Wenger - 'Punctual' trophies are not my only target
By Richard Clarke
No football manager plans to play out a trophyless season. However at least Arsène Wenger can console himself with the leap forward his young side has taken during the current campaign.
The Arsenal manager argues his decisions were always guided by “something bigger than punctual trophies”. In other words, he is building a side for the future so patience is required. The silverware will come as consequence of the foundations put down this season.
In the past month, Arsenal have bowed out of three major competitions while their defeat at Everton on Sunday put a dent in their hopes of chasing down Chelsea for second place in the Premiership. It leaves them with an unusually a long run-in to the end of the season.
“It is the first time it has happened so it is frustrating,” said Wenger. “But it is a good test for our unity and our strength.
“You always have to take it as a challenge, to show that we are stronger and are inspired by what we can achieve together and with the type of football we want to play.
“There is something bigger inside the Club more than the punctual trophies you go for. We know that and want to show we are guided by it.
“It is about the development of the team, the future of the Club and the football we want to play. Trophies are a consequence of that.
“You cannot say because you do not win a trophy that you stop,” added Wenger speaking before the weekend’s game. “Look what has happened before in the history of Arsenal; they have been 25 years without winning a trophy.
“I am as frustrated as the fans are, but I feel as well that it is not the only target and only aim of a football club.
“If you do not win a trophy, you try to continue to play and be as good as you can.
“That is bigger than just punctual trophies. But, of course, they are important as well because they are a consequence of all your work.”