Wenger dismisses Evra’s disrespectful comments
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was angry at Manchester United defender Patrice Evra’s comments about Arsenal, stating that they were simply a “training centre” instead of a football club, ahead of their clash over the weekend. The Manchester United defender
said Arsenal were a club in crisis, to which Wenger responded, saying Evra was disrespectful and his comments were because United were scared of the big clash against the Gunners.
Evra went ahead to say that Arsenal had failed to win any silverware in over five years, despite their claim that they played attractive football. He said in a statement,
“For me Arsenal is a football training centre. You watch the match, you enjoy it, but are you going to win a title afterwards? That's what people remember. It has been five years since they won anything and for a big club like Arsenal that is a crisis.”
He added, “I hear them being compared to Barcelona but people in 20 years' time aren't going to remember Arsenal's football. We can lose against them but at the end of the day, what is there for Arsenal? There is nothing. There are no trophies, there
is nothing. Our real enemy is Chelsea. We are more concerned with Chelsea's results than those of Arsenal; even if we know Arsenal are a great team who can beat Chelsea, us or anyone.”
Wenger was understandably upset by Evra’s comments but dismissed his remarks, saying he did not give importance to the United defender. He said,
“I don't place any importance on what Evra said. He takes responsibility for what he says. I think that when you want to be a big player you have always got to respect your opponent and not say remarks that are below the belt and disrespectful and possibly
based more on fear than self-confidence.”
When asked if he thought Evra had been disrespectful, Wenger went on to say,
“I leave that judgment to you. We do not want to go into any unneeded talking before a game like that. We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game. We are guided by the way we want to play football and not by the statements
of anybody who plays against us. We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play.”
The French manager said Evra’s comments showed lack of class and fear; he insisted that respect for the opponents was necessary. He continued,
“They are harsh words, not only with regard to the team but also towards the club, which I will treat with a little disdain. In sport everyone must respect their opponent. Respect for others is a sign of class. His comments are surprising, badly placed,
below the belt. And below-the-belt remarks are always based on fear.”
Arsenal are a point ahead of Manchester United at the top of the English Premier League, with United having played a match less than the Gunners. It will be necessary for Arsenal to win against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side on Monday to continue their dominance.
Anything less than a win will only open up the title race and give third place Chelsea a chance to catch up. The Blues take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, which is another important fixture.
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