Arsene Wenger blasts Arsenal fan protest at training ground: 'Why should I waste energy on that?'

Arsene Wenger believes disgruntled Arsenal fans protesting outside the Gunners' training ground are wasting their time and insists he is untroubled by any criticism put towards him. Arsenal's fanbase is completely divided over the subject of Wenger's future, with planned protests calling for Wenger to leave growing in number.

Three unhappy Arsenal fans set up camp outside the entrance to the club's training facilities on Tuesday with banners displaying the messages 'Wenger Out' and 'No New Contract', with another instructing fans the boycott the Gunners' commercial partners such as car manufacturer Citroen and sportswear company Puma.

Further protests are expected to take place before Arsenal's clash with West Ham United on Wednesday night but Wenger wants unity instead of infighting and has called on fans to get behind the team during the home stretch of the Premier League campaign.

"It is three guys. Honestly. Why should I waste energy on that," Wenger told the Mirror. "Honestly. I don't know what to say. It is good that they can waste their day like that. I care about Arsenal, about the club, about what we have achieved and what we want to achieve. That's what you want to do. I will support Arsenal when I'm not here exactly the same [as I do now].

"What you want is the fans to stand behind the team. I love to win football games and I just focus on that. I lead with the values I think are important in life. I work for my club with honesty and integrity, and I'm not scared of any [criticism].

Uncertainty remains over the future of Wenger but his immediate focus is on Arsenal's clash with West Ham at The Emirates Stadium. The north London outfit could elevate themselves to fifth with victory over a distinctly out-of-form Hammers side, who are also facing questions over their own manager Slaven Bilic after a poor run of results.