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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: A signing before the end of the transfer window would be a miracle
The Gunners boss denied there is any real possibility of an acquisition before Tuesday night, while he was impressed by his side's team spirit in FA Cup win against Aston Villa
29 Jan 2012 20:08:00
Arsen Wenger - Arsenal
By Wayne Veysey at Emirates Stadium
Arsene Wenger claimed today that it will be a “miracle” if Arsenal buy a player in the final 48 hours of the window.
His team were jeered by a section of the home support after going 2-0 down to Aston Villa at half-time but Wenger reiterated his confidence in his squad after a brilliant second-half comeback sealed a 3-2 win and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Asked if he will bring reinforcements before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, Wenger said: “I cannot say ‘nothing’ will happen but it will be a little bit of a miracle now. The biggest thing for us is to get our players back. When you look at the bench today, we had top quality.”
In a separate interview shortly afterwards, Wenger said “certainly not” to the possibility of any new acquisitions before teasing supporters by saying “but you never know”.
However, there could be a short-term departure from the club in the next 48 hours, with Wenger admitting that he was weighing up whether Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi will be sent out on loan for the rest of the season.
But the Arsenal manager explained that Miyaichi will only be loaned to an English club, in order to protect his home-grown eligibility. Miyaichi has been heavily linked with a switch to Valenciennes in France.
Wenger has received an encouraging medical bulletin with regard to Jack Wilshere, who suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from ankle surgery in training last week, but the manager said he is waiting for further news from the specialists dealing with his recovery before knowing when the England international can resume fitness work.
Wenger said: “The first news we have had is quite good and better than what I expected. I hope it will only be a short setback.
“I spoke to Jack today. There will be more tests this week. But I don’t know when he will start training. I didn’t speak to the medical department today.”
Wenger revealed that injury-plagued midfielder Abou Diaby will return to the club on Tuesday after a spell in rehab but “the earliest he will play will be the end of February”.
The Frenchman was heartened by the resolve shown by his players against Villa after they had tested the patience of supporters, a section of whom booed the team off at half-time.
“I am sad that we can't always keep the fans happy, but we just have to show the spirit we showed today,” said the manager. “I felt they (fans) were quite positive compared to last time (the defeat to Manchester United). They saw some interesting things today.
“I understand people question my decisions. I wouldn’t understand if they question my commitment or dedication to this club. Most of all I just want to do well for this club I love.”
Asked what he had said at half-time to inspire Arsenal’s fightback, Wenger said: “I said at half time it was a test to show we had the mental qualities to come back and that whatever happened it was important not to panic.
“We responded well against Man United in the second half and we did it again today. It was a classic cup tie in England. It was harsh to be 2-0 down at half-time.
“I was very impressed by our spirit. You can feel sorry for yourself or show you have the mental qualities to play for this club. I hope we will bounce back in the Premier League as well now.”
Arsene Wenger claimed today that it will be a “miracle” if Arsenal buy a player in the final 48 hours of the window.
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His team were jeered by a section of the home support after going 2-0 down to Aston Villa at half-time but Wenger reiterated his confidence in his squad after a brilliant second-half comeback sealed a 3-2 win and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Asked if he will bring reinforcements before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, Wenger said: “I cannot say ‘nothing’ will happen but it will be a little bit of a miracle now. The biggest thing for us is to get our players back. When you look at the bench today, we had top quality.”
In a separate interview shortly afterwards, Wenger said “certainly not” to the possibility of any new acquisitions before teasing supporters by saying “but you never know”.
However, there could be a short-term departure from the club in the next 48 hours, with Wenger admitting that he was weighing up whether Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi will be sent out on loan for the rest of the season.
But the Arsenal manager explained that Miyaichi will only be loaned to an English club, in order to protect his home-grown eligibility. Miyaichi has been heavily linked with a switch to Valenciennes in France.
Wenger has received an encouraging medical bulletin with regard to Jack Wilshere, who suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from ankle surgery in training last week, but the manager said he is waiting for further news from the specialists dealing with his recovery before knowing when the England international can resume fitness work.
Wenger said: “The first news we have had is quite good and better than what I expected. I hope it will only be a short setback.
“I spoke to Jack today. There will be more tests this week. But I don’t know when he will start training. I didn’t speak to the medical department today.”
Wenger revealed that injury-plagued midfielder Abou Diaby will return to the club on Tuesday after a spell in rehab but “the earliest he will play will be the end of February”.
The Frenchman was heartened by the resolve shown by his players against Villa after they had tested the patience of supporters, a section of whom booed the team off at half-time.
“I am sad that we can't always keep the fans happy, but we just have to show the spirit we showed today,” said the manager. “I felt they (fans) were quite positive compared to last time (the defeat to Manchester United). They saw some interesting things today.
“I understand people question my decisions. I wouldn’t understand if they question my commitment or dedication to this club. Most of all I just want to do well for this club I love.”
Asked what he had said at half-time to inspire Arsenal’s fightback, Wenger said: “I said at half time it was a test to show we had the mental qualities to come back and that whatever happened it was important not to panic.
“We responded well against Man United in the second half and we did it again today. It was a classic cup tie in England. It was harsh to be 2-0 down at half-time.
“I was very impressed by our spirit. You can feel sorry for yourself or show you have the mental qualities to play for this club. I hope we will bounce back in the Premier League as well now.”
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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