How many Arsene Hungarian manages the arsenal. Arsene Wenger is the head coach of Arsenal London. Transition to coaching

When it became known that Arsene Wenger was officially appointed as Arsenal's first foreign coach, it was not a shock. At that time, the information had already leaked out. Then Wenger coached the Japanese "Nagoya Grampus Eight" and, although his club agreed to let go of his mentor, it happened at the height of the season, so no one wanted to announce it publicly until the end of the Japanese championship. Nevertheless, the journalists found out everything and the information appeared in the newspapers long before Peter Hill-Wood made an official confirmation. During the annual tea party at the Hill Woods shareholders meeting, the question was asked "why can't he give the name of the new coach." The Arsenal president replied that he was under contract with another club, but the guarantees had already been received. When asked "from whom the guarantee came", he innocently replied: "Nagoya Grampus Eight." Oh!

The general mood of the fans echoed in the press with the headline: "Arsen Who?" Johan Cruyff and Bobby Robson were considered potential candidates, but fan preferences were on Cruyff's side. This was hardly surprising, since at that time Wenger's name was little known to the general public in the British Kingdom. Most fans have heard of him on the news when Glenn Hoddle

stated that he would like to see Wenger as the head coach of the English national team (Arsene refused),

and from vague recollection of how George Weah dedicated his award to the best player in the world to a quiet, intelligent Frenchman. But Wenger managed to impress fans even before his official arrival in London, thanks to the acquisition of a young compatriot.

On September 16, 1996, the Gunners played against Sheffield Wednesday at Highbury in the Premier League.

Patrick Vieira came on as a substitute, allowing most fans to see the £ 3.5m reservist for the first time in his 20-year-old Milan reservist. And he did not disappoint. By the end of the game, Vieira showed everyone that Arsenal had acquired the midfielder they needed so much. After the match, fans agreed that if Wenger was able to solve the problem in midfield before he arrived, then maybe he should be given a chance.

Gaining the respect of the players was the next goal. In his book Addicted, Tony Adams admits that first impressions of Venegra were far from brilliant. But the "new" Adams was willing to give him a shot, especially after Arsen listened to his thoughts with respect. Although Wenger wanted to change his predecessor Bruce Rioch's playing system, which had 3 center-backs for four defensive players, after Adams explained to him that it was convenient, Wenger decided to maintain tactical order for the rest of the season. Great solution. Wenger had already started a revolution in the club, and he needed to find an understanding with the players at least on the field.

Even before the arrival of the French coach, rumors began to circulate. An absolutely groundless duck said that Wenger was a pedophile. Arsene kept his personal life a secret, which naturally gave rise to various rumors, and the British press fanned this misinformation about the Frenchman without going into details. The situation peaked when a radio host repeated the gossip on his show, and also said he had photographs to prove it. Later, this DJ was forced to give up his words, saying that the photos are pure fake. Nevertheless, the rumor has already turned into negative consequences - Wenger came under pressure from the press.

The Gunners' press service advised the French mentor not to comment on the rumors, but that was not his style. Journalists were stationed near Highbury, waiting for the development of events, when Wenger unexpectedly appeared on the steps of the main entrance. Reporters expected at least a rebuttal and no doubt hoped for juicy headlines tomorrow, but journalists were not prepared for what happened. Perhaps this was the last thing they could expect, because instead of denying all the rumors, Arsen arranged for them to be interrogated! Arsen asked what the rumors were, and also asked to repeat them in front of witnesses. He even suggested publishing whatever rumor they have. The reporters were at a loss as to what was going on, and apart from the pathetic statements that were still being heard from fans of some clubs, the issue was settled. Wenger won his first victory in a battle with the English press, which realized that an absolutely extraordinary man had appeared in England.

Among other things, one should ask the question: why the radio presenter was not called to trial? After all, he completely openly stated that he had photographs of child pornography, which is a serious crime. Many people have called the police about this statement, but no action has been taken due to insufficient evidence.

Wenger overcame the press, and began to take over the players. Paul Merson spoke about the incredible faith that the coach gave to the team. Arsenal played lively and enjoyed it. And this happened despite the fact

that the tactics of George Graham were used! The Gunners finished the season in third place (just behind Newcastle on goal difference), qualifying for the UEFA Cup qualifying round. Arsenal could have entered the Champions League if not for the incident that occurred in the match against Blackburn. Arsenal's players kicked the ball out-of-bounds in order for an opposing player to be assisted. When play resumed, the ball was tossed in to Winterburn, but rather than letting him play it, Chris Sutton tackled and earned a corner, which Blackburn equalized and denied the Gunners a chance to try their hand in the Champions League.

