Arsenal press conference recap: Wenger's future, Liverpool, Özil and Welbeck
Arsène Wenger addressed the media from London Colney this morning ahead of the Gunners' trip to face Liverpool on Saturday. Here's a recap:
Team news
Wenger confirmed that Ramsey and Koscielny are back in full training but Elneny has an ankle problem which will keep him out for around three weeks. Questioned on the fitness of Danny Welbeck and the progress of Santi Cazorla he had this to say:
"He [Welbeck] had some ups and downs with his knee problem. I followed the advice of medical people. Cazorla I am not specialised enough [to know when he'll be back]. It is a special problem. I have not seen him in training, not even in fitness work. It's possible [Cazorla could play again this season]. It's very difficult to predict. It is very frustrating for us. At the start of the season he was the star of the team. It's a big loss and I am very sad for him. He suffers a lot not being on the football pitch."
Özil should be fit to start.
Thoughts on Liverpool
Addressing Koscielny's comments that Arsenal players have a 'mental problem' Wenger clarified his vice-captain's intended message saying:
"He wanted to say we lacked a bit confidence [against Bayern]. When you have a bad result it plays on your mind. We just have to focus on the way that you play. To take the opportunity you have to show your quality."
With regards to Liverpool that manager believes "This is an opportunity we have to go and take, not wait for the result. We have to start on a positive attitude." Liverpool are favourites for the match however given their recent loss to Leicester it's a tough one to call, check out these free football betting tips from footballbets for the latest odds and match news.
The manager believes the players owe themselves a performance to show off their quality.
Wenger's future
On being linked to the Barcelona job Arsène stated his preference is to stay at Arsenal but feels he is objective enough to make the right decision. Pressed on turning down a £30m-a-year contract in China the manager shut it down saying
Tell us what you think! If you agree, or have a different view, please leave a comment in the comments section or why not write a response or your own article on YouWrite?"This press conference is about the Liverpool game. Not about my future or what I turned down or did not turn down."
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