Arsenal legend Robert Pires has suggested Arsene Wenger's main aim at the club is simply finishing in the top four
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has been quoted by the London Evening Standard suggesting that Arsene Wenger’s main aim at the club is simply to qualify for the Champions League.
Wenger’s record in terms of qualifying for Europe each season has been faultless, but there is a question in the mind of some fans over whether he can push the side to compete for the major pieces of silverware domestically and on the European scene.
“It's not a question of strength. He's not tired. He still has that desire to be on the pitch, because he loves it, it's his vocation, he's been doing it for many years,” said Pires.
“His aim is to qualify for the Champions League, which I think will happen, and what is certain is that you will see him on the bench again next year.”
Wenger and Arsenal ended a long run without a trophy last season when the club secured the FA Cup, but there are arguable doubts over whether the Gunners can realistically push for the Premier League title and the Champions League.
The club were handed a favourable draw in the Champions League last 16 for this season, but played poorly in the first leg against Monaco, which left them with too much to do in the second game.
Domestically, the performances were inconsistent in the Premier League over the first half of the season but the side have improved and are currently one point behind Manchester City in second and seven behind Chelsea, the Premier League leaders.
There is a slim challenge that the Gunners could challenge Chelsea, but it seems more realistic that Arsenal will settle for automatic qualification into the Champions League for next season based on the evidence of seasons gone by.
A second FA Cup win in as many years would help to sweeten things.
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