Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Targeting Stronger Start Next Season

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's much respected manager, is hoping for a change of fortunes next campaign, and has ordered a strong start from his coming-of-age squad.

During the genesis of the 2008-09 season the Gunners stuttered, despite their favourable fixture list. Losses to Fulham, Hull City and Manchester City quickly began to accrue and Arsenal were chasing the Premier League title, instead of challenging, within the opening ten games.

"The league title is a marathon, in which we had a bad start, and when you are running against people who are quick, it is difficult to catch them up," Wenger explained to Sky Sports News. "That is what we want to change next season - we want to start strongly, it is very important."

Arsenal have now gone four years without a trophy to parade and skipper Francesc Fabregas is convinced that the north London clique need to be sufficiently bolstered in the summer market if they are to return to being considered as a competitive outfit.

"It is very important for this club to start winning trophies again, to be back at our best, so we are annoyed we could not do it this season. We definitely need to improve in some areas and do better as a squad. I believe that next season we will be stronger.

"We are really disappointed because we did not achieve what we wanted to this year, so it is up to us to come back stronger next time. I am confident we can do that.

"We will see what happens in the summer, but the boss knows what is missing and I am sure he will do something about it."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com