Arsene Wenger spoke to the media ahead of Arsenal’s crunch clash with Liverpool and claimed that he is a “ big enemy” of the Ballon D’Or awards. Wenger has tipped Messi to win the award but believes that Neymar will compete with Messi in the years to come.
“I am a big enemy of the Ballon d’Or. Who will win it?
“You know as well as I do that it will be Messi.
“The team [Barcelona] won absolutely everything. It has to be a Barcelona player; when you pick a Barcelona player, it is certainly Messi.”
“Overall I’m not a big fan of it. “We are in a team sport. It is not logical just for individual effort. It is a bit contradictory to what is the route of our sport.”
“Neymar is starting to show that he will be a competitor for him [Messi].”
He also suggested that Arsenal could be announcing a signing pretty soon. Arsenal’s interest in Mohammed Elneny is not hidden and Wenger hopes to get the signing done this week. Wenger also confirmed a new contract for defender Nacho Monreal and gave updates on Alexis Sanchez and other injuries.
Arsenal and Liverpool had contrasting FA Cup games. Arsenal comprehensively won 3-1 against Sunderland but Liverpool could not earn more than just a draw against League Two side Exeter City.
Liverpool and Arsenal suffer similar fates when it comes to injuries with both teams having most of their key players on the sidelines. While Sanchez, Cazorla, Coquelin and Wilshere are some of the Arsenal absentees, Liverpool will be without the likes of captain Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
Inspite of injuries to such high profile players this still has all the elements necessary for a mouth-watering clash with two of the best managers in the league – Wenger and Klopp- keen to outwit the other. The first meeting between these two sides ended in a goal-less draw when Petr Cech and Mignolet put in stellar performances and this game promises to be an exciting contest as well.
Excerpts from Wenger’s Press Conference:
Team News:-
“We should have Ozil and Flamini available. We have to test Ospina [groin], Rosicky is back in full training.”
On Liverpool and their Pressing Game:-
“We are used to that pressing, it’s not only he who does that. Lots of teams do that.“I think pressing has been created in England as a history of teams have done that. “It’s part of the modern game to make quick decisions, to be short with your first touch and play your game.”
“Its always a ferocious battle no matter who is manager. They had a good manager before, they have a good manager now. Klopp has the personality to do well.”
Wenger not only expects Arsenal to make new signings but believes that the entire Premier League will be looking to bring in new players
“I would say for the media you could have some good news this January transfer window as I believe many clubs will be active.“You go from the clubs down in the table to the top. “My prediction is that it could be one of the most active January windows you have seen.”
Wenger also confirmed a new deal for defender Nacho Monreal but he still doesn’t consider the Spaniard to be his first choice full back. “He’s not necessarily my first-choice as Gibbs is playing at a very strong level. Im spoiled for choice. “But Nacho Monreal has been absolutely outstanding.”
On the Elneny deal
“I expect movement [this week],” said Wenger. “I think this week it can happen, we are positive.“The situation should be sorted out. There’s a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork to do and the visa. We hope to finalise it this week.” While the deal is still set to go ahead, Wenger warned against taking anything for granted. “As long as it’s not definitely signed you have to be cautious, but I’m optimistic.”
On Alexis Sanchez
“He’s always keen to play but if you listen to Alexis, he’s always keen to play even when injured.“We try to be cautious, but with a muscular injury you never know how big the risk is.“[But) he’s very very close.
On Ozil winning the Ballon d’Or next season
“I wish. But what is important, we are in a team sport.
“It is not logical just for individual effort to be praised. It is a bit contradictory to what is the route of our sport.”
Wenger also congratulated ex-Arsenal startlet Benik Afobe for sealing a move to AFC Bournemouth and the Arsenal boss believes that Afobe has all the qualities to do well at Bournemouth.