Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted lying
to the press in order to protect his players.
"If you ask me have I lied to the press to protect a player, I
must honestly say yes," Wenger said.
"I didn't feel comfortable but I had a clear conscience because
it was for a good cause.
"But when I lie to the press I speak beforehand with the player
and say: 'Listen, this is the story we're going to give."'
The question was put to Wenger after Wayne Rooney contradicted
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's assertion that the
England striker was left out of his side's games against Valencia
and Sunderland because of an ankle injury.
When asked after England's 0-0 draw with Montenegro at Wembley
in midweek if his ankle had caused any problems, Rooney replied:
"No, I have had no ankle problems all season."
Wenger declined to identify the lies he had told, adding: "If
you ask me why I've lied I would have to give concrete examples and
you find out which player."
teamtalk