Arsene Wenger insists there is no rift with Arsenal assistant Steve Bould
Bould was said to be 'furious' with the rumours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said this morning there was no rift between him and his assistant Steve Bould.
Reports had surfaced of problems in the working relationship between Wenger and his backroom staff, as the Gunners' season hit a new low in midweek with the defeat to npower League Two side Bradford in the Capital One Cup.
The Frenchman dismissed any notion of a problem, however.
"We are a united staff team. We cannot control lies which are written," he said.
"What is important for us now is the future, how we do in the Premier League, the Champions League and FA Cup, not whether we are out of the Capital One Cup or not.
"We all look to the future.
"I believe we have a strong squad and it is up to them to show I am right."
Wenger hopes Arsenal will provide the required response when they head to struggling Reading on Monday night, aiming to close back up on the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
"I believe it's a good opportunity to show that we are strong inside the club and let people talk," said Wenger.
"We are criticised when our results are not good, we have to take that on the chin. That we have to face a lot of lies is less acceptable."
Wenger added: "We are top professional people. What is important is what happens tomorrow, not what happened yesterday.
"We are sorry for that [the Bradford loss], but what is important is the next game. The squad should just focus on the next game."
Arsenal should have striker Olivier Giroud in contention again following a back problem, while defender Laurent Koscielny has resumed training after his thigh injury.
England winger Theo Walcott (calf) continues to be assessed.
Wenger, meanwhile, reported "slow progress" on the recover of France midfielder Abou Diaby, who has been sidelined by a muscular problem since the end of September.
"I cannot give you any fixed date because we are a bit in no man's land on that front," said the Arsenal manager.
"He is working, but we are waiting for him to come back. He is not ready."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments