Arsene Wenger finds criticism of his decision to give players 2 days off unbelievable

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his disbelief over criticism for giving Arsenal players two days off earlier this week. After the victory over Sunderland, Arsenal players were spared training as they were given an off for two days, and many players of the squad left the country.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Britannia stadium, while addressing the media, Wenger found it “unbelievable” that his decision was scrutinised.

“I don’t see why that’s suddenly a problem,” he said. “We have played without a break since December, we don’t have to justify that, it’s unbelievable.

“We are in a society where everyone wants to control everything. I don’t understand this at all. We came out of a heavy schedule. We had two days off, that’s all.

“Sometimes it’s not only physical, it’s mental, you’re under pressure all the time, there’s nothing unusual there.”

Mesut Ozil missed the 4-1 win over Sunderland at the Emirates, following his penalty miss against Bayern returns for the Gunners along with out-of-favour captain Thomas Vermaelen who also returns to the side after spending times on the side-line due to a knee injury.

However, the Gunners left back conundrum remains unsolved, with English left-back Kieran Gibbs a doubt along with Nacho Monreal. Vermaelen may be asked to fill in at left-back if the duo are not fit for the clash.

Wenger said: “Ozil had a difficult game because he missed that penalty, and it was on his mind. Sometimes when you’re under this kind of pressure it’s good to refresh.

“My opportunity is just to put the best team out who can win the game, it’s not about individuals, it’s about the team.

“If needed Thomas can play at left-back, it’s not his preferred position. He’s been out for a long time but I still have 48 hours to make that decision.”