Wenger wary of football's 'over-exposure'
Arsene Wenger has joined the growing band of managers warning that the Barclays Premiership is in danger of being “over-exposed” on television.
Even Wenger, who is virtually addicted to watching games on television, believes there are too many games being played in international, European and domestic club football.
“It’s a debate that has always existed. There are periods when it comes out and periods when it goes out. It’s not justified to say that in terms of the numbers of goals scored and conceded,” observed the Arsenal boss.
“But that means there is some other truth somewhere else. Is it down to over-exposure or over-pricing? For me, it could be over-exposure.
“Everyone now has access to foreign football on television as well. For example, this week I watched Lyon against Lens and Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao.
“Do you not get to a stage where you get too much, with international football joining in and with domestic football on television?”
Wenger’s comments follow similar warnings by Charlton boss Alan Curbishley, with Premier League chairmen set to investigate the recent fall in attendances at some clubs.
The Arsenal boss, whose side were taking on West Ham today, added: “Nobody can guarantee entertaining football before the game. But what is important in English football is that teams have the intention to play.
“I respect Bolton, they try to win games their way. They go more direct than Arsenal, but they try to win.
“Where I’ve found a difference between English and French football is that when I a big club in France got a draw, it was a good result.
“But in England, I have felt that an away draw for a big club was not a satisfying result as the teams really go out to win the game.
“It’s important we keep it like that as when you ask people in every foreign country what is the most interesting football to watch, and they say English football.”