Wenger's first full season kicked off with a fairly impressive number of transfers. The team is joined by Luis Boa Morte, Gilles Grimandi, Alex Manninger, Emmanuel Petit, Matthew Upson, Marc Overmars and Christopher Vre (as well as Nicolas Anelka, who joined Arsenal last season). The locker room has been vacated by Bartram, Kivomia, Helder, and fan-favorite Paul Merson (following Dikov, Hartson, Hillier and Morrow who left last season). The Wenger Revolution has begun.

Arsenal kicked off the 97/98 season in brilliant form and the incredible faith Merson talked about began to spread to Highbury stands. The team played confidently and none other than Dennis Bergkamp achieved unheard-of success with three first places in the Goal of the Month nomination for September. Also in September, Ian Wright became Arsenal's all-time top scorer (breaking Cliff Bustin's record) in a home game against Bolton. Ironically, the player who scored so many amazing goals scored his record-breaking goal from three yards. What happened regularly in the early years of Wenger's work happened: November was a failure. And by the time we were beaten by Blackburn at Highbury in December, the club was not looking optimistic. Tony Adams, in particular, played quite unsuccessfully due to the injuries that followed him. However, after this game, an event occurred that changed the course of the season. First (according to the tradition dating back to the time of Herbert Chapman), an open and honest team was assembled. The defenders felt that changing the format to 4-4-2, favored by Wenger, left the defense too open. As a result, it was decided that the central midfielders (Vieira and Petit) should provide their support to the defensive orders. The second event was the decision of Tony Adams to leave football for the reason that the eternal captain of Arsenal ceased to consider himself a player who can be relied on on the field due to numerous injuries. Adams and Wenger had a lengthy conversation in which Arsene suggested sending Tony to the south of France for rest and treatment.

The reborn Adams returned from France in the midst of a great Manchester United streak. Some bookmakers have already started paying money for bets on the Red Devils' victory in the Premier League. But from January 31 to May 3, Arsenal conceded just 2 goals in 14 games (losing only 2 points) in a series that included a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. This finishing spurt earned Arsenal the title with 2 games to go. The championship was won in a tense 4-0 home game against Everton, in which the fourth goal scored said more about Wenger's Arsenal than any journalist: Steve Bould grabbed the ball in midfield and sent it to the player who broke through defense. It was Tony Adams! Taking the ball to his chest, he sent a round one with his left foot past the goalkeeper with one touch, before he had time to react. The Vengerball has begun.

But the season was not over yet - there was a trip to Wembley. On May 15, the Gunners were to face Newcastle in the FA Cup final. Arsenal won a 2-0 victory fairly easily, embodying a complete game advantage. In Wenger's first full season, the team made a gold double and the future looked bright.

Summer began with the departure of Ian Wright and the acquisition of Nelson Vivas. In the following months, Freddie Ljungberg and Nwankwo Kanu came to the club. It was a season that promised a lot, but in the end it brought nothing. “Arsenal” and “Manchester United”, going toe-to-toe, had to meet in the FA Cup semi-finals. Result of stubborn matches

was decided in extra time in the replay and not in favor of the Gunners. The Red Devils were lucky and won the Premier League by one point.

One incident that sparked a lot of talk occurred in the FA Cup fifth round match at Highbury against Sheffield United. “Gunners” seemed to have forgotten about the existence of the principle of fair play and in front of amazed rivals Nwankwo Kanu instead of giving the ball, scored the winning goal. The anger of Steve Bruce (the then coach of the “blades”) is hard to convey in words, he even urged his players to leave the field. Arsenal won 2-1, but unexpectedly, just after the final whistle, Wenger approached David Dein and even before the players had time to change, Arsenal offered a replay despite

victory. Later that evening, the FA accepted the request, and 10 days later the Gunners defeated Sheffield 2-1 by all the rules of fair play.

Summer has passed under the sign of the Anelka saga. The £ 500,000 transfer from PSG suddenly felt unhappy at Arsenal and wanted to leave the club that had promoted him to a rising star. In essence, shyness and a clear lack of emotion on the field could not help Anelka replace the legendary Wright in the hearts of fans. Perhaps this was the reason for the bad attitude towards Nicolas from the press. The Frenchman asked the management for a transfer, but was refused. Offended by the club, Anelka and her brothers began to negotiate on the side. At first, Anelka decided to move to the camp of the Roman “Lazio”, but later changed his mind in favor of Real Madrid. The young French striker even gave the Arsenal bosses an ultimatum: Real or the court. Dane saw no choice but to sell the obstinate Frenchman. So for 23.5 million pounds, Nicolas moved to Madrid. Not a bad profit. Nevertheless, the journalists did not hesitate to declare that the offer from Lazio was larger - the Italians were ready to part with 30 million. But here, too, Dane was more agile. In the contract with “Real” there was a clause under which “Arsenal” received 50% of the profit in the event of a player resale in the next 3 years. A season later, the new Anelka saga brought the London club over 10 million.

