Goonersworld

Arsenal Forward In 'Quit' Threat

Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has threatened to quit the Emirates if he remains on the bench.

In an attack on Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger, the Russian has questioned Wenger's "unique philosophy" of substituting players and admits he will look for a new club his he is "glued to the bench".

Speaking to Sport Express, the 30-year-old said: "Right now I don't think about changing clubs. If I will be benched for a very long time, then such an issue might be relevant.

"I still want to play for 90 minutes, but now I am glued to the bench. I wouldn't like to play for a Russian club other than Zenit [St Petersburg], and there were no contacts with Anzhi Makhachkala."

Arshavin has been criticised for his inconsistent performances over the past year, and there were strong suggestions that he was near to joining Chelsea in the summer.

However, following his £15 million move from Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2009, Arshavin has admitted that he has lost form, but thinks that Wenger's management isn't necessarily helping.

"Wenger is a very strict manager. He always gladly helps when there are difficulties off the pitch, but nobody at Arsenal even thinks to talk him into changes when it comes to football issues. The answer is obvious to everyone.

"It's true that Wenger has a unique philosophy. Sometimes you know that you will be replaced at 70 minutes, regardless of how well you play. Sometimes you sit on the bench and know for sure you will enter the game at 65 minutes.

"Wenger has full support from the board. I think he will leave Arsenal only when he chooses to."

Should Arshavin seek a move, suitors would have to pay in the region of £10 million for his services.

"Wenger is a very strict manager. He always gladly helps when there are difficulties off the pitch, but nobody at Arsenal even thinks to talk him into changes when it comes to football issues. The answer is obvious to everyone.

Forest wrote:personally i dont think Arshavin is capable of lasting 90mins in high tempo games, there is alot of competition for place this season and everyone has to stake their claim.

TheLittleMozart wrote:He's always done well or half-decent when he's came off the bench, its just when he starts from the beginning that he's shit and inconsistent.

TheLittleMozart wrote:He's always done well or half-decent when he's came off the bench, its just when he starts from the beginning that he's shit and inconsistent.

gzagee wrote:Not sure if the source or the quotes are true but, if so then its good he's unhappy on the bench. We should've be harbouring anyone who's simply happy to collect his monthly salary for bench warming.

What I do find interesting are the 'quotes' he made about Wenger 'unique philosophy'

"Wenger is a very strict manager. He always gladly helps when there are difficulties off the pitch, but nobody at Arsenal even thinks to talk him into changes when it comes to football issues. The answer is obvious to everyone.

That was very eye-opening for me. This is one of the few quotes from someone inside the camp divulging to us that Wenger listens to no-one but himself. We've heard suggestions from ex-players, ex-staff and pundits but for my money these comments cement the argument. Shava is an intelligent lad and although outspoken you can kinda take what he usually says very seriously.