Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s ‘nightmare’ Europa League final situation
Arsene Wenger gives his take on the situation for travelling fans for the Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea FC
Arsene Wenger believes that the decision for Arsenal to take on Chelsea FC in the Europa League final in Baku is a “nightmare” for the club’s fans.
Uefa’s decision to stage the final in Azerbaijan has sparked controversy, with the stadium expected not to be at full capacity because of the difficulty of travelling to Baku.
Arsenal will also be without their playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan because of political tensions between his nation and the host country.
Former Arsenal boss Wenger has now admitted that he is not happy about the situation, as it has made it difficult for the fans.
Speaking in an interview quoted by Metro, Wenger said: “It’s a little bit of a nightmare [for the fans]
“The teams have no problem. They live in ideal conditions – they have their private jet, nice business seats. But it’s the fans.
“That [Mkhitaryan’s situation] is something that should not happen in football.
“I feel it’s not normal that in 2019 – inside Europe, with very sophisticated democracies – that you cannot play for political reasons.”
Arsenal will take on Chelsea FC in Baku on 29 May as they look to win their first trophy under Unai Emery.
With the Gunners having missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, winning the Europa League is their last hope of being able to qualify for next term’s Champions League.
Arsenal ended up in fifth place in the Premier League table this season after a dramatic loss in form in the final few weeks of the campaign allowed Chelsea FC and Spurs to finish above them.