In the summer, veteran Steve Bould also left the team, albeit with much less controversy. Martin Keyone had already replaced him in the first team at that time. It was a sad moment for many of Arsenal's colonels, marking the beginning of the end of the club's excellent defensive line.

Part of Anelka's deal was Davor Shuker's transfer to Arsenal. However, the transfer did not turn out to be as successful as expected. Plus, Wenger managed to sign the young Frenchman Thierry Henry from Juventus. Once, it was under the leadership of Arsene in “Monaco” Thierry played as a striker. The French coach saw him in this role at Arsenal.

At first, Thierry found it difficult to adjust to his new role. To be honest, some fans considered his transfer to be a waste of money. In a difficult season for Arsenal, Henry has 26 goals and became the top scorer. Since then, he has become stronger and stronger, and now very few people do not include him in the list of the best forwards on the planet.

Anelka's transfer on the eve of the season significantly ruined Wenger's plans, but this was not the only problem. The Vieira / Petit central midfielder bunch didn’t perform as expected due to regular injuries and suspensions. In addition, Petit constantly treated his knee. The team finished the championship in the 2nd position, but the gap from the 1st place was 18 points. In the UEFA Cup final, Arsenal showed an absolutely inexpressive game, and the events on the streets of Copenhagen amazed the entire world community with their cruelty. In the semifinal match, Galatasaray fans inflicted mortal wounds on two Leeds fans. The British could not leave this incident unpunished and came to the final to take revenge.

In the summer, Barcelona bought Overmars and Petit for a huge amount and in a short time, and Arsenal bought Robert Pires from under Real Madrid for much less money. Sylvain Wiltord and Brazilian Edu also joined the club.

The first phase of the Wenger Revolution was completed.

Education
Arsene Wenger was born on October 22, 1949 in Strasbourg (France). Graduated from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Strasbourg in 1974 with a Master's degree in Economics. He speaks (in addition to his native French and Alsatian dialect) five languages: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

Player career
As a player, he played as a central defender in the amateur clubs Mützig, as well as in the club “Mulhouse” of the 2nd division and the club “Pierro Vauban” of the 3rd division. In 1978-1981 he played for the professional club Strasbourg, although he played only 12 matches for the club. In the 1978/1979 season he won the title of champion of France, and also took to the field in one match of the UEFA Cup.

Coaching career
1981-1983 - second coach of the youth team at Strasbourg (France)
1983-1984 - assistant coach at Cannes (France)
1984-1987 - head coach of Nancy (France)
1987-1994 - head coach of AS Monaco (France)
1995-1996 - head coach of Grampus Eight (Japan)
1996-present - head coach of Arsenal (England)

Arsenal head coach
On 28 September 1996, Arsene Wenger became the head coach of Arsenal.
The first match as head coach of Arsenal was against Blackburn, in which Arsenal won 2-0.

Under the leadership of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal became the champion of England (seasons 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2003/2004), winner of the FA Cup (1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2004/2005), winner of the FA Super Cup ( 1998/1999, 1999/2000, 2002/2003, 2004/2005), Champions League finalist (2005/2006), UEFA Cup finalist (1999/2000).

No Arsenal coach before Arsene Wenger managed a team for so long or achieved such success.

Three championships, four Cups and four FA Super Cups have been won by Arsene Wenger in 11 years at the helm of the club. At the same time, twice, in 1998 and 2002, he managed to make a "golden double".

Arsene Wenger is the only head coach of the Gunners to have won more than one FA Cup and reached the Champions League final. Also, he is the only head coach in the history of English football, whose team has never lost throughout the season. This success happened in the 2003/04 season.

Arsene Wenger is known for his intelligence and his rare gift to find and develop young players from all over the world. Arsen intervenes in all vital aspects of club management, from the team's diet to training methods.

His calm and measured demeanor reflects the style of his team, which plays attacking and attractive football.

As mentioned above, he received a master's degree in economics from the University of Strasbourg and was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Herdforshire. In 2002 he received France's highest civilian honor, the Legion of Honor, and a year later was awarded the Order of the British Empire. October 19, 2010 recognized as the best coach of the first Decade of the 21st century according to IFFHS

On August 14, 2010, Arsen extended his three-year contract for three years until June 2014.

