You Cannot Keep Players Happy – Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger is sure he can keep both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud at the club in January despite their lack of playing time, saying they’re both needed as Arsenal try to compete in four competitions.

“I want to keep the squad. We qualify now for the Europa League [knockout rounds], that means we do not want to reduce the squad,” he told a news conference. “We have the League Cup, we are still in it, we have the FA Cup to come, we have the Europa League to come, we have the Premier League where we have a big fight to be in the top four. We do not want to become weaker.

“Look, I have to consider the interests of the player. But dominant of that will be the interests of the club. If you can combine the two, that’s even better. But first is what is important for the club.”

Wenger admitted that Walcott is “frustrated” with his lack of chances, but also insisted that he is “more determined than ever” to prove his worth.

“I can give you the example that Giroud has played more minutes than Lacazette. So, his statement was not absolutely right,” said Wenger, who has regularly substituted Lacazette in the second half of league games. “Why did he say that?

At least it is not backed by the numbers. He wants to say maybe that he should play more in the Premier League. There he has a case, but competition is competition.”

“You cannot keep players happy. But they deal well with it, and that’s a problem we all have to deal with as a player,” he said. “They fight, and I must say, what is remarkable, this is a job where you have always to be ready.

“When you’re called up, you have to be ready. And some manage to do it, some not. And in the squad this season, more than ever, I cannot see any weakness in anybody’s motivation and quality in training.”