Arsene Wenger admits he was at fault as Arsenal missed out on top four last season: 'I created a lack of clarity... and there is nothing worse than that'

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Arsene Wenger has taken the blame for Arsenal's fifth-placed finish last season, admitting that uncertainty in the dressing room contributed to the team's poor form.

Wenger eventually signed a new two-year contract extension at the end of the season, but the damage had been done with the Gunners missing out on top four for the first time in 20 years.

And now, three months on, Wenger has admitted that he created a difficult atmosphere in the dressing room.

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Arsene Wenger was the special guest at a Football Writers' Association Live event this week

The Arsenal boss opened up about last season, admitting he was at fault for the club's form

Wenger is photobombed by Gary Lineker as he takes a picture with a fan at the live event

'I had an impact on the season,' the Frenchman said at a Football Writers' Association event to raise money for the Grenfell Fire victims, 'because at some stage the players came to see me and said, "What's going on boss? Where do you go?"

'I created, with me not deciding, a lack of clarity in the dressing room and there is nothing worse than that in the dressing room.

'When you are not completely in or the players feel you are not completely in, it is difficult to tell them we go [out to win].

'At some stage, I had to tell them, "Look guys, I am with you, but we have to win games".' 

Last season saw Wenger receive plenty of abuse from some sections of the Arsenal support

The boss admits the criticism affected him and made him question his position at Arsenal

A sizeable number of Arsenal fans turned on the veteran boss midway through the campaign, with planes being flown over the Emirates and banners unfurled in the stands.

Wenger stayed quiet throughout, not reacting to any abuse, but he admits the criticism did put some doubt into his mind. 

'You always wonder, "am I the right man to continue to do the job?", he continued.

Arsenal won this season's Community Shield and head into the new season on Friday evening

Wenger (second left) was joined by a star-studded panel, including ex-footballer Lineker (right)

'Always when I have faced opposition or unhappiness, I try to focus on what I think is important in the game, work harder and question myself, "what can I improve?" And move on from there.

'I cannot say I am immune to criticism - everybody wants to be loved, everybody wants to be loved by the fans.

'But when it doesn't happen, you still have to fight and manage to keep your motivation at the highest level.'

Wenger was speaking at an FWA event to raise money for the London Fire Relief Fund which is organised by the British Red Cross, in order to provide some support for the victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire in June.

To find out more information, or to donate to the Fund, click HERE.