Arsene Wenger Defends Youthful Philosophy At Arsenal
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Arsene Wenger Defends Youthful Philosophy At Arsenal
Gunners boss still believes in project despite Chelsea and City spending sprees.
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal (Getty Images)Arsene Wenger says he is proud of his recent achievements and prouder still of the way he has built his current crop of Arsenal tyros.
Since the Invincibles' astonishing unbeaten league season of 2003-04 the Gunners have yet to win a trophy, while the new money of Chelsea and Manchester City has threatened to eclipse the London club entirely.
Arsenal have in recent years been out-powered in individual matches against their closest competitors and outlasted in the title race.
However, Wenger has during this time developed such stellar talents as Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor into leading lights of the Premier League.
And he says his moneyed rivals are taking the easy route to success.
His present side have an average age as low as 22 and are still in the title frame as the contest with leaders Chelsea and holders Manchester United enters its closing stages.
And while Wenger recognizes the might of Chelsea and the inexorable rise of the Sky Blues, he claims victories that cannot be displayed in a trophy cabinet.
"City will get it right, they need time," Wenger told the Telegraph.
"We have to count City as a competitive force in the future because of the money; City and Chelsea have a way to be successful.
"Buying players of 27, 28 is the easiest way to do management.
"We have gone a different way: we have created a special spirit because our players have lived together from 16 onwards."
For Wenger this spirit is closely allied to the spirit and well-being of football itself.
He added: "It is important for football in general that Arsenal are successful; it will make people believe there is not only one way.
"I listen to people who say: "We lost but we had five or six players of 22'.
"We have an average age of 22 and we're fighting for the championship.''
Arsenal also remain in the hunt for the Champions League, in which they were beaten finalists in 2006, as well as continuing to delight with their nimble swift-passing game - two more reasons for Wenger to believe in his methods.
"Trophies are cherry on the cake," Wenger said.
"People say in the last five years Arsenal have achieved nothing.
"Which would you prefer? Winning the Carling Cup or reaching the Champions League final?
"Champions League final of course.
"In 2006 we have been in the final, but because we did not get the trophy, people say the achievement was rubbish.
"But it's the first time Arsenal have reached the Champions League final - that's an achievement."
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of course its better to be in the CL final than winning the carling cup. but can arsenal reach the CL final every season?
carling cup may be a cup that is of little value but it is definitely a consolation to at least finish the season with a silverware for all the hard work throughout one long season.