Gunners chief still cares

Published Nov. 29, 2010 11:52 a.m. ET

foxsports

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the day he stops caring about being successful is when he will quit football.

Wenger insists he is driven on by a desire to bring more success to Arsenal after five years without winning a trophy.

He demonstrated a combination of his passion for the game and frustration when throwing a water bottle to the floor after the home defeat to Tottenham nine days ago.

But he had more cause to smile after his side overcame Aston Villa 4-2 yesterday to register their fifth away win of the campaign.

Wenger said: "I was angry (after the Tottenham game) and the day I don't care any more I will stop.

"But I care, I want this team to win because I believe in this team.

"I feel that they want to win, that they are hungry to win, and I want to help them as much as I can.

"What matters to me is Arsenal FC more than my reputation. I want people who love Arsenal to be happy and I try to give them that happiness.

"Of course I have my pride, I want to achieve as much as I can and give my best, and I don't think I will ever change on that front."

Wenger believes the Gunners are making progress this season despite losing three home games.

He said: "I personally feel, since the start of the season, that we are stronger and stronger in every game, spirit wise, collectively.

"There is no reason why we should not improve. The target in our job is to be better tomorrow than yesterday and that is what we try to achieve."

Wenger will field a strong side when the Gunners take on Wigan in Tuesday's Carling Cup clash, although he is conscious of the heavy fixture list ahead.

But he is undecided whether to give a run-out to Robin van Persie after his recent injury lay-off.

Wenger added: "We will play with a strong team, but don't forget we play every three days for one and a half months.

"I have to look at how we recover and who I rest for Tuesday, but we will play a strong team.

"You will see regular players. With Van Persie, I don't know. Do I give him a week of work or do I play him? I have to speak to him and see how he feels."