Arsenal chief Hill-Wood backs Wenger

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says the club’s board remain fully behind under-fire manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says the club’s board remain fully behind under-fire manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners look likely to end the season without a trophy for the eighth year in a row following their shock FA Cup fifth-round exit to Championship side Blackburn Rovers after losing 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

With runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich their opponents in the Champions League, the veteran manager is coming under increasing pressure to deliver following many previously trophy-laden years, but Hill-Wood is backing Wenger to come good again.

“You have your ups and downs and we are having a bit of a down. But some of the reaction has been a bit hysterical,” he said.

“You hear clubs being criticised for sacking their manager too quickly. Now there are people out there calling for us to sack a manager who has been a huge success for 15 years.

“That does not help much. I have been extremely disappointed by some of the recent results. I have been an Arsenal fan for a lot longer than most so I think I know what it feels like. It hurts a lot and I am sure Arsene is hurting too.

“He is very diplomatic and calm but deep down he feels very strongly and he is as upset as anyone.

“It’s not just me who is backing Arsene. (Major shareholder) Stan Kroenke is very supportive too.”

Arsenal currently lie fifth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

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