Arsene Wenger risks wrath of Arsenal chiefs with scornful director of football claims
Posted Wednesday, May 10, 2017 by Express.co.uk
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, secured in 2004, turned from being the promise of a brighter 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 has refused to 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 Marc Overmars at Ajax have both been sounded out.
And the Frenchman, whose side face Southampton tomorrow, made it clear he would resist the idea if he signs the two-year deal which remains on the table for him.
Arsene Wenger insists he won't be undermined by a director of football
Arsenal fans have protested in their droves in recent months
Wenger said: “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.
"I’m the manager of Arsenal Football Club and as long as I’m manager of Arsenal Football Club, I will decide what happens on the technical front. That’s it.
"I can change my trying to get better but the personality...I have 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 say to make a change at half-time on the internet. They will send something in. It might come.”
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 am blamed for decisions I have not made. It is tough enough to be blamed for decisions you have made!”
Arsene Wenger doesn't understand the need for a director of football
Wenger’s philosophy had a major impact on the man who will tomorrow try to end Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League football.
Southampton manager Claude Puel played and coached under Wenger at Monaco, and while he insists his countryman should remain in charge of the Gunners, he will be happy to play his part in ensuring they finish outside of the top four for the first time in two decades.
Arsenal have to win each of their last four games to stand any chance of overhauling Liverpool or Manchester City, starting tomorrow.
But Puel said: “It has been a difficult championship this season because all the great teams are present at the top of the table.
"All these teams are ready with fantastic managers and great players and none of them are in the second half of the table.
"It is difficult with just four places for the Champions League but perhaps it is a season of transition for Arsenal.
"I hope it is finished because I want to get a good result against them. 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 has also backed misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini to rediscover his shooting boots tomorrow. The Italian bagged six goals in his first five games following a £17million move from Napoli in January 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 for them and for us.”
Laurent Koscielny remains doubtful for Arsenal with a calf injury but Granit Xhaka is expected to be fit.
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