We don't need a trophy, says Arsene Wenger

11 April 2012

Arsene Wenger today insisted his Arsenal team will have enjoyed a successful season even if they end the campaign without a trophy.

The Gunners could be 10 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United by the time they face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Sunday as they look to salvage silverware from a campaign that initially promised so much.

Arsenal lost the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham, exited the Champions League to Barcelona, and were dumped out of the FA Cup by United in the space of two weeks as questions resurfaced over their mental strength and ability to compete at the highest level.

Disappointing draws against West Brom and Blackburn have meant the Gunners retain only a slim hope of their first trophy since 2005.

But Wenger today launched a passionate defence of his team and claimed criticism of his players is unfair given their young age.

"Personally, I am very proud of the attitude, the behaviour and the quality of our season," said the Arsenal boss.

"I will defend that until the end, it is important that we finish as well as we can and the quality of the team is linked with the mental attitude that we have and how much you are ready to fight until the end of the season.

"The rest, I am only very proud of what this team has done. People's opinion is people's opinion and we have to accept that in our game.

"As long as you are second in the league, I am ready to sign for the next 20 years and stand up for that.

"If there is a team that is better than us, we have to accept it. I believe we do not have to be ashamed at the moment of what we have done.

"Rather, I have to be proud because if I took statements from all the people here at the start of the season we were not even in the top five. Now it is a scandal we are second.

"We have to accept it. People can change their minds but we have to fight. That makes a top-level sportsman.

"It doesn't hurt me personally but it bothers me that the players do not get the recognition for what they have put in since the start of the season.

"You do not go in the Carling Cup Final or the FA Cup quarter-final or losing in the Champions League to Barcelona giving absolutely everything - and are the victim of some unbelievable decisions - you do not do that by not fighting every day.

"This team is 23. When we played against Barcelona, they were 27 and a half. It is time people understand what our job is about. It is important we realise this team is absolutely amazing for what they do at their age. One day people will understand that."

The average age of Arsenal's team that lost at Barcelona was actually just under 25, but Wenger played up his team's youthful composition and hailed their achievements.

He said: "How old is Wilshere? It looks like in England you cannot play without him. How old is Fabregas? How old is Nasri? We have to trust these players and not listen to some opinions of people who have not worked in football. Do you know how much work is behind a team like that? How much mental strength is behind a team like that? Success in any job is to do the maximum with your talent."

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