Keown: Wenger has to lose some of his control in the club

Martin Keown recently gave an exclusive interview to Arsenal Fan TV in which he spoke about the FA Cup final, Stan Kroenke, Alisher Usmanov, Arsene Wenger and more.

  • Losing Koscielny and Gabriel is huge loss
  • Wenger has affected his ‘x-factor’ by creating uncertainty over his future
  • Trusts Wenger to make ‘right decision’
  • Wants Kroenke to be more vocal in support of manager

The former Gunner admitted that losing both Laurent Koscielny to a red card and Gabriel to injury against Everton on the final day of the season is a ‘huge loss’, and acknowledged that Arsenal are far more likely to struggle at Wembley without either available.

Keown also spoke about the uncertainty surrounding Wenger’s future at the club.

“I know he’s saying that (the uncertainty hasn’t caused problems) now but it was so unnecessary,” the pundit said.

“A lot of people want change, and I understand that, but the x-factor that Arsene Wenger created… there’s such a warmth that surrounds the guy. You felt, ‘if I don’t play then the team won’t win’.

“He gives you that self importance and belief in yourself.

“It’s an x-factor that he took away by creating this uncertainty ’cause he didn’t decide whether he was staying or going.”

Keown also touched upon Usmanov’s attempted takeover and Kroenke’s response.