Arsene Wenger raised eyebrows when he supported Cesc Fabregas following the Arsenal captain’s remarks suggesting that “There may come a time when a choice has to be made: do you win titles or not?”
This week, Cesc Fabregas was reported to have claimed that Wenger’s strategies at Arsenal were ineffective, indicating that the club must make a choice between nurturing talent and clinching trophies.
According to Spanish sports magazine Don Balon, Fabregas stated, “If you approached (Barcelona’s manager) Pep Guardiola, (Real Madrid’s manager) Jose Mourinho, or (Valencia’s boss) Unai Emery and told them they would face three years without a trophy, it would clearly be obvious they would not stay.”
“But here, it’s a different story.”
“The manager is smart, and the club prioritizes various factors… that the team consistently competes in the Champions League; that we strive until the end; that we develop young talents, and maintain financial stability.”
“Nonetheless, I do believe a moment will arrive when a decision is necessary: do you win titles or not?”
In response to the statements attributed to Fabregas, Wenger defended him after Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, refuting that his captain had made those comments.
“It distresses me because this was a piece that the club organized, and it underwent checks after its completion,” Wenger remarked.
“Not only did the reporter breach the agreement, but he also distorted it entirely.”
“We are genuinely upset about it, particularly due to what has been added in translation.”
“I understand Spanish and I encourage you to review what was actually stated.”
“It’s personally disheartening and unprofessional behavior from the journalist.”
“I know Cesc well enough, and I need not elaborate further.”
“He conveyed the exact opposite.”
Premier League Ladder
| P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | Man United | 33 | 20 | 10 | 3 | 38 | 70 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 33 | 19 | 7 | 7 | 34 | 64 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 33 | 18 | 10 | 5 | 32 | 64 |
| 4 | Man City | 32 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 20 | 56 |
| 5 | Tottenham | 32 | 14 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 54 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 33 | 14 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 49 |
| 7 | Everton | 33 | 11 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 47 |
| 8 | Bolton | 32 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 3 | 43 |
| 9 | Newcastle | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 1 | 40 |
| 10 | Aston Villa | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | -12 | 40 |
| 11 | West Brom | 33 | 10 | 9 | 14 | -15 | 39 |
| 12 | Fulham | 32 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 38 |
| 13 | Stoke | 32 | 11 | 5 | 16 | -3 | 38 |
| 14 | Sunderland | 33 | 9 | 11 | 13 | -12 | 38 |
| 15 | Birmingham | 33 | 8 | 14 | 11 | -12 | 38 |
| 16 | Blackburn | 33 | 9 | 8 | 16 | -14 | 35 |
| 17 | Wigan | 33 | 7 | 13 | 13 | -21 | 34 |
| 18 | Blackpool | 33 | 9 | 6 | 18 | -22 | 33 |
| 19 | West Ham | 33 | 7 | 11 | 15 | -19 | 32 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton | 32 | 9 | 5 | 18 | -20 | 32 |
by Buford Balony
