Adebayor is still being booed by fans
Arsene Wenger has offered an impassioned defence of
Emmanuel Adebayor and pleaded with Arsenal fans to stop booing the
man who could hold the key to their success this season. Adebayor
has been targeted since a summer of speculation, when he showed
interest in a move to AC Milan or Barcelona before signing a new,
improved four-year contract with the Gunners worth £60,000 a
week.
Wenger admits the Togo international had made a public relations
blunder in his bid to secure a pay-rise, which was thoroughly
deserved after a 30- goal season, but fears the angry reaction of
some supporters may have knocked Adebayor's form. 'I feel that is
very hard for him to take,' said the Arsenal boss. 'He needs the
fans behind him. He's under pressure always to score goals but we
want him to feel relaxed and play like he loves it.'
Adebayor, 24, started Wednesday's Champions League qualifier
against FC Twente on the bench but was jeered when he replaced
Robin van Persie. He has not scored in three appearances since the
first leg against Twente but struck four times last season against
today's opponents, Newcastle.
'We have to be realistic,' said Wenger. 'A player like that is
wanted and it is an honour for Arsenal that he decided to stay. The
fact he made financial sacrifices to stay is also an honour. On top
of that, we turn against him. 'I saw him many times and he always
said he wanted to stay. Of course, if you only earn 10 here and 130
there, you're ready to stay for 60 but not for 10.
'If he made mistakes, they were PR mistakes, but I like a
footballer who is not PR. When they become PR they behave right on
the outside and wrong on the inside. They have a series of things
people want to hear and they never behave like they talk. I prefer
the reverse.
'In Adebayor's case, what is really important is the way he
practised, the way he worked, the way he behaved. Credit to him. We
have to be intelligent enough inside - the fans as well - to
support him.' After losing four senior players - Gilberto, Jens
Lehmann, Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini - Arsenal need
experienced Adebayor playing well.
