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| Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:08 pm Ljungberg hits out at Wenger |
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West Ham midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has criticised former boss Arsene Wenger over the way he was handled towards the end of his time at Arsenal.
Ljungberg claims that the public perception of Wenger is wrong and has revealed that he found the Frenchman to have a militaristic style of management.
The Sweden international has also expressed his frustration at being forced to play while injured, and believes Wenger should have given him more time to rediscover his best form.
"It's all about my injuries. Wenger simply doesn't like those who show a weakness," Ljungberg said in the Daily Express.
"With him you generally feel as if you were in the army. It is only in public that he may appear to be some sort of man of liberal views.
"While I was being treated for an injury they went out and found a different player for my position.
"After I recovered I was given a chance in the typical Wenger way - I was expected to run and intercept and score just the same as before.
"He just didn't give me enough time to do it properly."
Offended
Ljungberg left Emirates Stadium for Upton Park last summer but he admits he was never told he was up for sale.
He explained: "I was offended when all of a sudden I learnt from the papers Wenger was ready to consider offers for me from other clubs. No one had talked to me.
"Arsenal showed the door to too many people. Why did they let Thierry Henry go?
"When I found out about his move I realised the Arsenal I played for were finished."
Keen to stay with Hammers
Ljungberg admits that he stayed in the Premier League so he could show Arsenal he still had a lot to offer.
The 31-year-old insists he is happy at West Ham and is now looking to commit his future to the club.
"I went to West Ham in order to play against Arsenal as often as possible. I wanted to prove that Ljungberg hadn't had his last word as a player.
"At West Ham no one gives you a puzzled look if you get called up for your national team and players are never asked to play on injections.
"I would like to stay there - if they offer of course."
Skysports |
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