Sports
Arsene Wenger reveals timing of Arsenal resignation ‘not his decision’
Arsene Wenger insisted that it was “not his decision” to announce his departure.
Wenger will take charge of his last European game as Arsenal manager at the Emirates tomorrow night before leaving in the summer.
Arsenal boss Wenger is understood to have jumped before being pushed as he knew the end was coming at the end of the season.
But Wenger could not resist a little hint that he did not want to go or for it to come out in this manner ahead of the Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid.
Wenger said: “The timing was not really my decision and for the rest, I have spoken about it already.”
Wenger was then asked what he felt about all the emotional “Merci Arsene” banners just weeks after “Wenger Out” banners were being displayed.
“When people are unhappy, it isn’t always a majority,” said Wenger. “We live in an emotional society where people can express how they feel.
“I want to win and continue to do what I have done my whole life. The next game is in Europe and then we face (Manchester) United.
“I want to win those games. Is there a perfect goodbye? I don’t know. I want to do as well as I can. We have been challenged mentally and I have seen my players respond.
“This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them and achieve it with them. My biggest satisfaction would be to be successful with the players I have.
“A Champions League place is at stake, for us. These are two teams that are used to be playing in the Champions League.”
Wenger also defended his record in Europe despite losing two finals – the UEFA Cup in 2000 and the Champions League in 2006 – and claimed that Arsenal are potentially only TWO players away from winning the title next season.
Wenger said: “This team has quality. Three years ago we finished second, last year we won the FA Cup. This season we were in the League Cup final and in the semi-finals. I am convinced in the future, with two or three additions, we can fight for the title.
“If I can add that to what I have done, I will be very happy. We have to put a performance in on the pitch. We face a very strong team, the toughest opponent in this competition. We must focus on the quality of our performance. It is a Champions League night.
“My pride has always been to give my best until the last day of my contract. At the moment, I am not ready to commit to anything.”
Wenger held up beating Real Madrid on the way to the final in 2006 as one of his European highlights. “There are many (highlights),” said Wenger.
“I played over 200 games for Arsenal in Europe. It is difficult to think of one. Maybe when we knocked Real Madrid out – when they had Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo.
“We went to the final without conceding a goal, knocked out Juventus. We got to the final and unfortunately lost with 10 men.”
Wenger also said he has a “high opinion” of Luis Enrique – a potential successor – but also insisted he will carry on working.
Wenger added: “I have a high opinion of him. But I don’t want to influence the job for the next manager.
“I don’t know what I will do. I will continue to work. Will I take a rest? I don’t know.”
Real Madrid produced a spectacular comeback against Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final with Joselu striking twice late on, earning them a 2-1 win on Wednesday to progress 4-3 on aggregate.
Alphonso Davies smashed the visiting German giants ahead in the second half but record 14-time winners Madrid produced a sensational comeback with Joselu netting in the 88th and 91st minutes.
Bayern Munich’s Canadian midfielder #19 Alphonso Davies scores his team’s first goal in spite of Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper #13 Andriy Lunin during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)
Spanish champions Real Madrid face another German side, Borussia Dortmund, in the Wembley final on June 1, after they stunned the team they call their “black beast”.
Squad player Joselu, on as a late substitute, wrote his name in Madrid’s history books with his last-gasp brace.
Bayern Munich’s English forward #09 Harry Kane reacts to their defeat after the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
“There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die,” said Real midfielder Jude Bellingham.
“Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.”
Madrid had enjoyed the better of the match but it seemed Davies’ superb strike had set up a repeat of the 2013 all-German final in London.
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel made three changes from the first leg, benching veteran Thomas Mueller and Leon Goretzka.
Dani Carvajal started for Madrid after missing the first leg suspended and was heavily involved as the hosts dominated the opening stages.
Real Madrid players celebrate their second goal scored by Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #14 Joselu during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Rodrygo Goes was inches away from converting Carvajal’s low cross and the Spain defender then cleverly set up Vinicius Junior with a pass nutmegging a defender, and Manuel Neuer tipped the Brazilian’s shot against the post.
The rebound fell to Rodrygo but his effort was weak and with a desperate arm Neuer was able to claw it out to complete a fine double save.
Bayern’s Serge Gnabry limped off injured with Davies replacing him before Harry Kane’s first flash of danger.
Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was alert to push the England captain’s vicious long-range volley around the post.
Neuer palmed away a Vinicius free-kick as the teams ended a high-intensity, relentlessly frantic first half level.
The second period was just as fraught, with Davies’ cross deflecting onto the roof of Lunin’s goal.
Vinicius was unplayable down Madrid’s left and Rodrygo prodded his low cross agonisingly wide of the far post.
The 38-year-old Neuer made superb saves to deny both Brazilian forwards again before the hour mark as Madrid controlled the game and ratcheted up the pressure.
However just as in Munich, when Los Blancos were at their strongest, Bayern pounced.
Kane fed Davies and the Canada international cut inside from the left and smashed a shot beyond Lunin into the far top corner after 68 minutes.
Madrid thought they had levelled moments later through Nacho but after a VAR review the strike was ruled out as the defender had grabbed Joshua Kimmich’s face before shooting.
Tuchel took off Kane in the final stages to try and hold on to victory but it slipped through his fingers as Madrid produced more indelible European memories.
Neuer, who had been sublime to this point, fumbled what appeared a simple Vinicius strike and Joselu gratefully bundled home from close range.
With Bayern reeling Madrid struck again, decisively. It was Joselu once more, the striker on loan from second division side Espanyol, turning home after Antonio Rudiger cut the ball back to him.
The goal was ruled offside but officials overturned the decision after review, and after nearly 15 minutes of stoppage time, Madrid earned the chance to go for their 15th Champions League trophy.
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