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Wenger disappointed by Mancini treatment

Arsene Wenger concerned by Manchester City's potential sacking of Roberto Mancini © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger has expressed his disappointment over reports that Roberto Mancini is set to be sacked at Manchester City, and pointed to the example of Wigan Athletic as a side that can defy their expected level by promoting stability.

Mancini's departure from the Etihad Stadium appears likely, with Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini believed to be set to replace him, and Wenger spoke against a culture of "short-termism" in the game.

"I am against it because I believe stability is needed inside the clubs for people who represent the values that a club wants to carry though," Wenger said. "Inside the club it is important to have people who represent these values. "The manager can be one of these people if he has been there a long time. I don't know if it will happen or not. I am sorry for every manager who loses his job.

"You get sometimes that feeling that because the money thrown at the club, the impatience is there and the drive for success and demand for success is much higher. It is because these people want to be rewarded quickly and that could explain why the instability is higher.

"I think it's nice to see a chairman like [Wigan's Dave] Whelan who has built the club, stays for the long time and builds up a club. That's really what sport is about as well."

With Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and the exit of Rafa Benitez from Chelsea, as well as Mancini's expected departure, all of the Premier League's current top three will change managers in the summer. Wenger feels this could be of benefit to Arsenal and expressed his ambition to challenge at a much higher level next season, saying that competing for fourth is "not enough".

"I believe in stability. We have rebuilt the team and since January we have certainly done very well if you look at the number of points we have taken compared to the other teams. We have created a good basis and that stability can help us start strongly next season.

"Last year we made 70 points and finished third. This year, we can make 73 points and finish 4th so what you want to do is have a consistency and fight for the championship. What I said is the minimum required. You could see that when Chelsea's Champions League position was under threat, they came out quickly and said 'no, what is most important for us is to be in the Champions League next year'.

"It is difficult to achieve but we have done it over the years. To answer your question, is it enough? No. We want more. But this year, Man United was above everybody else."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.