Arsenal s chief executive Ivan Gazidis says fans have a right to be disappointed because the club has higher expectations than fourth place. But speaking to the Arsenal Supporters Trust, Gazidis also called for a sense of perspective. I am not happy wh

Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis says fans have a right to be disappointed because the club has "higher expectations" than fourth place.

But speaking to the Arsenal Supporters Trust, Gazidis also called for a sense of perspective.

"I am not happy where we ended up but I am pleased we are disappointed by it," he admitted.

"There are other clubs who would feel this is a good position. Or we could say in December 'if someone had said we'd have been in this position then we would have bitten their hands off'.

"So why aren't we feeling great about it? The answer is because we have higher expectations.

"But this is not a situation where we should be over-reactive and feel that we are in crisis. We are not."

The club has also denied Pat Rice is to step down as assistant manager.

Speculation has been mounting on internet forums and within the media that the former Gunners fullback, who rejoined the club in 1984 in a coaching capacity after a glittering Highbury career as ba player, was to announce his retirement at the end of the month.

"Contrary to media reports ... Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice is NOT considering retirement at the end of the current season," read a club statement.

"He remains a key part of Ars�ne Wenger's backroom staff and is currently helping prepare the team for trip to Manchester United on Saturday."

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