The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger seemed to fall out with Owen Coyle over Arsenal’s bid for Gary Cahill at the end of the transfer window, but ahead of Bolton’s visit to the Emirates this weekend the Trotters boss is adamant there is no problem between the clubs. In fact he thinks that Arsenal will be still trying to nab Cahill in January.
Bolton believed that Arsenal’s bid for Cahill was “derisory” but with Wenger expecting an even cheaper price in January as the England international’s contract runs down, it could make for some interesting negotiations!
When asked about the criticism of Arsene Wenger’s transfer dealings, and specifically his failure to land Cahill, Coyle replied: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they came back,”
“Arsene has always said he is an admirer of Gary Cahill. But the clubs never agreed a fee.”
“Gary has nothing to prove,” he continued. “He is a top performer, who is set for a glittering career.”
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He was asked if he expected Wenger to be cool with him after the comments from the Bolton chairman Mike Phelan about Arsenal’s offer for Cahill, but Coyle denied that completely.
“The only tension will be that we both want to win the game,” he continued. “In fact, the criticism Arsene has received is absolutely ridiculous. He is one of the best managers in world football. Always has been. Always will be.
“The nature of the league we are in, with its global coverage, is that everybody has an opinion and sometimes there will be criticism.”
“If someone asked me which team I wanted to go and watch, I would choose Arsenal,” he said.
“The way they play football is so pleasing on the eye. They have unbelievable players. They have pace. They are dynamic. Free-flowing.
“The one gripe is that they are not winning trophies but they had a bit of bad luck with the Carling Cup last year.
“But sometimes people have to be careful what they wish for.
“Arsene Wenger is an outstanding manager. There is no doubt in my mind he and Arsenal are a perfect match.”
Although Coyle is full of praise for Wenger and Arsenal, he will still be plotting to upset both of them by using strongarm tavtics to try and come away from the Emirates with at least a point on Saturday!
