Arsene Wenger has said that it would be “naive” to think some of his players didn’t get “tapped up” by other clubs before the team’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool.
“I don’t know. Have they been tapped up? Of course. But on the day of a game? I don’t think so, I hope not. But it’s inevitable.
“France played against Holland on the last day of the transfer window. Do you really think that not one French player or Dutch player had phone calls in the afternoon about do they move or not?
“You’re not naive enough to believe that. That’s why you have to scrap it before the season starts.”
“If I am a football player, I can perform even if Liverpool is in my head,” the Arsenal boss said. “I don’t think that should stop you to perform. Did it? I think he was not worse than any other player on the football pitch.”
Wenger also mentioned that he still thinks there’s a remote chance that Sanchez could end up signing a new contract at Arsenal, and that he will stay professional despite the failed Man City transfer.
“You cannot be at that level and be disappointed and not play. I believe if you love to play football, you will play football,” Wenger said. “There is a chance [he’ll extend his contract], yes. … He is committed and focused on Arsenal. That’s what makes me believe it.
“You [the media] are absolutely convinced that he’s not. But at the end of the day, he is 29 years old in December, he knows his football years are counted at that level, especially with the evolution of the game now, so you have to enjoy every minute.”
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