Clichy Fears Gunners could Go the Way of Chelsea

Arsenal vs Burnley

Gael Clichy has urged Arsenal to stick with Arsene Wenger or risk making the club as unstable as Chelsea.

Wenger has come under fire from fans, with the Gunners currently being kept out of the top four by Aston Villa.

But Clichy believes neither the club nor fans should forget the three titles and four FA Cups Wenger has clinched.

He also believes the revolving policy at Chelsea has accounted for their inability to lift silverware after initially looking unbeatable under Jose Mourinho.

In Guus Hiddink, the Blues have their third manager in the last two seasons.

Defender Clichy, who moved to north London from Cannes six years ago, said:" When I heard Arsenal wanted to sign me, the most important thing was that the boss was here and that he'd be here for many years to come.

" When you see a club like Chelsea, who change managers, have a few in a year, it's difficult.

" As a footballer you just want to focus on football but, when something like that happens with your coach, it's difficult to cope with.

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" That's the main thing for Arsenal, to have someone like Arsene Wenger as a manager. You can play well even without your best player in the team but the club cannot have success with many different coaches." Arsenal have been crippled with injuries this season, with Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Eduardo all on the sidelines for long spells.

Clichy admitted the club's struggles are down to the players that have stepped in not fulfilling potential rather than Wenger's failings.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's visit of Burnley, he added:" Arsenal are who we are thanks in a big part to the boss - of course people tend to forget a little bit.

" But you just want results, you want to be the best, and today we are fifth and it's not good enough for a club like this.

" So of course people talk about him but we have to realise he's an amazing coach. ''

( Darren Lewis / Mirror )