Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal’s unhappy supporters to ‘be behind the team’ after a difficult start to the season.
The Frenchman was speaking at the club’s annual general meeting at the Emirates on Thursday, at which some fans failed to oust chairman Sir Chips Keswick.
Wenger, however, chose to focus on matters on the pitch in his speech, insisting that his ‘hunger is bigger than ever’ despite continued calls for him to be sacked.
‘I dedicate 99 per cent of my lifetime to try to make you happy,’ Wenger said. ‘Looking at what happened today, it is not easy.
‘Arsenal is highly respected. We represent something that is exceptional. It’s a tradition of class.
‘Be behind the team. We accept the verdict at the end of the season but we want you to be behind us.’
Wenger and his players themselves fifth in the Premier League table and already nine points behind leaders Manchester City with nine games played.
However, the Gunners are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and are on course for the knockout stages of the Europa League after winning each of their opening three games.
‘The present for me is about style of play, winning trophies, winning every single game,’ Wenger added. ‘Don’t think I don’t know that.
‘As soon as we lose one game there is a preconceived idea that we are not good enough.’
The Frenchman signed a new two-year contract in May despite fan protests and is yet to indicate when he plans to leave the Emirates.
He did, however, insist that he will reassess his own position come the end of the season to decide whether he should continue at the club.
‘My hunger, my commitment is bigger than ever,’ said Wenger. ‘I question myself a lot, don’t worry, I will sit down every year to see where I go.
‘No matter what happens one day I will always love this club forever and be an eternal fan.’
