Arsene Wenger claims he has forgiven fans for their ‘disgraceful’ behaviour towards him this season.
- Arsene Wenger finally speaks out about abuse
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- Wenger claims he’s a ‘forgiving man’
- Issues young coaches with a stern warning
While Arsenal fans weren’t Wenger’s only critics this season, their fury was deafening. Although the often unfair jibes from pundits, former players and reputable journos probably affected the Frenchman far more than he’d ever want us to believe, it was most likely the protests, banners and chants from his own fans that the boss couldn’t move past.
Ahead of the FA Cup final, Wenger admitted that the abuse towards him this season while Arsenal weren’t performing was disgraceful.
“I don’t mind criticism because we are in a public job,” he said.
“I believe there’s a difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that human beings don’t deserve.
“The lack of respect from some has been a disgrace and I will never accept that. I will never forget it.
“The behaviour of some people during the season, that is what hurts me most. It’s not my person that is hurt but the impeccable image of the club around the world. That kind of behaviour does not reflect what Arsenal is.
“A strong club is a club that makes a decision. It is wrong that in modern society it is not a question of whether a decision is right but whether it is popular. That has nothing to do with competence. People with responsibility have to make the right decision.”
With what will reportedly be a new two-year deal set to be announced in the coming days, however, Wenger sees no point in dwelling on the past.
“I am a forgiving man. You cannot be in this job… this job is basically trusting human beings, you know, so if you cannot forgive, you cannot trust,” he said.
“The only thing I advise to young coaches, if you have tendency to paranoia, don’t do this job.”