spend in those days. I'd say that it is a manager sacrificing his career for short sighted supporters who boo at any opportunity which is leading to the club's demise. The way the supporters treat virtually all the ex players probably has something to do with why players are quick to want to move on as well.
- Gab1965

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Hammers hoping Carroll commits

West Ham's chances of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after a fee was agreed with Liverpool.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Transfer news: West Ham sign Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved