Management is a priesthood, a sacrifice of life
ARSENE WENGER’S WARNING FOR VIEIRA
ARSENE WENGER has warned young coaches such as Patrick Vieira that the job involves sacrificing a normal life and likened it to joining the priesthood.
The former Arsenal boss believes his excaptain Vieira (right) has the temperament and character to become a top manager – but he warned the 41-year-old about the demands of the role.
Vieira is head coach at New York City, the MLS franchise owned by Manchester City. He was linked with replacing Wenger at Arsenal and with jobs in Ligue 1.
“I think he has the qualities to become a great coach,” said Wenger. “But a great coach means a man in great suffering as well. People from outside only see the glamorous side, the trophies.
“But the trophies, it’s only a day in the year, five minutes, and until the end you are shaking. Everything else, the everyday, is the fight with yourself, with others, to convince. We must always question ourselves. It’s a priesthood, a sacrifice of a life.”
Wenger will decide if he can live without the “adrenaline” of football management in the next fortnight, and revealed he had “more offers than I expected” before leaving the Gunners last month after 22 years.
There had been talk of the 68-yearold becoming sporting director at Paris Saintgermain or moving to the Chinese Super League. Real Madrid are long-time admirers.
Asked if he still wanted to coach, Wenger told French TV show Telefoot: “That’s the question I have to answer in the next 15 days.
“I still want to be a coach, yes. Do I still want to throw myself into absolutely crazy challenges? I don’t know.
“It’s a job that requires total commitment.
“I have to take a little distance, which I’ve never done. I have to ask myself how much I will miss being a coach. How will I manage to live with the lack of adrenaline which is part of my job?
“To not experience a beautiful game of football and share the emotions with others after the game.”
Wenger took advantage of being out of work to go punting in Cambridge with his daughter Lea and friends.
Zsofi Zsarnai of Let’s Go Punting said: “The whole waterside was packed but he was shaking hands with everyone – tourists, hen parties and fans. He was the loveliest man.”