Wenger may quit, says Gunners great Wright

Reports in England have said that Arsenal has already drawn up a shortlist of potential successors for the Premier League's longest-serving manager, which includes Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus and Thomas Tuchel of Borussia Dortmund.

Published : Feb 11, 2017 13:43 IST

Speculation persists over the future of the 67-year-old Arsene Wenger, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Speculation persists over the future of the 67-year-old Arsene Wenger, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
lightbox-info

Speculation persists over the future of the 67-year-old Arsene Wenger, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Arsenal great Ian Wright says Arsene Wenger has admitted that his time as manager may be coming to an end.

Speculation persists over the future of the 67-year-old, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Reports in England have said that Arsenal has already drawn up a shortlist of potential successors for the Premier League's longest-serving manager, which includes Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus and Thomas Tuchel of Borussia Dortmund.

Wright, who was part of the Arsenal team that won its first Premier League title in 1998 in Wenger's second season in charge, says his old boss has given him the impression that he will not renew his deal at Emirates Stadium.

"I was with the boss last night and, if I'm going to be totally honest, I get the impression that that's it," he told BBC Five Live Sport.

"I was with him for a few hours, we were talking, and he obviously didn't say 'I'm leaving at the end of the season'. But I just get the impression from looking at him that that's it. He actually mentioned that he's coming to the end. I've never heard him say that."

Asked how Wenger had seemed in Wright's view, the former England striker said: "Tired. He looked really good to be honest, and on different things, very switched on. He's a wonderful, articulate guy.

"He looks winded. If someone asked me if he'll go at the end of the season, I'd say he will."

Should Wenger decide to leave, Wright believes a significant number of the first-team squad could be moved on and says that the players would largely be to blame for a lack of consistent silverware in the past 10 years.

"I just feel that now they've got to look at the players," he said. "I think that with all the teams he's built over the last eight, nine, 10 years, they've let him down badly.

"If he does leave at the end of the season, when the new manager comes in, there's going to be a lot of changes with respect to players and personnel.

"They should have a long hard look at themselves. He's put so much faith into these teams that I think has been misplaced."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment