Arsene Wenger has told disgruntled Arsenal fans to put their feelings towards him to one side and support the team.
The Gunners lie sixth in the Premier League after 15 matches and have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League for the 15th consecutive season, but a section of supporters have been calling for Wenger to leave.
Criticisms centre around a lack of defensive reinforcements, perceived tactical naivety and a lack of discernible progress towards a first league title since 2004, with Wenger facing particularly vociferous abuse from members of the Arsenal away support after a disappointing 3-2 away defeat to Stoke City last Saturday.
But drawing attention to his achievements over 18 years in charge of the Gunners, the Frenchman has called on those pushing for a change of manager to put their grievances aside for the good of the team.
“What is in the word supporter? Support. It says what it says,” he told reporters.
“I don’t expect anything but if you will look at the history of Arsenal and what we have achieved in the last 18 years and we have moved forward and that what is what we want to continue to do.
“I have managed in 180 Champions League games. How many Champions League games did Arsenal play before?”
Wenger insists he gives no thought to those who want him to leave, claiming he remains fully focused on delivering success for Arsenal on the pitch.
“That is not my problem,” he added. “My problem is to win football games. I am not a politician who has a poll every week to see if you support me. I am paid to win games. My sense is to focus on my job.
“Honestly you don’t think I will find 20 people who say that you are rubbish? Do they represent the majority of people? I don’t know but you have to win your football games, that’s all.”
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