Manuel Pellegrini refused to discuss the Marko Arnautovic contract extension last night after the FA Cup defeat against Wimbledon insisting he only wanted to talk about the game.
With no recognised press facilities at Wimbledon’s stadium in Kingston, Surrey reporters huddled around Pellegrini post-match.
Asked why Arnautovic was now staying Pellegrini told the reporters gathered around him “I only talk about the Cup”
Asked a second question in succession on whether Arnautovic had signed a new deal Pellegrini replied: “Ask me about the game today and I will answer. Any other question I will not answer.”
Pellegrini then walked away from the reporters annoyed that they only wanted to ask questions about Marko Arnautivic.
Around 10 pm the club website confirmed a new contract extension for their 29-year-old striker, although the statement on WHUFC.com was light on details and terms on the new contract The club also released an article and video from Marko in an attempt to repair his relationship with the fans.
A message from Marko Arnautovic to the fans: pic.twitter.com/QgLFhMuynm
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) January 26, 2019
Did Arnie have a big bonus incentive including in his new sweetener deal for winning the FA Cup?
You wonder if Pelligrini wanted him to stay , the performance yesterday was shocking.
I saw the clip of Pelle this morning refusing to speak about Arne. Firstly he looked livid but I believe he was livid because of the performance and result against Wimbledon. I am assuming that the chairmen would not offer Arnie a new contract without the approval of Pelle. I believe Pelle now needs to show his steel hand and simply leave players like Perez and Carroll out of the match day squads and start including players like Silva who are the future of the club. I am looking forward to seeing the 18 man squad for Wolves. I always love a player who gives 100% over that’s why I have total respect for Antonio because he gives 100% every game.
Do you have a link to the clip?
Sean, I just saw a snippet of it on sky..
I saw Sky Snippet but it cuts off before Arnie questions
I saw a clip on sky sports news just talking about the new Arnie contract. They played a clip of an angry Pelle being asked about Arnies new contract. They failed to explain that this was immediately after being kicked out of the FA cup so it made it look as if Pelle was just angry about Arnies new contract.
This is why I would have preferred Arnie to go, because the media will now turn the Arnie Pelle relationship into a circus given a chance. You just know they would love it to be the new Pogba versus Mourinho.