Fulham boss Martin Jol has told Arsenal fans it is no longer realistic for them to expect a regular haul of silverware.
Cottagers boss Jol, who has previously managed at Spurs, insists Arsene Wenger’s men were not competing on a par with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Jol said: “If you look at the likes of Man City with almost half a billion spent, Man United, it’s not easy nowadays.
“Can you expect a team like Arsenal to win things, with Chelsea, Man City, Man United, all these clubs?”
On whether supporter anger was justified, Jol said: “I don’t think you have to be angry. Frustrated is probably the better word.
“Angry with Wenger? Wenger created the new Arsenal, almost.
“Maybe in three years’ time, they will hope and pray to get someone like Wenger.”
Jol famously clashed with the Frenchman while in charge at White Hart Lane and added: “I’m not an Arsenal fan — as you well know — but I always admired Wenger for what he did.
“There is not one other team in the top four doing the same thing with the same philosophy.
“They always manage to find the players who are younger and create value on the pitch.
“Of course, it’s probably not what an Arsenal fan wants.
“Seven years? That’s a long time?”
Wenger has been criticised in some quarters for suggesting 15 successive seasons inside the Premier League top four was the same as winning a trophy.
Jol said: “He’s one of the few managers who will never be under pressure because people realise what he has done, not only in the past but last year.”
Arsenal recovered last season from their worst start in 58 years to finish third. They are only seventh so far this season after 10 matches, nine points off top spot and level with Jol’s Fulham, who they host on Saturday.
On the loss to Manchester United of Robin van Persie, Jol said: “Of course, they miss him, but we miss a few people and we get other people in.”
Source: TheSun
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