Soccer: Wenger stung by criticism

Arsene Wenger has described the growing criticism of his management of Arsenal as "unbelievable" and admitted he is made to feel as if he has "killed someone".

Wenger's record has never come under such scrutiny after a fourth straight season without a trophy. The Frenchman staunchly defended his record when he met a group of Arsenal supporters for a heated Q and A session on Friday and appealed to them to get behind him.

But there is no doubt the criticism hurts Wenger, who has won the double twice in his 13 years at the club but is finding his tactics, selections and transfer policies are coming under attack.

Wenger said: "It has become ridiculous. You are in the last four in Europe and every day you feel you have killed someone. It is unbelievable."

Strong words from Wenger, who revealed he has worked harder than ever this season to try to nurture his young side who travelled to Old Trafford overnight (NZT) knowing a point for Manchester United would have clinched a third successive title for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The dazzling success of Manchester United makes it more difficult for Wenger to argue the case for greater patience. His pleas for fans to keep the faith appear to be falling on deaf ears, as supporters demand results now.

Wenger said: "We live in a world of instant opinions. I have nothing against that but it doesn't mean that instant opinions are right. I am here to produce what I can. If it's not good enough, it's not good enough. That is not down to me to judge that. We lose [in the Champions League] against Manchester United who have 10 times more resources, it's not a shame. They are the best in the world, congratulations to them. If you play tennis tomorrow and you lose against [Rafael] Nadal, you can still say you are a good player. I look in the mirror and think, 'have I given everything, have you done the maximum you can and that's it?' Opinions are always manipulated. I believe this club is in a fantastic situation. You look at the shape of the club, you look at the financial situation, you look at the quality of the squad, I'm pretty envious of this club if I'm outside of the club."

Wenger had to answer some angry comments from a group of Arsenal shareholders. One questioner described Mika l Silvestre as "geriatric" and another called for Emmanuel Adebayor to be sold in the summer. Wenger responded by appealing for greater support at the Emirates, referring to a "negative environment" at the club's home ground.

Wenger told shareholders: "It is the easiest thing to sit in the stands and say they are not good enough, that they do not fight. It is always that negative way of thinking, that the players do not care. We are playing in the best league in the world and you do not go 21 games unbeaten if you do not stand up and fight.

"If we do not deliver in one or two years, I will be responsible. It is the most important moment in the life of this club and we have to be strong now and support this team."

- INDEPENDENT