Source: Team_Talk
Wenger admits Almunia is 'unsettled'
Arsene Wenger accepts speculation is unsettling Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia - but warned competition is part of life at a top club.[LNB] The Gunners have been heavily linked with Australian international Mark Schwarzer all summer, with Fulham maintaining they have turned down two bids for the 37-year-old, believed to be in the region of £2million.[LNB]Almunia played in the opening game of the new Premier League season at Liverpool, and drew criticism after being beaten at his near post for the Reds' goal in a 1-1 draw.[LNB]The Spaniard afterwards admitted the constant rumours surrounding his position were distracting, and hinted if an experienced stopper like Schwarzer came in then he would consider his own future at the Emirates Stadium.[LNB]Wenger will keep faith with the 33-year-old for Saturday's visit of newly promoted Blackpool, but maintained no one player can be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.[LNB]"For us what is important at the moment in front of a big game is that we focus on the players we have," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"Almunia is number one - it is important that we give him the needed confidence, that we trust him, that we focus on tomorrow's game."[LNB]Wenger, though, accepted: "It is a very sensitive subject which is difficult for me to talk about.[LNB]"You can understand that he is unsettled by that situation, but on the other hand, when you play at Arsenal, that is what you have to deal with.[LNB]"You have to be strong enough to deal with that and I believe he is.[LNB]"Jens Lehmann had to deal with that situation because at some stage I took him out of the team and played Almunia, so competition is part of our world. We have to accept that."[LNB]Wenger, however, refused to be drawn on the Schwarzer situation.[LNB]"I never speak about the transfers, the offers, anything made about the players, because we have so many talks in football that are never concluded," he said.[LNB]"It is always simple if you want to buy a player and the club doesn't agree: they say no, so there is not a lot to talk about."[LNB]Sevilla have, though, confirmed an offer has been lodged by Arsenal for experienced France international defender Sebastien Squillaci, who did not feature in their midweek Champions League qualifier to avoid being cup-tied.[LNB]The Spanish club are reported to want some £6.5million for the centre-back, but an imminent completion of negotiations appears unlikely.[LNB]Wenger confirmed: "He is one of the players we look at.[LNB]"With central defenders we are short number-wise, so we look at him, but we are far from being close to signing him."[LNB]Blackpool started life in the Premier League with a remarkable 4-0 win at Wigan.[LNB]However, the Tangerines are expected to be brought down to earth with a bump at the Emirates Stadium.[LNB]Wenger, though, warned against any complacency.[LNB]"We have to show we are mature enough to deal with these types of games where you are favourites - but you are only favourite if you deserve it and prepare mentally," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"Among the three teams who come up, there is always one team who are on a wave of euphoria, of momentum - and it is not always the team who has won the league.[LNB]"They have no doubt, and as long as the doubt is not created by the results, they play with a real freedom, which is why Blackpool will be a dangerous team."
