OLD
MAN UTD v ARSENAL
After being criticised for not having a single British player in his team in a game against Crystal Palace, Wenger turns the spotlight on Mourinho by saying: “I don’t see that Chelsea play more English players than we do.”
Wenger again targets Mourinho when discussing teams that park the bus. The Arsenal boss said: “Once a sport encourages teams who refuse to take the initiative, the sport is in danger.”
Mourinho hits back after Wenger complains about Chelsea’s transfer spending. “Wenger has a real problem with us and I think he is what you call in England a voyeur,” says the Portuguese. “He is someone who likes to watch other people. There are some guys who, when they are at home, have a big telescope to see what happens in other families. Wenger must be one of them – it is a sickness. He speaks, speaks, speaks about Chelsea.”
Wenger mocks Mourinho for playing down Chelsea’s chances of winning the Premier League title. Mourinho says: “If he is right and I am afraid of failure it is because I didn’t fail many times. Eight years without silverware, that’s failure. He’s a specialist in failure.”
The war of words turns physical as Wenger pushes Mourinho (above) after a touchline row during his team’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Wenger says: “I shouldn’t have reacted at all. It’s not the way to behave on a football pitch.”
After Wenger criticises Mourinho for taking jobs on a short-term basis, the now-manchester United boss said: “I prepare clubs for success. When I leave, the new manager arrives at a top club. That is not short term. You can be there 10 or 20 years and, when you leave the club, it’s ready for failure.”