Alisher Usmanov, who is Arsenal’s second highest shareholder, has called on manager Arsene Wenger to accept his faults and strengthen the team in every position.
Wenger is beginning to face increased criticism over his transfer policy and failure to recruit defensive options.
The Gunners’ frailties were once again exposed last weekend, as they dominated Manchester United, but lost 2-1 at the Emirates.
“My opinion – and I tell it openly – we need to strengthen every position to play on the level of such teams in the UK as Chelsea and Manchester City, in Europe like Real [Madrid], Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and other clubs,” Usmanov told CNBC.
Arsenal are now in 8th position in the Premier League and 15 points behind leaders Chelsea. When asked if Wenger should continue as coach, he responded: “First of all. I decide nothing in this matter. This is a strange position when the second biggest investor, who has more than 30 per cent, decides nothing – and it is frustrating. Although, I have a great respect for the president of the club.
“As for Arsene Wenger, he is one of the greatest coaches, not just of European, but of world football. But we have a Russian proverb which goes: ‘Even an old lady can have a roof falling on her’. Everybody makes mistakes. He can make mistakes. And I know as you age it is more difficult, more challenging, to accept one’s mistakes.
“Maybe it’s a problem today. He’s a great man, a great coach, he had great victories and he has to have an opportunity to secure the place which he and he team ought to have. I think men who create winners have to be winners themselves, and I wish him this.
“Another question is how to make this possible, and there are conditions for this. I think club leadership relies on Wenger. So it is his responsibility, so I wish him all kinds of success.”
Usmanov pointed out that Arsenal have not progessed in the past seasons, because Wenger will not see beyond his errors.
“I can say that Arsenal is a dream that sometimes becomes a mirage. And sometimes a pain, as every dream,” Usmanov added.
“The potential of the team is there but there is no critical evaluation of mistakes. And we need to acknowledge them because no genius can retain the same level of genius if they do not acknowledge mistakes.
“It’s only when you admit your mistakes that you can get rid of them. I wish this to my club. Nothing bad is happening apart from repeating the same result. If we were to keep being in the middle of the Champions League but we only lose the first play-off games, some may be happy with that, but as a shareholder I am not.”
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