Defiant Wenger is at crossroads
A MAN of principle? Or simply too stubborn for his own good?
It is an age-old argument that has surrounded Arsene Wenger ever since Arsenal’s last Premier League title, in 2004, turned from being the promise of a bright future into a painful memory.
And now the Frenchman threatens to paint himself out of the picture at the Emirates with his refusal to accept the vision of chief executive Ivan Gazidis for sweeping changes behind the scenes.
While Wenger will not confirm whether he will stay or go this summer – and both players and staff are growing increasingly jumpy at his prevarication – Gazidis is looking ahead regardless, floating the idea of appointing a director of football to stand beside the manager, whoever it may be. Borussia Dortmund’s Michael Zorc and Ajax’s Marc Overmars have both been sounded out about a role which yesterday appeared only to stiffen Wenger’s resolve.
“I can change by trying to get better but the personality? I’ve 40 years of experience at the top, top level, you know. I have a good knowledge of the game,” he said.
“I don’t know what director of football means. Is it somebody who stands in the road and directs play right and left? I don’t understand and I never did understand what it means. Sorry, no.”
While Wenger knows he may be seen as a barrier to progress if he tries to block such an appointment, he believes the move could be a backward step.
“Progression or regression? Changes can go both ways,” he said. “Maybe the time will come when the football manager will not be a football specialist any more and we have enough computers around him to analyse the game.
“He pushes a button and after the game comes out the team for the next game. The supporters will have a word to make a change at
SPORT IN BRIEF
half-time on the internet.” Asked if he thought it was vital the manager always has the final say on transfers, he said: “Of course.
“Who do you blame when it does not happen? When it does not work here, I am blamed. Then, I’m blamed for decisions I’ve not made. It is tough enough to be blamed for decisions you have made!”
Wenger’s philosophy had a major impact on the man who will tonight try to end Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League football for the first time in two decades.
Southampton boss Claude Puel played and coached under Wenger at Monaco and Arsenal have to win all final four games to have any chance of getting past Liverpool or Manchester City.
But Puel said: “It has been a difficult championship because all the great teams are present at the top of the table. All these teams are ready with fantastic managers and great players.
“It is difficult with just four places for the Champions League but perhaps it is a season of transition for Arsenal. I hope it’s finished because I want to get a good result. They can win the FA Cup and if Arsene was to win this cup it would be a good season. He is a great manager for Arsenal for the future.”
Puel backs misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini to rediscover his goal touch. The Italian hit six goals in his first five games after a £17million January move from Napoli but has failed to net in four outings since returning from a groin injury.
“Sometimes it’s difficult when you come back from an injury, difficult to find the good rhythm and good intensity,” said Puel. “Like many strikers, his quality is in the box. This game will be open and perhaps we will see more opportunities.”
Laurent Koscielny is doubtful for Arsenal with a calf injury but Granit Xhaka is expected to be fit.