Martin Jol has warned Arsenal fans they are likely to be disappointed if they expect their team to be challenging for titles.
The Gunners have not won a major trophy since they lifted the FA Cup in 2005 and they are already drifting out of the Premier League title race as they prepare to face Jol’s side at Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
The former Tottenham boss said: “Seven years [without a trophy]? That’s a long time. It’s probably not what an Arsenal fan wants. Can you expect a team like Arsenal to win things with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, all these clubs?
“If you look at the likes of Man City with almost half a billion spent and Man United, it’s not easy nowadays.
“Wenger created the new Arsenal. Maybe in three years’ time they will hope and pray to get someone like him. I don’t think fans have to be angry. Frustrated is a better word.”
Meanwhile, Brede Hangeland (right) will commit his future to Fulham by signing a new two-year contract.
Hangeland’s current deal expires in the summer and he has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage in January, when he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club. But Jol has revealed that the defender, 31, who has made
169 appearances for Fulham since joining from FC Copenhagen in 2008, wants to remain at the club.
The Dutchman said: “We made him a very good offer and he smiled so I think he was quite happy and hopefully he will sign that.
“Brede is a nice lad — he’s not an extrovert, he’s not an introvert but he’s down to earth.
“He’s never injured, he always plays and he’s leading by example so we would love to have him here for the next couple of years.
“You always hope that people will be satisfied.
“We pay good wages and we made him a very good offer.”
Jol has also confirmed that he wants to extend his stay at Craven Cottage beyond the summer.
The 56-year-old’s deal runs out at the end of the season but he has been approached by the club to activate a clause in his contract
that will see him remain in charge until 2014.
Jol said: “There is no discussion because Fulham have got an option on my contract. I’m happy here with what I’m doing. Fulham want to activate the extra year and I’m happy for them to do that.”
