WE’LL DO IT MY WAY
Defiant Wenger takes on club chiefs and the dissenting fans: ‘I have 40 years’ experience at the top level and I decide what happens at Arsenal. That’s it’
ARSENE WENGER has put himself on collision course with Arsenal over his future.
Wenger insisted pointblank he will refuse to work with a director of football and wants total control over his coaching staff.
That puts him at loggerheads with the club hierarchy trying to drive change at the Emirates with Borussia Dortmund’s Michael Zorc the latest name to be linked with a potential shake-up.
The Gunners boss 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.
“I’m the manager of Arsenal Football Club and as long as I’m manager, I will decide what happens on the technical front. That’s it.
“Some coaches are only interested in managing the team. And they are happy with it. I am not like that and I cannot change myself now.
“But I have 40 years of experience at the top level, I think I have a good knowledge of the game.”
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has stated that this disappointing season must be a “catalyst for change” and wants to bring in a director of football and overhaul the coaching and scouting departments.
It is understood goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton and fitness coach Tony Colbert are under threat, while transfer negotiator Dick Law could go in the longer term.
And the message from Wenger, approaching his 21st year at Arsenal, raises questions as to whether he can or will stay, even though a new two-year contract remains on the table.