‘Pressure comes from desire to win’

Arsene Wenger insists the only pressure he feels is from his own “desire to win”.

The Frenchman this week became the longest-serving manager in Europe, after Portadown boss Ronnie McFall resigned after 29 years in charge.

Wenger is approaching his 20th year at Arsenal and, despite his side’s recent dip in form, he remains as hungry for success as ever.

“I feel privileged to have the confidence of the club for such a long time,” he said. “On the other hand, I work seven days a week with full commitment. I’m not part time and since I have been here I have given full commitment and that is all I can do.

“I always have the same pressure, which is the same pressure I apply to myself.

“After that, people talk and you have more people talking than 20 years ago and more opinions. That doesn’t change the pressure. The real pressure comes from your desire to win the next game and that is the only one that matters really.

“I do my job and one day someone will replace me. That is part of life and as long as you have done well and given your best [that is what matters].

“That is what I try to do. I try to do my best and leave this club in the best shape so the guy coming after me will have good potential to work with.”