In his 20 years at Arsenal, Arsène Wenger has always managed to secure a Top 4 spot and Champions League football for the Gunners. However, the North London club is looking increasingly unlikely to finish in the Top 4 this season after going through a rough patch in the Premier League. Wenger has been the subject of much criticism, and his future at the club still is uncertain. Several players, including Olivier Giroud, Nacho Monreal, and Hector Bellerin, have jumped to Arsène Wenger's defence in recent weeks. Now, Granit Xhaka has also hit back at the Frenchman's critics.
Xhaka certain that Wenger will sign contract extension
The Swiss midfielder moved from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Arsenal last summer, and has had an underwhelming season so far. Xhaka was expected to add steel and aggression to Arsenal's midfield, something the Gunners have been lacking in recent seasons, but he has so far failed to live up to expectations. The former Gladbach captain seems to lack discipline at times, and his unnecessary and poorly timed tackles have seen the Swiss international sent off on two occasions already. Regardless, Xhaka still seems to think very highly of his boss, Arsène Wenger.
The 24-year old was recently interviewed by Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger, and when asked whether he was sure that the Frenchman would be at Arsenal next season, Xhaka simply replied: "Yes." He later added that he could not go into specifics, but this revelation should not come as too much of a surprise.
Various news outlets have previously reported that Wenger has already made up his mind, and would sign a contract extension, keeping him at Arsenal for at least another 2 years.
Xhaka reminds critics of Wenger's achievements
Speaking to the Swiss newspaper, Xhaka hailed Arsène Wenger as a top manager and said: "I only know that he is an outstanding coach, an outstanding guy, enormously open and direct." The Swiss midfielder further emphasized Wenger's successful history at Arsenal.
"Unfortunately, it is only in football that the current situation is considered and what happened in the past is forgotten," said Xhaka.
He further added: "The people demand that Arsenal win a title, especially the [Premier League] championship. But they forgot that new players had to be integrated - and that no coach immediately manages to win the league with a lot of new players."
Many Arsenal supporters, especially members of the so called #WengerOut brigade, will certainly disagree with the Swiss international, as they believe that it is time for change at the Emirates.