Wenger: Clubs in debt don’t deserve silverware
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger says clubs who accumulate large debts do not deserve to win major titles.
The Gunners boss is frustrated that clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and last season’s Champions League winners Inter Milan regularly compete for honours despite hugely overspending.
Wenger has thrown his weight behind Uefa plans to introduce new financial fair play guidelines to force clubs to stick to spending within their means.
“The new rules will be a massive advantage for Arsenal,” Wenger explained. “We are one of 10 teams equipped to win the Champions League.
“We are fighting against some big budgets, clubs who lose €150m to €200m per year. You don’t deserve a lot of credit for winning a competition, if all the others balance your books and you are the only one who can lose a huge amount of money.”
Wenger, whose side begin their Champions League campaign against Braga on Wednesday, says the club can be proud of what they have achieved in Europe over the years.
“We are one of only three clubs who have come out of the group stage 10 consecutive years,” he added. “Teams with massive money have not done it. We deserve a lot of credit for our consistency.”