Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that he has "sympathy" for Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson, who launched a scathing rant at a journalist following his side's defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Pearson labelled reporter Ian Baker an "ostrich" for having his head in the sand after the coach was asked to clarify claims that the Foxes have faced plenty of criticism this season.

On Thursday, Pearson apologised for his rant, which occurred during a press conference following Leicester's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

When asked about the incident, Wenger told reporters: "I have sympathy with [Pearson], of course. He apologised and he knows he was wrong but it is not always easy to deal with these kinds of situations. We are all human beings and when you play for your club not to go down, it is massive pressure."

When asked if he has ever come close to reacting angrily, Wenger said: "Many, many, many times! You know you have to control yourself and be polite and respectful, but of course sometimes you feel that people are not respectful of you."

Pearson explained that his outburst occurred because he was unhappy with his side's defeat at the King Power Stadium.