Wenger predicts glory

04 October 2009 12:45
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger predicts his young guns will finally lift a title this season.[LNB] The Gunners have fired a blank in the Premier League since their 2003/04 top-flight success, while they have yet to lift the UEFA Champions League.[LNB]They have come close to both trophies in that time but Wenger, who this week celebrated 13 years at the helm, believes this season will reap rewards.[LNB]The Frenchman even turned down the chance to manage Real Madrid in the summer to see his 'project' at Arsenal bear fruit.[LNB]He told the News of the World: "I have a great respect for Real Madrid, it is the club of my childhood. But I am involved in a project at Arsenal. [LNB]Developed"We have developed our style. There is a close bond with the players. That creates a responsibility. [LNB]"I predict the fulfilment of a dream this season. We have not won a title (the FA Cup) for four years now, but in those four years we have come very close, again and again, to winning the English Premier League and even the Champions League. [LNB]"I think the team is now reaching maturity. And a team performance can create something magical. If that works and the entire team is electrified, it's fantastic." [LNB]Wenger will turn 60 this month but he has no thoughts of retiring, nor will he nominate his successor when the time does come to finally go.[LNB]"I will not nominate my successor," he said. "I have a very strong relationship with this club but it is important that everyone does what they are paid to do and my job is not to pick the next manager. [LNB]Shadow"If I am asked my opinion, then I will give it. But I do not want to be seen as a shadow on the next manager.[LNB]"I would like to leave the club in fantastic shape and give the next man the opportunity to do even better than I have done. [LNB]"I want to leave a team behind that has potential and not a team which has no good players in it. [LNB]"I want to leave behind a club in a good financial situation, with a proper structure in place which is geared towards performing to an even higher level in the next 10-15 years. [LNB]"Standing on the sideline I often look like an iceberg because I have learned to control my emotions. [LNB]"But when everything harmonises, I am passionate. I call it the team's soul - if that is in order, anything is possible." [LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports