By Tim Parsons-
Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick says a decision over the future of manager Arsene Wenger will be a mutually decided and will be “communicated at the right time in the right way”.
The Gunners have found themselves in a desperate situation after losing five of their last seven games in all competitions. Last Tuesday, Arsenal was thrashed 5-1 at home to Bay to complete a 10-2 aggregate defeat, plunging them to new lows. Arsenal fans are livid and fed up of the disappointments, with many asking for Wenger to be given the boot.
Wenger’s current contract lapses this summer and the 67-year-old insists he is indecisive as to his next steps regarding his future. However, disgruntled fans have decided it is time for him to go.
Over 200 supporters protested for Wenger to leave ahead of the Munich game and another march is planned before Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at home to Lincoln.
Keswick acknowledges the disillusionment of fans, but is not prepared to make a rash decision on Wenger’s future. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said:
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“We are fully aware of the attention currently focused on the club and understand the debate,” he said in a statement released on the club’s official website.
“We respect that fans are entitled to their different individual opinions but we will always run this great football club with its best long-term interests at heart.
“Arsene has a contract until the end of the season. Any decisions will be made by us mutually and communicated at the right time in the right way.”
FANS
In relation to his reaction to the anger and disappointment of fans, Keswick confirmed his responsibilities to fans contentment , but indicated that some other considerations wil have to be taken into account also.
“It is difficult for me to judge (the protest). I have worked very hard for 20 years to make our fans happy and when you lose the games, I understand they are not happy.
“I do not want to judge that, I am not able to. I live in my daily work with my complete commitment.
“After that, I have said many times that you have to accept different opinions. Look, I don’t work for my image, I work for this club with full commitment.
“I think I’ve shown since I’m here that first of all I love this club, that I’m loyal to this club and that I make the right decisions for this club.
“I will continue to do that. Of course, in respecting the values that I think are vital for me. If I cannot do that, I will not be here.”
Arsenal fans have been teased by their rivals all week, and know that something needs to be changed if they are going to be able to hold their heads up high. The embarrassment is getting too much for them, and a change of manager is the result they would now love to see.
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