Wenger - 39th game dead

Wenger: 39th game dead

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League's plans for an international round of matches are dead in the water.

"The idea looks to be dead."
Wenger on 39th game Quotes of the week

It had been proposed an extra round of fixtures be created and played abroad in order to showcase the talent in the Premier League.

However, Wenger believes the way the Premier League has gone about their plans - in not speaking with the appropriate parties prior to unveiling their vision - may have done immeasurable harm.

"The idea looks to be dead, maybe because the idea came out in a brutal way and maybe the PR was not done," stated Wenger.

"Now it looks to be an idea which is in a very difficult position.

"I was open-minded but as well I will not cry if it doesn't happen. I just felt there was something to explore there which will now not be done.

"It looks difficult to resurrect now because Uefa, Fifa and The FA have come out against it. It is a big stream to swim against now."

Keeping dilemma

Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed he has decided who will be in goal this weekend when Arsenal take on Birmingham.

Jens Lehmann was between the sticks for The Gunners' midweek draw with Milan, although Manuel Almunia is fit again this weekend following a virus.

"I will just have to make a choice and the decision will be made, don't worry," he continued, without revealing his choice.

"I have made the decision, yes. It was not a difficult decision because I have made up my mind. A difficult decision is if you cannot make up your mind.

"However, it is a difficult decision if you consider the quality of the two goalkeepers because they have both done extremely well."