Arsene Wenger has denied reports of a dressing-room row following the Champions League debacle against Bayern Munich but has refused to comment on whether he has the club’s backing to continue as Arsenal manager.
This week’s 5-1 defeat in Germany has increased speculation over the future of Gunners boss Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, the Frenchman confirmed that he expects a decision on his future to be made in March or April.
Wenger also declared that he plans to continue in management even if he leaves the Emirates Stadium.
“No matter what happens I will manage next season – here or somewhere else. That is absolutely for sure,” he said.
However, Wenger declined to comment on whether he has the support of the Arsenal hierarchy or whether the decision on his future rests primarily with him or them.
“I do not want to come back on that at the moment,” he said when asked whether he had the club’s backing.
“We have other priorities. The priority is Arsenal Football Club, the future of the team and what we can achieve for the rest of the season.”
And, when asked if he or the club will make the decision on his future, he said: “I do not want to talk about that now.
“That chapter is closed. We have to focus on what is important.”
Wenger did respond strongly when asked if reports of a row between his players immediately after the Bayern game were accurate.
“No, not at all. Everyone was of course deeply disappointed but there was no incident apart from huge sadness and disappointment,” he said.
