Arsenal in ´crisis´, says Overmars

Former Arsenal star Marc Overmars understands criticism of Arsene Wenger, but called on supporters to stand by their manager.

Former Arsenal star Marc Overmars understands criticism of Arsene Wenger, but called on supporters to stand by their manager.

Overmars played under Wenger as Arsenal won the double of the English Premier League title and FA Cup in 1997/98, part of a significant trophy haul accumulated during the Frenchman’s early years in charge of the club.

But they have gone without silverware since capturing the FA Cup in 2005, a prolonged drought which has prompted some fans to question Wenger’s position.

Overmars, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2000, is aware of the reasons behind supporter discontent, but believes Wenger and the club’s hierarchy deserve time to get it right at the Emirates Stadium.

“If you look at the results, you can say it’s a crisis,” he said.

“I understand the fans. If you are a supporter of your club, you want to win something every year and if you don’t win anything for six or seven years or even longer, the fans get a bit critical.

“They should still support Mr Wenger and the board.

“They had unbelievably good years before and it’s still possible that in the future they can create a new team that reaches that level.

“I understand the situation of the fans but they still have to support the club.”