Wenger - The Manager's Buddy!

Last updated : 05 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

In true French fashion, he likes nothing better than kicking 'em in the balls when they're down, but gives them a pat on the back when they get the bullet.

Wenger feels the pressure facing under-fire Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is "a bit harsh" and believes anyone "needs time" to make a difference.

Wenger: "It is a bit harsh, but firstly I don't know if it is true and secondly I don't know what is really going on inside the club.

"But if the speculations you talk about are true then as he has just been appointed it is surprising.

"You can't talk about them because you don't know exactly the atmosphere inside the club.

"For me Newcastle has a big support every time you go up there and you feel there is a great potential within the club - of course, in order to turn things round you need time.

"I don't read a lot about that [Allardyce] as I prefer just to focus on facing a good Newcastle side - and I believe that every time we go up there you don't come back with points if you don't perform well and that is what we expect from Newcastle.

"When you go up there you always expect a passionate game and we will prepare to face a strong Newcastle side, but again we will focus mainly on our own performance."