Strong words, softly spoken is Arsene Wenger's way

James Olley
02.10.09

These days it is difficult to imagine Arsene Wenger's reputation failing to precede him anywhere in the world but when the 59-year-old took charge at Arsenal in 1996, no-one in the dressing room had any idea who he was.

The Frenchman endured a truncated introduction to his new charges as UEFA rules allowed him to take charge for one match, a European outing against Borussia Monchengladbach, before returning to Grampus Eight to see out the remainder of his contract.

Taking over from caretaker manager Pat Rice was a huge step into the unknown for Wenger but Martin Keown, who played under him for eight years, revealed how he quickly changed the traditional dynamics that surround a new appointment.

"It was all a bit bizarre at the start - no-one really knew anything about him," said Keown.

"Instantly he was very calm. It was us who were on trial and not him as a new manager. When a lot of managers start, they beat the table and shout about what they are going to do and consequently the players sit back and see if it is going to work but with Arsene it was different.

"Everybody was given a fair chance and he told us he had watched endless videos and knew what we had done in the past."

Although diets were changed and blood tests implemented, it was on the training ground where Wenger's impact was felt most immediately.

"Training quickly became very intense," said Keown. "The emphasis changed from trying to win the ball back to keeping it."

Wenger always remained calm and never overburdened the players with information.

"When Arsene talked, it was always only a couple of key points and delivered in the most accessible way but with urgency," added Keown, 43. "He made each individual feel the most important player in the team and insisted on talking to each one of us without anyone else hearing.

"Consequently his impact on players is one that stays with them for the rest of their careers."