Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he feels hurt by the criticism his side has come in for this season. The Gunners have again failed to claim a major trophy this term, having to settle for a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and being knocked out by Manchester United in the last four of the UEFA Champions League.
Wenger, though, insists his side's season should not be regarded as a failure. "When you look now at people assessing the situations of the clubs, it has become ridiculous," he told The Guardian. "It is unbelievable. If you do not take a distance with it, you think: 'What kind of world do we live in?' "We lose against Man United who have ten times more resources, it's not a shame. They are the best in the world. Congratulations to them. If you play tennis tomorrow and you lose against (Rafael) Nadal, you can still say you are a good player."
Indeed, far from looking back on the campaign with regret, Wenger believes it has been full of positives as his side overcame a tough start go on a fine run. "For me, it's one of the best seasons for a long time considering where we were in November," he said.
"It's not like we lost against Cardiff (City) in the FA Cup, we have lost against Chelsea in the semi-final and we have lost against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final. It hurts, believe me, but it's not like we have lost against nobody.
"I believe as well we have to keep a little bit of common sense. Our average age in midfield is 22. Normally, you play not to go down in the Premier League with a team like that."
Wenger believes the fans at the Emirates Stadium are not getting behind the team. "There is a massive difference between the away fans, who are absolutely fantastic, and the home fans," he added.
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