Petr Cech Hints Arsenal Players May Have Been Affected By Arsene Wenger Speculation
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has hinted that some of his teammates may have been affected by the ongoing speculation over manager Arsene Wenger’s future at the club. The French tactician has more than 15 months left on his existing deal, but talks have intensified over his future in recent weeks amid the club’s poor run in the Premier League.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Chelsea star admitted that the speculation over coaches has not affected him in the past, but this could be a case with a few of his teammates, he said: “I think it’s individual. As a player, some people probably look around more than others. I have to say I concentrate on what I can do which is only my game, my preparation, my training every day and helping everybody else to be ready for the game when it comes. Obviously all this speculation about the coach in, coach out and what’s going to happen next. Once you as a player start thinking too much about it obviously it can affect your performance and that is not going to help you.”
Arsenal had gone through a poor run of form which saw them lose four matches across all competitions, and this had spread speculation over whether Wenger would remain at the helm beyond March. However, things have since turned around for the Gunners with victories over Milan in the round of 16 stage of the Europa League, whilst also ending a three-match losing run in the Premier League by thumping Watford by a 3-0 scoreline.
The north London side are unlikely to finish in the top-four this season after falling 13 points behind arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the final Champions League position, and their campaign is likely to be judged on whether they secure the Europa League crown or not. The failure to lift the competition may end Wenger’s two-decade long stay with the Gunners.