Position: head coach

Years at Arsenal:

Additional Information:

Player career:
1. Mutzig France - amateur team
2. Mulhouse France - amateur team
3. Strasbourg (Strasbourg France) - professional club 1969-1980.

Titles: Champion of France - 1978/79

Coach career:
1. Strasbourg (Strasbourg France) - junior team 1981
2. Cannes (France) - assistant coach 1982-1983.
3. Nancy (Nancy France) - head coach 1984-1987.
4. AS Monaco - head coach 1987-1994.

season division seat
1987/88 1 1
1988/89 1 3
1989/90 1 3
1990/91 1 2
1991/92 1 2
1992/93 1 3
1993/94 1 9

Titles: champion of France - 1987/88, winner of the French Cup - 1991

Achievements: finalist of the French Cup - 1989, finalist of the Cup Winners' Cup - 1992

5. Grampus Eight Japan - head coach 1994-1996.
season league place
1994/95 J-League 4
1995/96 J-League 2

Titles:winner of the Emperor's Cup - 1995/96, Japanese Super Cup - 1996

Achievements: Best coach of Japan 1995/96 season

Titles:Champion of England - 1997/98, winner of the FA Cup - 1998, FA Super Cup - 1998, 1999

Achievements: finalist of the UEFA Cup - 1999/00, best coach of England in the 1997/98 season, winner of the "Fair play"

First foreign coach to win the Premier League and FA Cup

Education - in 1974 graduated from the Economic University of Strasbourg, received the title of Doctor of Science. Speaks 6 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese.

Life and career

Arsene Wenger is an economist by profession with a university degree and the title of Doctor of Science. The man is aristocratic to the marrow, knowing six languages, a man with the face of an English lord, who has indisputable authority among all who know him, in a word, an attractive personality.

As an amateur player, he played for the French clubs Mütsig and Mulhouse, and then, since 1969, he played as a professional at Strasbourg, winning the title of French champion with the last club in his playing career. After playing one more season, Wenger led the youth team at Strasbourg, then was assistant coach at Cannes. In 1984 he began his independent coach career at Nancy, and continued it at AS Monaco. Then there was a period of work in the land of the rising sun, where he was recognized as the best coach in Japan at the end of the 1995/96 season. From the end of September 1996 he became the head coach of London Arsenal (Wenger's old and new club reached a compromise, although his contract with the Japanese Grampus Eight had not yet expired. When he arrived in Nagoya in early 1995, “ Grampus Eight "took the last place in the J-League. Exactly a year later, Wenger's team won the Emperor's Cup, and at the time of the coach's departure to Foggy Albion, they were in third place). In England, Monsieur Arsene created a whole team of people involved in the functional training of football players. Each player received an individual training program and recovery procedures. A special diet was also developed for each football player. Not all of these innovations, practiced, by the way, in England for the first time, were to their liking. Arsenal captain Tony Adams complained that he was forced to eat something nasty for breakfast, but then resigned. Success was not long in coming. Improving tactics and inviting a number of talented football players from the continent, Wenger infused fresh blood into the team's game. In the 1997/98 season, the championship, the Cup and the Super Cup of England were won, and Wenger became the first foreign specialist in the history of English football to win the championship title and scored a double, and at the end of the season was declared, also for the first time among foreigners, the best coach of the year!

Looking back at that stellar season, it must be admitted that for Wenger he became the best in his career. Of course, there were periods when his team showed a game at a level lower than expected, but the result speaks for itself. The coach proved to be a true professional and the players could not help but admit it. He does not run away from questions, but tries to find answers to them, no matter what it costs him. He knows how to initiate a thought.

In England, Wenger has an excellent relationship with the press, and she is invariably on his side, since he himself is always ready to support her. He knows perfectly well what he wants, and therefore he quickly settled on English soil. In his coaching activities, he does not take insight and even cunning. In addition, he has excellent endurance and patience.

Many of the new coaches, joining the team, begin to rebuild everything, as if everything that came before them should be thrown out. Wenger, on the other hand, is reasonable about previous achievements, and he is not at all embarrassed that the design with five defenders was invented by George Graham. However, he completely changed his playing style.

He convinced the players that they have to think about their appearance as professionals. It seems that Wenger is not a supporter of lengthy conversations in the locker room and detailed explanations of who should do what. He "gives birth" to new stars such as Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira, Silvigno. He just helps them find their place on the field and teaches them to understand and "read" the game. Arsen allows his charges the necessary freedom within the framework of a common task. And his philosophy is bearing fruit. To make sure of this, it is enough to look into the office where the club's trophies are exhibited.

