© EuroFootball.com
Trying to resist the arrows of criticism, London's "Arsenal" strategist Arsene Wenger insists that when he finally leaves, he will be missed.
The 63-year-old specialist, at a press conference before the Champions League eighth-final match against Munich's "Bayern," did not hide his irritation and sharply responded to questions from journalists.
"I am sure that you will miss me when I leave. Look back at the teams I had the opportunity to train but refused and stayed here - one day I will tell you about it," he said.
In the English championship, "Arsenal" once again failed to challenge the leaders "Man Utd" and "Man City," and in the FA Cup tournament, the capital's club unexpectedly withdrew after losing to Blackburn from the second league at home. Therefore, the last hope is not to finish another season empty-handed - to win the Champions League.
"I have been working here for 16 years and I am as dedicated as ever, so I deserve a little respect," said Wenger, who was annoyed by a question about the information in the media about a new two-year contract offered to him. "You can say that we are not doing well, but manipulation is unjustifiable."
And he added: "You say I don't take the FA Cup seriously? I won this trophy four times, name another coach who has achieved the same. At least one. Have I released a weak eleven? They were eleven national team players, so to say that is disrespectful.
"After all, we are the only team to finish the Premier League season undefeated. We played in the Champions League final, constantly reach the quarterfinals and semifinals."
