Friday, 17th September 2010
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given his backing to the club’s under-fire goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. The Frenchman was urged by fans and pundits alike to make signing a top class keeper a priority this summer, but Wenger chose to stick with his current crop and is sure they will prove the decision correct.
"Our goalkeepers have been exposed to a lot of pressure in the summer and there was a lot of speculation", said Wenger. "Their mental strength was tested more than ever, but when you are an Arsenal footballer you have to live with that. In every position you know you can be challenged – that is part of the job. The goalkeepers understand and accept that."
Turning his attention specifically to Almunia, the French boss stated: "I believe we have four very, very good goalkeepers. Manuel Almunia is at the front at the moment because of his quality and the way he accepted what happened to him. Since the start of the season he has responded to the challenge and been absolutely outstanding. That is why I give him my full support."
Wenger was speaking at a shareholders question and answers session last night via the club’s website.
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