Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has brushed off speculation linking him with the England job and backed Gareth Southgate to take over the reins of the national team on a permanent basis despite the interim boss’ relative lack of experience.
Following England’s lacklustre goalless World Cup qualifier draw with Slovenia on Tuesday and an underwhelming 2-0 win over minnows Malta last weekend, Southgate has two more games in charge to convince the FA that he is the right man for the job.
“I focus on my job. He (Southgate) was a good observer of what was going on in the England national team. We are in a job where people question, especially when you don’t have much experience,” Wenger told reporters yesterday.
“The only answer he can give is by showing that the decisions you make are right and that you have the strength to do what you believe is right.”
The FA are prepared to wait for Wenger to see out his contract, which runs out at the end of the season, at Arsenal as they believe the Frenchman can rebuild the confidence of the England squad, which suffered a humiliating Euro 2016 exit to Iceland, according to media reports.
“Yes he is (the outstanding candidate for the job). At some stage that is the difficulty in England, there’s always the demand for the big names,” the 66-year-old added.
“The most important thing is competence.”
Wenger also insisted he will play no part in choosing his successor at Arsenal when his time comes to move on.
The Frenchman, who turns 67 next week, celebrated 20 years in charge of the Gunners earlier this month but it is unclear how much longer he will remain the role.
Wenger’s contract runs out in the summer when either manager or club could decide it is time for a change.
“I think it is very important in the club that everybody does what he is paid for,” he said. “My job is to be the manager of the club and to be responsible for the style of play and the technical policy of the club. The board’s responsibility will be to choose the next manager so that is not my job.
“If they ask my opinion, I will give it in an honest way, but it will not be me to choose the next manager. I’m not in their position, I am in my position.
“The love story I have with the club is linked as well with the fact the board has always shown faith in me and I’m very grateful for that.”
Bellerin reports
The Frenchman was quick to play down reports linking highly-rated right back Hector Bellerin with move back to Barcelona.
“I’m surprised by the speculation. Three years to go (on his contract), we always try to get the players to the level they deserve to be, we’ll try to extend his contract,” he said.
“His long-term future is here. He’s been fantastic. His progress has been absolutely spectacular. He loves to be here and has responsibilities in the dressing room at such a young age is something remarkable.”
Third-placed Arsenal will hope to extend their nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions when they host Swansea tomorrow.
Arsenal will welcome back midfielder Francis Coquelin from an knee injury but striker Olivier Giroud and midfielder Aaron Ramsey are still sidelined.