Wenger: 'Fergie abuse is horrendous'
Arsene Wenger believes the abuse directed towards Alex Ferguson from a section of the Manchester United supporters is “horrendous” and “nearly unbelievable”.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 home Premiership defeat to Blackburn, the most successful manager in the history of British football trudged down the tunnel with the jeers of United’s own fans ringing in his ears.
The Scot bore the weight of anger as growing criticism over his team’s tactics and the surprising omission of Wayne Rooney saw tempers in the stands boil over.
While there is no love lost between the two rival managers who have battled it out both on the pitch and via mind games down the years, Wenger feels Ferguson deserves more respect from United supporters.
“You know I am not his best friend, but I found it really appalling,” the Frenchman said.
“Of course like the players we are only as a good as our last game, but what this guy has done for the club, I find it horrendous and nearly unbelievable.”
United’s defeat and the inability of Arsenal to win at West Ham – where they were held to a goalless draw on Saturday – saw Chelsea extend their lead at the top of the Premiership with a seventh straight league win.
As he prepared his side for tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Ajax in Amsterdam, Wenger, however, once again issued a rally cry the title race is anything but over.
He said: “I believe it is a negative way which we have to fight against.
“I feel we have a strong spirit in the squad now, and the players are really up for it.
“It is true that the negative way is something we have to fight against.
“People are all scared it will be a one-man show with Chelsea and that emphasises the negative vibes.
“But at the end of the day, it is down to the sides and we have to show we can come back and be strong.
“It is a different problem we face now than we have ever faced.”
Wenger, whose side trail the leaders by 11 points, but have a game in hand, reflected: “We are in September and the league faces a big gap between Chelsea and the rest.
“But we have to fight against it and the team have to take responsibility to fight harder against Chelsea.”
