Wenger’s F-word outburst at club v country row
ARSENAL VS STANDARD LIEGE
FURIOUS Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger launched a four-letter outburst last night as he urged his players to put World Cup ambitions to one side and focus on revitalising the Gunners’ silverware challenge. The usually erudite Frenchman, speaking ahead of tonight’s Champions League visit of Standard Liege, erupted in response to a question about fit-again winger Theo Walcott’s chances of making the England squad for next summer’s finals.
“The guy asks me if it’s an important season because Theo is going to the World Cup. For f**k’s sake, the World Cup is in June. Is he on holiday until 11 June? You cannot be serious,” Wenger said.
“Theo doesn’t even know if he will go to the World Cup. Let’s do well for Arsenal. A guy who wins with his club goes to the World Cup and has a good chance to win. But the players are not afraid of you if you do f**k all during the season.”
Wenger’s men slipped to a shock defeat at Sunderland on Saturday just days after a host of Gunners stars returned from international duty.
Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas, who is trying to establish himself as a first choice for Spain ahead of the tournament, insists he is prioritising his club career. “I can understand the boss’s point. He wants Arsenal to do well, the national team is secondary,” said Fabregas. “My first priority is to play for Arsenal, to play well and to win titles.”
Fabregas, 22, also dismissed recent speculation about a return to Barcelona by hinting he could see out his career at Arsenal. “You never know what your career will bring but why not?” he said. “I’m in my seventh season now and I’m really happy, better than ever.”
Wenger is without injured strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner for a Group H fixture that could see them book their place in the last 16. Abou Diaby, Gael Clichy and Johan Djourou are all still sidelined too, but England Under-21 left-back Kieran Gibbs is likely to start after recovering from a foot injury.