Usmanov insists Wenger must not be sacked

The long-serving Frenchman, who is under fire from supporters wanting more from the Gunners, is the "major symbol and main asset" of the club, says the Uzbek-born Russian

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov believes it is essential the club retains long-serving manager Arsene Wenger.

The 66-year-old will celebrate 20 years in charge at Arsenal this September but has come under increasing pressure from a section of the club's fan base in recent weeks.

Arsenal are currently third behind Leicester and bitter rivals Tottenham in the race for the Premier League title, while they also recently slipped out of both the Champions League and FA Cup. 

But Usmanov, who is second only to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke after taking sole charge of his 30 per cent stake in the club, feels an immediate future without Wenger is not something worth considering.

In an interview with Russian state-owned television channel Russia-24, he said: "Arsenal’s results are stable. They are always among the leaders of the English Premier League. This is a good and large sports business project, and I am pleased with it.

"The only thing is that today such situation occurred, like in any sport, there are ups and downs. The club must retain its major symbol and main asset - manager Arsene Wenger.

"Failures have been haunting Arsenal for many years now, they cannot become the EPL champions. This has led to some discontent with Wenger's position as a manager.

"I believe that Arsene Wenger is a great coach, and Arsenal has to give him the opportunity to plan the succession process and leave his legacy when he deems it necessary.

"It is very important for the football club to maintain the principles that were established by those people who created its victories. Arsenal needs Arsene Wenger."

Last August, Usmanov sympathised with Wenger's plight during a nine-year trophy-less run that took place during the Gunners' move to Emirates Stadium from Highbury.

"Arsene had a very, very difficult position when club shareholders didn't want to put their money into constructing the new stadium," he told CNN.

"Because of this, he went maybe the best of his career without a trophy."

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