In the 1998/99 season, the Gunners lost the championship title only in the last round. And, although they dropped out of the struggle for the Cup of the country, Arsene Wenger managed to excel here, too, becoming a laureate of the "Fair play" prize. He did not want to celebrate the victory in the cup match, obtained "dishonestly" (the fact is that when a Sheffield player was injured, his partner knocked the ball over the sideline, so that his friend could receive medical attention. According to the principles of gentlemanly play, the gunners had to give the ball to the opponent, but not according to the rules. And so, when Overmars threw the object of contention from the sideline, Kanu, apparently forgetting that he was a gentleman, scored a goal, instead of giving the ball to the opponent. United players began to appeal to the referee, but such cases are not prohibited in the rules. The goal was scored and became decisive in the match - 2: 1), and demanded a replay. The English Football Federation supported Arsenal's mentor's demand, but UEFA intervened and vetoed. However, the British still took the risk. The replay took place - the Gunners won again 2: 1. This case perfectly reveals the true character of Arsene.

At the start of the 2001/02 season, Wenger was challenged to make one of the most important decisions in life. The fact is that his contract with Arsenal was coming to an end, and from his homeland came an official offer from Michel Platini to lead the French national team. Naturally, leading a national team that has achieved a unique achievement is a huge responsibility and recognition for any coach, but Wenger thought otherwise. Taking a long pause, Arsene refused the offer of Platini, for which he was subjected to huge criticism in France. A little later, he signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal, which proved his dedication to the club and its glorious traditions.

Arsene Wenger: memories of the past and reflections on the future (interview)

- How do you manage to keep your love for the game under such pressure?

It's simple. I love football and that's why no amount of pressure will change my attitude towards it. I love football as much as I can remember. It so happened that I grew up in a restaurant where there were always a lot of football players. Listening to their conversations, I came to the conclusion that the most important thing in the world is football. Raymond Copa was my first idol, then Pele. And I was rooting for Strasbourg. At that time, I did not dare to dream of linking my career with football. I did not even allow such a thought. It seemed to me that people who play football professionally come to Earth from some other planet.

- And when did you feel that you are able to fly to this planet?

When I turned 21. At that time, the age for a football player is small, not what it is now. The youth training system has not yet been debugged, and therefore, even at the age of 21, it was difficult to open up and reach a decent level.

- Did you have an interest in foreign football even then?

Yes, I have always been interested in how they play abroad. I can't say exactly from when, but I was sure that sooner or later I would continue my career outside of France.

English is perhaps the most widely spoken language in the football world. Listening to you, you are imbued with respect for your knowledge of the language. Where did you learn it so well?

I began my acquaintance with the language of Shakespeare, like all French children - I studied it for two years at school. But I really took on it when I was already 29 years old. During my vacation, I spent three weeks perfecting my English in Cambridge.

- Well, the language is clear, but how did you start “learning” English football?

The first lesson in English football was taught to me by Liverpool. It was in the 1980 match between Liverpool and Manchester United. I remember that I was amazed by both the modern game performed by the British and the deepest love of ordinary people for football.

- For the British it is in the order of things ...

Yes, in terms of percentage, the number of fans per capita in England is higher than anywhere else in Europe. Football is a way of life for many English people. And I am proud that I work here and can bring joy to these people. It looks like a dream come true.

You are not the only foreign coach in the Premier League. But Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli, for example, came here as active footballers before heading Newcastle United and Chelsea respectively. Don't you think that, having cooked in an English cauldron, as a player, it is easier for a person to start his coaching career?

When I came to Arsenal, I didn't have the glory of a great player. Therefore, I won the credibility of my charges only as a coach and manager. Whether I have succeeded is for others to judge. And I would not like to compare the work of foreign coaches in the Premier League. After all, I am an interested person.

- How do you start when you come to a new club?

First of all, I try to define what each player is like, find out for myself his strengths and weaknesses. I try to eliminate the disadvantages, and develop the advantages. But the main thing is that I try to awaken in everyone a great desire to play. With people who love football, this is not difficult to achieve. Further, it remains only to encourage them and suggest how best to act in different situations. It's simple.

- Is it easy for you to decide whether to buy or sell a player?

Not always. Making a decision - any decision - is not an easy process. And making the right decision is even more difficult. But in the end, you have to be honest with yourself and the people you work with in order to benefit the team. The main factor influencing my decisions is the benefit of the club and the team. Guided by such principles, it is much easier to make the right decision than to make a mistake.

- Has the game itself changed a lot since you were an active player?

