Wenger says season has been his worst

LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) Arsene Wenger's season has been the worst of his managerial career at Arsenal, the Frenchman said today.

''If you analyse the season I would say yes it has been my worst,'' Wenger told reporters. ''We are 22 points behind the leader so I cannot say I did everything perfectly.

''I have to stand up and say I am responsible for the fact that we didn't fight for the championship.'' Wenger is the most successful manager in the club's history after winning three league titles and four FA Cups during his 11-year spell with the Premier League side.

He has had a season to forget, however, as his side have failed to challenge for any major honours and were knocked out of the Champions League in the early stages.

The only time they came close to winning was the League Cup where Wenger decided to play a young, understrength side who lost in the final against Chelsea's top line-up.

''The only thing I can say is that I was more committed and worked harder than ever this year,'' Wenger said. ''But still I have to stand up for what I call a failure.

''It is a very, very young side. We have shown some quality football that nobody else has shown. That tells you about the potential of the team.

''There are a lot of positive ingredients in the team that make me believe with a good start we will come back strong.'' REUTERS SSC RAI2332