Tonight:
5°c
Arsene Wenger today admitted the pain of missing out on Champions League glory is driving him on to fill the one remaining gap in his 13 years in charge at Arsenal.
The 59-year-old officially became the club's longest serving manager yesterday — overhauling the reign of George Allison — and has led them to three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, winning the Double twice.
Despite turning the Gunners into one of the powerhouses of European football, Wenger has fallen short in delivering the biggest prize of all and came closest when losing the 2006 final to Barcelona.
Ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit of Blackburn Rovers — ironically the team Wenger first faced in England — he revealed that failure in Europe continues to be his chief motivation.
“When I arrived here, Arsenal were not seeded among the top clubs in Europe and were not a force on a consistent level in the Champions League,” said the Frenchman.
“We are now and are in the top eight in Europe but what we miss is the crown. We were close to being crowned but that is what is still to achieve.
“Of course it drives me on but the competition is very high with all the big clubs you have in Europe.” Only Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been at their current club longer among Premier League managers but despite the influx of foreign owners and huge investment in teams demanding instant success, Wenger believes such longevity should not be consigned to history.
“I don't think staying in one job will be a thing of the past and I wouldn't like to believe it either,” said Wenger.
“A manager has an influence at different levels. He has an influence on the results and style of the team, the structure of the club and the football culture there too.
“Then as well he has an influence on the individual life of the players and if you are only short-term, that is to only think about winning the next game, I don't believe that is the way to manage a football club.”
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry claimed yesterday he would like to one day return from Barcelona to work with Wenger and the Gunners boss hinted at a possible future reunion.
“I can see that happening because I believe at some stage the legacy here has to go to some people who have had a big influence at this club,” he said.
“One day they will want to work here again, maybe not necessarily with me because I will have to stop one day.”
One man who has been a constant during Wenger's reign is Pat Rice. The former captain had a brief stint as acting boss following Bruce Rioch's sacking before being appointed Wenger's assistant.
“Just like everyone else, I hope he stays for another 13 years,” said Rice. “He might do, you know. He loves it here and he just laughs if anyone mentions retirement.”
On Sunday Wenger comes up against manager who he has had a few runs-in over the years — Sam Allardyce.
The Frenchman has frequently criticising the physical approach of his rival's Bolton and Blackburn sides.
Asked about their relationship, Allardyce said today: “I would hope that we have a mutual respect for one another, but other than that, it goes no farther. He's said about our aggressive nature in the way we've played against them, but it has always been within the rules and the laws of the game.”
Wenger has Theo Walcott available to face Blackburn after completing his recovery from a back problem while Nicklas Bendtner returns following a car crash earlier this week in which
he wrote off his £120,000 Aston Martin.
The manager said: “When you go at a high speed out of the road, you must be a bit lucky when you go into the bushes. I think his safety belt and a strong car protected him.”
Vito Mannone continues in goal as Manuel Almunia is still sidelined with a stomach illness, although Wenger describes the Spaniard's return as “very close”.
Reader views (1)
What is that sucking sound?
- Colin Stevens, USA, 02/10/2009 12:32
Report abuse
