Arsene Wenger concedes international break provides respite after demanding Arsenal fixture schedule

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal

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Arsene Wenger has admitted the international fixtures provide a welcome respite for Arsenal following the club’s exit from three competitions.

After being dumped out of the Champions League and the FA Cup, along with a shock League Cup final defeat by Birmingham City, Wenger’s men conceded further ground in the title race by drawing 2-2 with relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion.

The Frenchman maintains the focus of his player has been diverted in a positive way by playing for their respective countries and insists they may return with more vigour ahead of the title run-in.

“Maybe it will help by giving the players a psychological break after such a demanding, stressful three weeks,” Wenger told reporters.

“Maybe it’s not bad that the players focus on something different and come back refreshed.”

Wenger has also refused to rule Chelsea out of the title hunt, and while the Arsenal manager believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side require a victory at Old Trafford to have any chance of retaining their crown, he suggests competition is a good thing for his players.

“They Chelsea are in the race. They need to win at Manchester – but it’s so unpredictable,” said Wenger.

“What’s important to us is to get back to winning, that’s what we need.

“But it’s positive there are more competitors in the title race.”