Wenger to coach next season, even if he leaves Arsenal

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger covers his face prior to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 soccer match between Bayern Munich and FC Arsenal in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, Feb. 15 , 2017. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger covers his face prior to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 soccer match between Bayern Munich and FC Arsenal in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, Feb. 15 , 2017. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

By Associated Press February 17, 2017 2 min read

LONDON (AP) – Arsene Wenger wants to continue coaching next season, even if it’s not at Arsenal.

The 67-year-old Frenchman’s contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season. He has yet to commit to extending a reign that began in 1996, saying a decision is expected by April.

“No matter what happens I will manage next season,” Wenger said Friday. “Is it here or somewhere else that’s absolutely for sure?”

The pressure has intensified on Wenger since a 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leaving Arsenal facing a seventh straight elimination in the last 16. Arsenal has never won the European Cup and has not won the Premier League trophy since 2004.

“Even if I go, Arsenal will not win every single game in the future,” Wenger said. “That’s part of it, you have to accept that. As much as it hurts to lose games.”