In light of opposition fans and the media having a field day twisting Arsene Wenger’s quotes regarding Leicester City struggling this season, we take a look at three more times the boss’ quotes have been taken out of context.
These are just the more recent examples. Wenger – and others – have had their comments twisted by the media since the media was born.
Leicester City struggle
Back in June when Leicester City were crowned unlikely Premier League Champions, Wenger predicted that the following year, the Foxes would find the season a lot harder. Now that Leicester have beaten Sevilla and qualified for the quarter-finals, his comments have resurfaced and been twisted out of context.
What the media say
The media are claiming that Wenger said Leicester would struggle in the Champions League.
What Wenger actually said
Wenger was actually referring to the amount of games Leicester would have to play since they would have the extra European fixtures. And he was right. The Foxes are currently down in 15th in the Premier League.
“Leicester will struggle. Their game is not based on possession and that demands huge physical resources,” Wenger told beIN Sports.
“If you play at Barcelona on Wednesday night, you have to fight for every single ball and again on the Saturday in the Premier League then of course it will be difficult.
“I cannot predict what the future of Leicester is, but the only thing I can say is it’s much more difficult once you play in competitions like the Champions League.”
Moneybags Mesut
When reports of Mesut Ozil wanting higher wages with his new contract began to circulate, Wenger made the mistake of cracking a joke when asked about it in a press conference.
What the media said
The media claimed that the Frenchman was admitting that it would take a huge amount of money to keep the German international in north London.
What Wenger actually said
The manager made a joke. Most likely at the media’s expense.
“I don’t think he needs convincing,” Wenger said.
“He wants to stay here. If you have a good bank, call me!
“We keep that discreet. At due time we will come out with that.
“Am I confident he will sign? It’s not my main worry now. We want to keep our best players, of course. The more I say that, the more he is in a stronger position.
“It’s not just money. Arsenal can win titles, of course. But that’s what we have to show.
“We are in a league where Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, everybody, fights and you cannot guarantee that to anybody.”
Anthony Taylor-gate
When Arsenal beat Burnley 2-1 at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger picked up a four-match touchline ban for pushing official Anthony Taylor.
What the media said
The media claimed that Wenger had called Taylor a ‘f**king cheat’ and branded him a disgrace.
What Wenger actually said
It later emerged that Wenger had just told Taylor to ‘f**k off’, which he apologised for immediately after the game.
“Following the award of a penalty kick against his team in approx. 92nd min, Mr Wenger left his technical area to confront me in disagreement at the decision,” claimed Taylor.
“Before he said anything I said: ‘Think carefully before you say anything.’
“He responded by saying ‘you are dishonest to your federation.’ I considered this to be questioning both mine and the referee, Jon Moss’s integrity and impartiality. I stated to Mr. Wenger that such a comment was not acceptable and he told me to “f*** off” on two separate occasions.”
Arsenal fans should be like Spurs fans!
Although you usually assume that most Arsenal fans know Wenger and would instantly know if his words were being twisted to kick up a fuss, they always surprise you.
What the media said
Twitter went into a frenzy recently when Wenger allegedly said that Gooners should be more like our north London rivals’ fans.
What Wenger actually said
The boss was actually attempting to get Arsenal fans behind their team and using examples of how united supporters could help get positive results.
“Our fans have been consistent and have a high level of expectation as I do but I don’t feel you can be a fan until last Tuesday and then not be behind the team any more – it doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“All the other clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, they have big expectations and big history. We are in a fight and we have to be united or we have no chance.
“You have Tottenham as well and everyone is behind their team and we have to do the same. Even if we have had two disappointed results I want the fans to be behind the team. Focus on what we do well. They were great players last Tuesday and they are still great players.”
See. In case you needed reminding: don’t believe everything you read.