Arsene Wenger has conceded that this season has been the most disappointing in his time as manager of Arsenal.
The French tactician is in the enviable position of being almost untouchable in terms of his position, given the success he has brought to North London in the past, but he admits that this term has been a major failure.
Being way off the pace in the league and eliminated from the UEFA Champions League to a mediocre PSV Eindhoven, was softened little by reaching the Carling Cup final given they lost 2-1 to Chelsea.
Prior to last season, when Arsenal ended up in fourth but reached the European Cup final, Wenger had never previously finished outside of the top two in eight Premiership campaigns.
Wenger has, though, been credited with sowing the seeds for a potentially great side, given the extent of young talent he has exposed to top level football this season, and it is this factor that he is keen to build on.
"If you analyse the season, I would say this has been my worst season here," he told the Sun.
"We are 25 points behind Manchester United, so I cannot say I did everything perfectly.
"I have to stand up first to say I am responsible for the fact that we didnÂ’t fight for the title.
"The only thing I can say is that I was more committed and worked harder than ever this year.
"But still I have to put my hands up for what I call a failure.
"Yet there have been some exceptional moments of quality. I am proud of the convincing way my young players performed in the Carling Cup final.
"This is a very young side. We have shown some quality football that nobody else has shown. That tells you about the potential here."
BrUtUs
well he can repay the fans by signing useful big stars tis season...
Trump_Card
Originally posted by BrUtUs:
well he can repay the fans by signing useful big stars tis season...
Which big stars would u suggest? i tink ribery or eto'o would be great signings (if wenger offloads baptista and reyes)
I_love_my_toilet
omg is he hinting tat he is gg to retire/ step down ???