Wenger launches transfer policy defence

Arsenal manager urges disgruntled fans to show faith in team.

LONDON:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy, reminding disgruntled fans of the club’s past successes and encouraging them to put their faith in the current squad.

Wenger has come under fire from supporters and the media for failing to recruit a significant signing in the close season and pressure has already started to mount on the Frenchman following Arsenal’s losing start – a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa – to the Premier League campaign.

“I would like to reiterate in the last 16 years we have been very successful with transfers,” he told a news conference. “If you look at the players in the squad, they are top quality players, and you should never forget that.”

After failing to sign Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo, the north Londoners, received another rebuke from Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew for lacking respect after making an offer for French midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

“We don’t want to hurt anybody,” said Wenger. “You can’t reproach us on one side for not buying and yet on the other side, when we try to buy, reproach us as well. That is a bit contradictory. It is not always to think what is outside is better than what you have.

“What is important as well is to rate what you have and our fans have to understand that as well. As always, we do what we think is right.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2013.

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