Wenger to blame for Szczesny’s form, claims Arsenal goalkeeper’s father

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must accept responsibility for Wojciech Szczesny’s poor form this season, according to the goalkeeper’s father.

Szczesny was dropped for the 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie last week, with Wenger claiming his number one was “mentally affected” by the high volume of games this term.

Lukasz Fabianski replaced his compatriot in the Arsenal goal for the Allianz Arena fixture and retained his starting spot for their 2-0 victory over Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 22-year-old’s father Maciej Szczesny, capped seven times by Poland, claims the goalkeeper had to play through injuries at the start of the season, resulting in a dip in form – and says that his son being made a scapegoat by the Gunners.

“Wenger already started to look for the scapegoat. It is not the way the boss should behave,” Szczesny senior told Przeglad Sportowy.

“Wojciech played with two serious injuries in April and May last year. He shouldn’t have agreed to play, but the coach insisted.

“He was naturally more susceptible to minor injuries and his form was going down. Wenger was playing with the young man’s good health and Wojciech agreed foolishly.

“In my opinion Mr Wenger messed up a lot. I don’t blame the young man who went along with his coach, his current lack of form is a result of those two months.

“Then in August there was a foot [ankle] injury after which he played almost instantly. After seven weeks out Wojciech trained for just seven days and played the match. How on earth can he be on his highest form?”