Wenger happy with TV trade-off

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no problem with the role television plays in the English Premier League.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently hit out at television companies for having too much influence on fixture lists.

But Wenger says although it is not always ideal, that clubs are dependent on the large sums of money that come as a result of television rights.

“The fixtures are not always satisfying, but it hasn’t stopped us or (Manchester) United or the other English teams in Europe from doing well,” Wenger said.

“In the Premiership sometimes you can feel a bit handicapped, but that’s maybe the price you pay. If you’re not happy with the contract, I think like (Sir Alex) Ferguson said – and where I agree with Ferguson is that we have signed that contract.”

“Nobody forced us to do it and we are dependent on the money we get from the media and they want something for it and we can only look at ourselves basically.”

Wenger also found time to praise new signing Mikel Arteta, who joined Arsenal from Everton for 10 million pounds on deadline day.

“He is not a newcomer,” he said.

“Everybody knows him in England. We all knew he is an excellent player. He has integrated very well into the group.”

“Mikel is a complete football player – he can defend, he can attack, and is very ambitious. He wants to do well and is very professional.”