Huge changes have taken place in the art of defense. There is less free time and space than there was 20 years ago. Naturally, this led to the improvement of the attacking game - technique, passing culture, intuition, and reaction improved. Now these components have reached an unprecedented level. Check out football in U16 or U20 tournaments! It’s hard to believe, but 10-20 years ago only professionals of the highest level could play such a game.

- And how long, in your opinion, will progress in football continue?

Hardly anyone doubts that football has been the most popular sport in this century. But what is a century in human history? Point on a straight line. In this context, I cannot guarantee football eternal life. But there are ways to extend it as much as possible. First, the governance structures of football must remain coherent. If everyone starts pulling the covers over themselves, football will die. This should be clear to everyone. In this regard, a huge responsibility falls on FIFA, UEFA and other similar organizations. They must use all their authority to keep football from splitting. Second. Nowadays, players are better protected, they have the ability to move freely in any direction. But the main thing here is not to go too far. After all, football in every part of the world has its own characteristics, only the rules are the same. If South Africa, South America, and North America start playing the same football, there will be a stalemate leading to degeneration. It is very important to prevent this from happening. Also, the power structures must wage an implacable fight against doping and all sorts of fraud. If all these conditions are met, football will be able to occupy a leading position in the world of sports for a long time to come. But one has only to admit the slightest weakness, even in a single country, as the favorite game of hundreds of millions will begin to die. However, I still believe that this will not happen.

Pasha

The astute gentleman Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger became the first foreign coach to win the FA Championship. This allowed Arsenal to take a double: win the Championship and the FA Cup, repeating the achievement of Bertie Mee in 1971. Few in the UK knew the man who first ran Nancy Lorient before leading Monaco in the French championship. Later, he left his homeland in order to head one of the Japanese clubs. After spending some time as the head coach of Grampus Eight, he is invited to lead the Premier League club, which has a long history and is one of the most successful clubs in the UK. Arsen replaced Bruce Rioch as Arsenal coach in 1996.

But even before officially taking office, on the advice of Arsene, the club signed contracts with two French players: Remy Gard from Strasbourg and Patrick Vieira from Milan. Others later arrived at Arsenal's camp, including Emmanuel Petit (AS Monaco) and Nicolas Anelka (PSG). Mark Overmars joined the club leaving Ajax Amsterdam. Arsenal fans initially doubted that the influx of French players would be beneficial to the team, but their fears were soon allayed as Petit and Vieira, with a great understanding, created a strong bond in the middle line, which allowed the Gunners to get involved in the struggle for first place in the championship. It was Arsene Wenger's first season, and Arsenal finished in third place without qualifying for the Champions League, and he had the same points as Newcastle, losing to the Magpies only on goal difference. The following season, 1997/98, Arsenal got off to a bad start, but gained momentum and doubles over the course of the championship to win the Premier League and FA Cup, repeating Bertie Mee's 1970-71 record. Arsenal won the national championship thanks to a phenomenal spurt in the finish line of the championship.

The Gunners have won 10 straight wins and snatched the title from the champion Manchester United in five minutes. It was a great test for both Wenger himself and his club, culminating in a triumphant victory. The combination of international talent and English endurance on the part of Wenger, through the contrasting qualities of Denis Bergkamp and Tony Adams, showed the changing nature of modern English football, brought British style closer to continental, made an obvious breakthrough into the future for the discerning Frenchman. The next two seasons could be seen as the team of Arsene Wenger fought for the title, but it was stopped both times by Manchester. Despite an unsuccessful Champions League performance, Arsenal reached the UEFA Cup final in 1999/2000 only to be defeated by Galatasaray on penalties. Wenger continued to invest in new talent, bringing Cana, Silvigno, Lauren to the stage to replace those who left the club - Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn, and stars like Anelka, Petit and Overmars were sold for a lot of money. Wenger again drew attention to the players of the French championship, and this time at the “Arsenal” new famous names - Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires. The French tactician has built a reputation as one of the most astute managers in the transfer market, while admitting that he would not have been able to prepare the team if the transfer system had been completely abolished.

However, while continuing to bring in the finest French teens, Wenger is also training young English players such as Ashley Cole and Germaine Pennant. Many clubs around the world are interested in Arsene, including the Japanese, but Wenger is attached to Arsenal and remains the man who can most effectively fight against Manchester United dominance in the domestic and European arena. Although he entered English football alongside two of his compatriots, Gerard Houllier and Jean Tigana, Wenger remains an example for other foreign coaches in the English league and is well placed to add more victories to his achievements in future seasons. His contribution to Arsenal's development will not be forgotten by the players and fans at Highbury.

