Arsene Wenger says his team must use the criticism they have received as motivation during the Premier League run-in.
A number of pundits have questioned Arsenal’s credentials in the wake of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, Wenger says it is important for him and his players to remain calm ahead of two vital games in four days.
"We want to transform the negatives into positives around us and create even more solidarity"
“I’m never surprised by the criticism that comes - that’s part of the media today,” the manager said. “Part of the opinion is always a bit excessive and emotional, but we have to deal with that and I don’t complain about it.
“Yes, that’s what we want to do [and use criticism as motivation]. We want to transform the negatives into positives around us and create even more solidarity.
“Let’s not go overboard, we do not play to be relegated. We are playing to fight for the title. That’s why we have to put criticism in the right place. After 20 years I’m used to it.
“We have built this club, and it has been built before me, with values. What we try to do is respect these values and when we are disappointed we need to show these values and clarity to fight together.
“What you want from your fans is to fight together until the last game of the season. What we have learnt from the league is that it is very tight, that everybody can drop points, and the teams - and the fans - who can show togetherness and solidarity until the end, might come out of it in a positive way.
“That’s what we want, to fight together until the last game of the season and not give up when you have a bad game or a bad result. That’s what fans and players and teams and clubs are about.”
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