Wenger hits back at critics
24 Apr 2008 - 08:50:21
Arsene Wenger has accused his critics of a lack of respect following the disappointing end to Arsenal's season.
The Gunners will end the season without a trophy for a fourth consecutive campaign and Wenger has come under fire following their Champions League quarter-final exit to Liverpool and failure to topple Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.
However, Wenger feels both he and his team deserve more respect as they have already amassed six more points in the Premier League than they did 12 months ago.
When asked about criticism for a lack of silverware, he told the club's official website: "You know you will be criticised for that, but you don't need to accept everything.
"People say you make mistakes, well that is professional.
"When people say you don't know what you are doing, that is a little bit disrespectful.
"At the moment, I am trying more to protect the players so they don't lose their self-esteem and their confidence.
"I feel that is important for the future of the team and for themselves."