Di matteo

“I would be happy if everyone forgot that I have been working here for ten years. I look only forward and the only thing that interests me is the future. "

This is the whole Arsene Wenger - a coach who is not used to looking back and for whom the successes and achievements of the past mean little. "I've never kept my trophies and medals, and I don't even know where they are."

Once one of the English observers joked - they say, as much harm as Wenger caused English football, no one has done in recent years. His crime is that he has misled the presidents of English clubs. Those, impressed by the work of the Frenchman at Arsenal, began to invite French mentors to their teams and one after another they failed. And the whole problem is that Monsieur Arsene is not French at all. He is from Lorraine, that is, more German than French. "If the leaders of English football had understood this in time, then Felix Magath and Ottmar Hitzfeld would have appeared here instead of Jacques Santini and Gerard Houllier!"

Ten years ago, no one could have imagined that Arsene Wenger was serious and for a long time at Arsenal. And he himself, as the legendary defender of the Gunners Lee Dixon recalls, did not make any loud statements in the first days of his work. But very soon the transformation of Arsenal as a team, as a club began on an incredible scale. This also applies to the style of play and the club infrastructure. Already now we can safely say that in the history of the Gunners, only one person can compare with the French in terms of its significance and scale - Herbert Chapman.

Taking all the greatness of the figure, it should be noted that it is not so easy to understand the logic of some of Wenger's actions. Perhaps the reason is that we, as a rule, assess the situation from the point of view of today. Wenger, on the other hand, always tries to look ahead, and therefore, in order to understand what drives him, you need, figuratively speaking, to tune in to his wave.

This was the case a year ago when Patrick Vieira left. Then there was a feeling of irrationality of what was happening - after all, for so many years Wenger stubbornly held on to his captain, and then suddenly suddenly let go! The beginning of the season only increased the disappointment and bewilderment. But in the end everyone agreed that Wenger was right. Arsenal fans have long concluded for themselves that understanding Wenger is the last thing. It is better to trust him, because "Wenger knows ..."

Monsieur Arsene has earned this right with undoubted and consistent success with Arsenal. English fans are extremely negative about the dominance of any one team, unless, of course, it is their favorite team. But at the same time, many of them say that "they are ready to endure the era of Wenger's" Gunners "for at least twenty years. Because the achievements of Arsenal ... football, or something, game ...

Wenger has never been annoyed by throwing money around, and his transfer records look modest at the level of "achievements" of the top clubs. Over the years with Arsenal, the Frenchman has spent about as much on buying players as Jose Mourinho did during his short time at Chelsea.

And it's not just the construction of a new stadium. These are simply the principles of Wenger. He prefers to invite young and little-known players with an eye to the future. And most importantly, Wenger must determine the transfer policy himself. Monsieur Arsene has repeatedly noticed that he does not think of himself as the head of one of the super clubs in Italy and Spain, where the coaches are only hostages of populism and the immense ego of their leadership. There football is nothing more than a means, for Wenger it is the meaning of life. So Real did not have a single chance.

One of the most serious accusations from which Wenger has to fight back in recent years is the absence of British players in the Arsenal. “I never look into a player's passport - whether he is French, Arab or English. All that matters to me is how well he can play football and whether he is suitable for my team. "

However, the fact remains and can only be explained by the fact that Wenger's two biggest transfer failures are the British. At one time, Monsieur Arsene paid £ 8m for Everton striker Francis Jeffers and called him "the fox of the penalty area." Jeffers first broke down for a long time, and then demonstrated an amazing inability to score even from several meters. Richard Wright cost $ 6m and was introduced as the "new David Seaman", but failed at Arsenal's goal.
However, if the player is really good, Wenger would never be embarrassed about his nationality. The ability to play football and, most importantly, prospects are the only characteristics that will make Wenger spend money. This is why Theo Walcott, one of the most gifted hopes of English football, has just appeared at Arsenal. Wenger, despite the solid value of the prodigy, did not hesitate for a minute - the team needs this player today, because he may be useful tomorrow! Because tomorrow starts today.

“One day I will stop being a coach, but still I will not leave football. Maybe I'll mess with the kids ... ”Even when everything remains in the past for Wenger, he will still be tuned in to the wave of the future - his only wave ...

"Football" (Ukraine), Alexey Ivanov

Arsene Wenger, a French footballer and coach, admitted in an interview with Esquire that he is afraid of life without football. The man who has devoted most of his career to one football team is known for his own perseverance, opposition to and disdain for the trophies won. The lanky athlete (the coach's height is 1.91 m) considers himself "a little crazy" and sees nothing wrong with that.

Childhood and youth

On October 22, 1949, a boy named Arsene was born into the family of Alphonse and Louise Wenger. The baby was born in Strasbourg. The child's unusual name will raise many questions about Wenger's nationality in the future. There were rumors that Arsen had Armenian roots. In fact, the future footballer and famous coach is a hereditary Frenchman.

