Camden New Journal

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published:17 May 2007

Wenger vows to learn the lessons of a poor season

Rebuilding fitness and rebalancing the team are priorities

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is planning to ‘rebalance’ his team when they play away next season after the Gunners ended their campaign with another frustrating result on Sunday.
Since going the entire season unbeaten on their way to winning the title in 2003/04, the Gunners have developed a worrying tendency to drop points at unlikely grounds across the country.
This season Arsenal finished a worrying 21 points behind Champions Manchester United, ruing away defeats against teams at the wrong end of the table including Manchester City, Fulham, Sheffield United and West Ham.
So there is little surprise that Wenger believes consistency away from home is an issue and wants more out of his young side next season.
“It was less of a problem than last year. But we have still not taken enough points. You look at the table and it tells you a lot.” Wenger told the club’s official website, Arsenal.com.
Looking at ways Arsenal can improve, Wenger added: “Firstly by showing that we have learned a lot but also by rebalancing the structure of our team in these kinds of games.”
Wenger fully expects the Gunners to be major title contenders next season once the likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott return to action following lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury.
He said: “I am looking for new players, but I am also at the moment happy with the players I have and am also focused on developing the team I have. I feel the team is growing well.
“The biggest transfer I can make is to try to get everybody fit by the start of next season. If I manage that I have done 80 per cent of the job and I will be pleased, the other 20 per cent is optional – whether I buy or not.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: