WENGER RELIEF AS COLE SAGA ENDS
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger today expressed his relief that the Ashley Cole transfer saga was finally over and claimed the club could now focus on the future without any more distractions.
Speaking after a two-day meeting of European coaches in Geneva, Wenger said he was delighted to have got France defender William Gallas in exchange. The Gunners also received £5million in the deal.
BLUES FINALLY COMPLETE COLE MOVE
“It was a big day and obviously it dragged on for a long time,” Wenger said.
“It’s good to have everybody focused on the main target, which is to play good football and respond to the ambitions of Arsenal Football Club. The positive thing is that it is finally over.
“It was the wish of Ashley Cole to go to Chelsea and the wish of William Gallas to come to us so I’m relieved it has happened.”
Wenger, who spent most of his time during the meeting locked in conversation with the various protagonists involved in one of football’s longest-running transfers, was joined at the coaches’ forum by Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, now coach of French giants Lyon. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was also invited but declined to attend.
Wenger insisted Cole’s desire to leave the club had not been responsible for his team's unconvincing start to the season.
“For me it was not too much of a distraction but you want things to be sorted out and it’s more disturbing on the outside because everyone was asking the same question,” Wenger said.
“I would not say it affected our performances, which have been more down to a lack of preparation after the World Cup and so many players still recovering.”
Commenting on Arsenal’s other deal - which saw Julio Baptista join from Real Madrid and Jose Antonio Reyes go in the opposite direction - Wenger claimed the Brazilian would more than compensate for Reyes’ departure.
GUNNERS SIGN BAPTISTA IN REYES SWAP DEAL
“Reyes brought a lot but he wanted to go,” said Wenger. “Baptista will bring power in the air and score goals. I can use him either up front or as a hanging attacking midfielder.
“We’ll see how the swap works but I’m confident it will work well because Baptista is quick, strong and a team player.”