Wenger developed an interest in sports as a child. The boy's parents owned a car repair shop and a pub, where the child spent a lot of time doing small errands. Visitors to the establishment enjoyed discussing football matches, and Arsen listened attentively to the conversations. And the younger Wenger spent his free time on the field, playing in the children's team coached by his father.

After receiving the certificate, Arsen entered the University of Strasbourg, choosing engineering as a specialty. In parallel with the technical specialty, the young man mastered foreign languages \u200b\u200band continued to play football.

Football career

The beginner footballer signed his first professional contract at the age of 24. The young man became interested in the French club "Maluz", located in the second division. Over the 2 years that Wenger spent in the team, the footballer entered the field in 50 matches.

The next step in the career ladder was the football club "Pierro Vauban", where Arsene took the place of center-back and team captain. Good performance - Wenger came out in 80 games and scored 20 goals in 3 years - attracted the attention of the Strasbourg coaching staff. However, in the new team, Arsen did not show himself so successfully, the man entered the field in only 12 matches.

Realizing that his career is coming to an end, at the age of 30, Wenger receives a coaching license. In parallel with this, he graduates from the business school at the University named after.

The first team that Arsene Wenger coached independently was the youth squad of Strasbourg. After 2 years, the man leaves for the position of assistant coach at the French club "Cannes", but after a year he leaves the team for a place in the coaching staff of "Nancy".

The 3 years that Wenger spent coaching the French club were among the hardest in his career. The team did not have enough funding to strengthen the squad, so the club's only achievement was the 12th place in the second league table.

Things were completely different for AS Monaco, to which Arsen moved in 1987. For 7 years, under the guidance of a coach, the players reached the Champions League semi-finals. After an ugly dismissal (the coach was not released to another club, and then unexpectedly fired), Wenger decides to leave French football forever.

Therefore, the next year the man spent in Japan, teaching the basics of professional sports to a small team "Nagoya Grampus".

Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996. The appearance of the ambitious coach was met with hostility by the team and fans of the club. But the constant awards that Arsenal began to bring home convinced others. The key to success was an individual and painstaking approach to all processes in the team. Wenger forced the players to reconsider the daily regimen, nutrition and the way of rest between workouts.

Unlike his fellow coach did not attract expensive players, and kept an eye on the players whose contracts were like the end. So he got under the wing of an ambitious coach, who impressed the man with his game during the European Championship 2008. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of Wenger's latest acquisitions. The first of the above impressed the coach with a serious approach to business.

Under Arsen's leadership, Arsenal have won the English Championship three times, won the FA Cup seven times and won the FA Super Cup seven times. The fans of the team always note the spectacularity of the matches that took place under the close supervision of the head coach.

For example, Arsenal's victory over BATE in the Europa League match in December 2017 was a "stylish" victory. The British defeated the rival with a score of 6: 0. This victory was the 700th for Arsene Wenger.

Personal life

About where Wenger met his wife Annie Brosterhaus, the man does not spread. For a long time, the coach and the former basketball player were in a civil marriage. The couple raised their daughter Leia, who was born in 1992.

The couple decided to officially legalize their relationship only in 2010. And already in 2015 it became known that the family had broken up. The press found out that Wenger and Brosterhaus have not lived together since 2013. The former lovers did not have financial or other property disagreements.

Arsene Wenger today

2018 began with a disqualification for the coach. The man was suspended from 3 matches. The reason - criticism of the judges during the meeting between Arsenal and West Bromwich.

In April 2018, the public was shocked by the news - Wenger, who has been involved with the team since 1996, is leaving Arsenal. Officially, the reason for the resignation was Arsen's personal desire to leave the post of head coach. But those close to the club argued that Wenger had lost the support of major shareholder Stan Kronke.

The public wondered for a long time where Wenger had moved from the club, to whom he gave 22 years of his life. Fans have put forward the theory that the man is moving to Barcelona. However, the coach himself states that his future has not yet been determined. The man plans to continue coaching and hopes for an offer from a top club that has sports ambitions.

At the same time, the man rejected an offer from PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), who offered Wenger the place of general manager of the club. Football analysts are hotly debating whether it is possible to appoint a coach to the Russian team, especially often mentioning Zenit. There is no consensus on this issue.

Arsenal fans gave the man a massive farewell. Fans rented a plane to which a banner glorifying Arsène Wenger was attached. A parting gift flew over the field where the last match took place under the guidance of a coach.

The famous down jacket of Arsene Wenger