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The Sport Matrix: Friday 13 September 2013

 

Thursday 12 September 2013 18:36 EDT
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Wenger could quit if his ‘new’ team is not successful

Arsène Wenger has hinted that he could quit Arsenal if the new team moulded around record signing Mesut Ozil is not a success.

Speaking about agreeing a new contract after his current one runs out next June, the manager warned: "I have said many times I want to do well with this club and in the end I will sit down and think how well have I done with the team have had. That has to be sufficient for me to decide yes or no." He added: "We are in no hurry. We are in September and my contract finishes in June. There's a long way to go. There is no need to plan."

Ozil was unveiled at a press conference at his new club yesterday, and the intention in north London is to build a title-winning team around the German.

Indeed, Ozil believes the Premier League title is well within Arsenal's grasp, and despite not investing heavily in the defensive half of Wenger's side, he believes they will keep opposing sides out.

"We want to play offensive and good football," said Ozil. "To keep clean sheets and play attractive football." The midfielder's first match is at Sunderland on Saturday, before playing Marseilles in the Champions League on Wednesday night. MORE

Ozil: Of course we can win the title

When Arsenal's new £42.5million signing Mesut Ozil was asked if the Gunners could challenge for the league title, he confidently replied: "Of course". The German also praised the Premier League, stating he was "glad to play in the best league in the world". MORE

Under-21s to feel the ups and downs

The Premier League last night announced it would introduce promotion and relegation into its Under-21 League – on the same day Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, said English academies produced cosseted footballers who are too often sheltered from defeat. MORE

Murray faces Coric, 16, in Davis Cup tie

Andy Murray plays in his first Davis Cup tie for two years today after his US Open disappointment. The 26-year-old, who lost to Stanislas Wawrinka in the last eight last week, will play Borna Coric of Croatia, ten years his junior. Coric won this year's boys' title at the US Open. MORE

Ferrari: Raikkonen will help Alonso

Ferrari say their decision to bring Kimi Raikkonen back to the Formula One team next season will help and not hurt Fernando Alonso's chances. Double world champion Alonso had previously made clear that he would be happy to continue with under-performing Brazilian Felipe Massa. MORE

Marquez to ease back in after injury

Marc Marquez will take extra time recovering from injury ahead of the San Marino MotoGP race at Misano. The Repsol Honda rider dislocated his left shoulder at Silverstone earlier this month but still managed to finish second in the British GP to extend his title lead.

Durham stay on top at Derbyshire

League leaders Durham enjoyed a profitable second half of day two to take the momentum in their County Championship clash at Derbyshire. The hosts slipped from 173 for 2 at lunch to 277 for 7 at tea and were bowled out for 298, with Durham finishing on 82 for 2 in reply. MORE

McDermott says no to Ireland – for now

Despite admitting that he wants the job one day, Brian McDermott has ruled himself out of the running to replace the sacked Giovanni Trapattoni as manager of the Republic of Ireland. McDermott was among the leading contenders but Martin O'Neill remains clear favourite. MORE

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