Wenger: Big spending club's are "half-cheating"
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is critical of Premier League clubs who are spending big money and running up debts.
Half of clubs in the English top flight are now owned by foreign investors who are dipping into their bank accounts to fund new transfers.
The Frenchman, who is regarded as a manager who favours scouting young talent rather than buying already established players, has slammed big-spending clubs as 'half-cheating'.
"Professional football is about winning and balancing the budget," he said in the Daily Express.
"That's the basic rule, one I fought for. All the rest is half-cheating.
"For every club it has to be the same. I always pleaded for financial fair play.
"The clubs belong to the fans. That's all I feel my responsibility is, to keep the club in good financial condition."
Chelsea announced on Wednesday that they had significantly improved their debt after owner Roman Abramovich converted his loans into equity.
When asked about the announcement, Wenger added: "Well, you know we are in a period of magicians."
Click here for more Arsenal news and comment from Arsene Wenger
del.icio.us
Ping This!
Reddit
StumbleUpon
YahooGet involved. Your opinion matters - like us on 
Tribal Games
Tribalfootball Store
Results & Fixtures
Matches
| Home | Away | Score | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat Feb 11th | |||
| Manchester United | Liverpool | 2 - 1 | 12:45 |
| Fulham | Stoke City | 2 - 1 | 15:00 |
| Blackburn Rovers | Queens Park Rangers | 3 - 2 | 15:00 |
| Bolton Wanderers | Wigan Athletic | 1 - 2 | 15:00 |
| Sunderland | Arsenal | 1 - 2 | 15:00 |
| Everton | Chelsea | 2 - 0 | 15:00 |
| Swansea City | Norwich City | 2 - 3 | 15:00 |
| Aston Villa | Manchester City | - | 15:00 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Newcastle United | 5 - 0 | 17:30 |
| Sun Feb 12th | |||
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | West Bromwich Albion | 1 - 5 | 13:30 |
| Aston Villa | Manchester City | 0 - 1 | 16:00 |
Tables
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 25 | 19 | 3 | 3 | 45 | 60 |
| Manchester United | 25 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 58 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 25 | 16 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 53 |
| Arsenal | 25 | 13 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 43 |
| Chelsea | 25 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 43 |
| Newcastle United | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 42 |
| Liverpool | 25 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 39 |
| Norwich City | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | -4 | 35 |
| Sunderland | 25 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 33 |
| Everton | 25 | 9 | 6 | 10 | -1 | 33 |
| Swansea City | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | -4 | 30 |
| Fulham | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | -5 | 30 |
| Stoke City | 25 | 8 | 6 | 11 | -14 | 30 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 25 | 8 | 5 | 12 | -6 | 29 |
| Aston Villa | 25 | 6 | 10 | 9 | -5 | 28 |
| Queens Park Rangers | 25 | 5 | 6 | 14 | -17 | 21 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 25 | 5 | 6 | 14 | -19 | 21 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 25 | 5 | 6 | 14 | -21 | 21 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 25 | 6 | 2 | 17 | -22 | 20 |
| Wigan Athletic | 25 | 4 | 7 | 14 | -27 | 19 |
Related Stories
-
Feb 12 Wenger insists Arsenal can still finish above Tottenham
-
Feb 10 Real Madrid to include Higuain in bid for £30M Arsenal star Van Persie
-
Feb 09 Wenger defends his former England managerial counterpart Capello
-
Feb 04 Chelsea boss AVB, Arsenal's Wenger stunned by FA decision to strip Terry of England captaincy
-
Feb 03 David Luiz risks Chelsea row over Olympics ambition
Popular Stories
-
Feb 14 Ronaldo hands Florentino Real Madrid contract nightmare
-
Feb 14 Real Madrid coach Mourinho prepared to replace Casillas with new keeper signing
-
Feb 14 Man Utd agreement for Gaitan still watertight with Benfica
-
Feb 14 Man City rebel Tevez: Man Utd stars, Ferguson are the BEST!
-
Feb 14 Chelsea players attacked AVB, Cech in crisis meeting
Comments (19)
lol.. trophyless for 10 years? please if you want to criticise at least put common sense please. Are u telling me arsenal didnt win anything from 2000? was the 'invinsible team' from the year 2000 and earlier? God give this guy a brain, 2 balls and some logic seriously. and btw, Wenger will remember as one the legendary managers in football , whose brand of football had entertained many and change the face of football. And yes you're right, 20 years from now, everyone will remember only the champions, so good luck to clubs who invested millions and millions of dollars but end up with nothing. they will definitely wont be remembered. arsshat. suuurreee it doesnt matter, cause you always cheat and kiss your bosses ass. who cares about dignity right? as long as you get what you want. LOLOL. reminds me of a streetwhore, i bet you are "who cares..". :)
The one with the title is the champion and the one with the most titles is the greatest.
All other stupid theories of cheating and what-nots don't matter 20 years from now.
No one cares if Arsenal played beautiful football for 10 years. They will remember Wenger is a cheapskate manager who made Arsenal trophyless for 10 years.
Great Manager is who can build a team without spending big money!!!! Everyone can success with a lot of money to buy the best players for his team, but can they win something without spending big??? Wenger does....!!! So.. he's the best manager in the world!! http://nudesexygirl.blogspot.com
Post new comment