Arsene Wenger says it will not be necessary for the club to rename the stadium after him when he decides to step down. This comes after Newcastle boss Alan Pardew jumped to the defense of Wenger, branding some Arsenal fans (the ones who oppose Wenger and call for his sacking) as “disrespectful” and said Arsenal should consider naming the stadium after him when he departs.

All this in the aftermath of the Stoke defeat, with Wenger continually coming under fire.

Wenger was asked to respond to Pardew’s comments earlier today which he did, saying:

“I do not say it wouldn’t mean anything to me (the stadium being renamed), but I don’t demand anything other than of myself,” he added.”

“What I want comes from inside myself, and that is just to do well in my job. When I retire one day, I want to feel I have given absolutely everything to do well with honest and total commitment. That’s all I want. I don’t want anything from outside.”

He went on to praise Pardew for the job he has done at Newcastle, dismissing the spat he had with him in the past. The two clashed on the sidelines when Pardew was as West Ham in 2006 after Wenger deemed Pardew’s celebration of Marlon Harewood’s late winner as excessive. Wenger was quick to brush aside the incident and lauded the Newcastle boss’ turnaround this season.

“We had a problem one time, but we sorted it out and you have to accept that.”

“I think he has done very well. He has gone through a very difficult patch at Newcastle. He dealt with it with strength and dignity and, fortunately, he has been rewarded for it.”

“Of course I have sympathy for every manager that suffers. He has done extremely well. He did well last year until December, until he lost Cabaye, and then it became difficult.

“This year they had a difficult start, but now they are on a great run. He has done a great job to redress that. It is not easy.”

It seems the stage it set now for the clash tomorrow. The two managers clearly have respect for one another but will not be holding back any punches tomorrow. COYG!

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