Arsene Wenger compares talk of Jurgen Klopp replacing him at Arsenal to a 'circus'

Posted Friday, April 17, 2015 by Independent.co.uk

Arsene Wenger compares talk of Jurgen Klopp replacing him at Arsenal to a 'circus'
The Borussia Dortmund manager has been linked with replacing the Gunners' manager

Arsene Wenger was dismissive of speculation as he spoke to the media for the first time since Jurgen Klopp announced he would be leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

Klopp revealed yesterday that after seven years, two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final appearance at the Westfalenstadion, it was time to move on.

Having stated that he does not plan to take a break from the game, speculation has been rife over his next move, with Arsenal among those seen as a potential new home for the highly rated coach. The 47-year-old has always been among the first name on the lips of fans whenever things haven't been going smoothly under Wenger.

However, things are currently going rather well at the Emirates, with an FA Cup semi-final against Reading this weekend and qualification for the Champions League and even a late, but probably too late, push for the title. That situation has made the idea of Klopp replacing Wenger, who signed a contract until 2017 last summer, seem unrealistic. Wenger was certainly not keen to entertain the idea today.

"I'm not an agency to place managers and I like every manager and respect everybody," he told reporters when asked if he would like to see Klopp in the Premier League. "I find that circus a bit ridiculous, honestly."

On whether Klopp would suit Arsenal, Wenger said: "I already answered this question."

Wenger does not believe Dortmund players will necessarily look to follow the charismatic 47-year-old out of the Westfalenstadion.

"It's down to every club to make the right decision and to respect Dortmund," he said. "Dortmund is a massive club and will survive, and has the ability to keep their best players.

"They have a big history linked with great results and great achievements, so I don't think that will stop for Dortmund."