• Premier League

Flamini hails 'unbelievable' Wenger

Mathieu Flamini is hoping to win the title for Arsene Wenger © Getty Images

Enlarge

Mathieu Flamini has hailed Arsene Wenger's approaching milestone of 1,000 games in charge of Arsenal as an "unbelievable achievement".

Wenger's landmark fixture comes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, in what could prove to be a significant clash in the race for the Premier League title. Jose Mourinho's leaders are four points clear of third-placed Arsenal, having played a game more.

But ahead of the clash, Flamini has been leading the plaudits for a manager who first signed him in 2004 from Marseilles before he rejoined from AC Milan last summer.

Praying for Wenger to stay

Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 © Getty Images

• As Arsene Wenger approaches his 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal against Chelsea on Saturday, concerns are growing about his future, writes John Cross.
• Click here to continue reading

"It's an unbelievable achievement," said Flamini. "He means so much to the club for the achievements he has done until now. Congratulations to him, first of all.

"I think it's someone who knows exactly what he wants. He has a vision since the beginning, he's moved to Arsenal and he still has the same one. He knows exactly how he wants to play and he's not really changed, he's still the same person.

"He had a philosophy before and he still has the same ones, that's why it's so easy for me to come back and to find my place in this team.

"The focus is on small passes and high pressing and to attack. At Arsenal the football is focused on attacking and playing nice football. His philosophy was exactly the same, his style, his management and desire to win."

Thanks for standing by me

The Frenchman arrived to north London in 1996 © Getty Images

• Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger reveals his pride, regrets and humility in a typically waspish take on reaching a landmark few of his counterparts could dream of
• Click here for more

Flamini is also bullish about Arsenal's title chances but appears to be counting Liverpool out of the title equation.

"We have a few more games to come which are not easy, because Chelsea and Manchester City are also fighting for the title," he added.

"In the title race, it's very important not to drop any more points because it's not a marathon now, it's a sprint. We have a few more games and we want to win every single one.

"The Premier League is one of the objectives but we still have the FA Cup [semi-final against Wigan next month] and we really want to make something of this competition too.

"It's a great opportunity, everyone is waiting for Arsenal to win a title and everyone is talking around the club that Arsenal haven't won a title for a while. It's a great opportunity for us and it's in our hands and I can assure everyone we will do everything to go through and win it this year.

"Both competitions are very important for us. Winning titles is very important for every single player, the management team and the fans. We will fight and give everything to win a title this season.

"I'm focused on our team. The Premier League is very competitive, it's a very open championship and that means every single point is important.

"I would love to win a title, it means so much to the players, to the manager and the fans. We believe we can do it, we will give everything to do it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd