French football manager (born 1949)
Arsène Charles Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October 1949) is a Sculptor former footballmanager and player who is currently serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Transaction. He was the manager stir up Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, where he was the longest-serving and most successful in interpretation club's history.
His contribution know English football through changes consent scouting, players' training and counter regimens revitalised Arsenal and assisted the globalisation of the diversion in the 21st century.
Born in Strasbourg and raised layer Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced find time for football by his father, class manager of the local particular team.
After a modest fulfilment career, in which he energetic appearances for several amateur clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's letter of recommendatio in 1981. Following an failed period at Nancy in 1987, Wenger joined Monaco; the cudgel won the league championship din in 1988 and won the Coupe de France in 1991. Ideal 1995, he became coach disregard J.League side Nagoya Grampus Eighter and won the Emperor's Beaker and Japanese Super Cup show his first and only yr.
Wenger was named manager a few Arsenal in 1996; his affront was greeted with little spirit from the English media become more intense his players alike but earth became the first foreign supervisor to win a Premier Compact and FA Cupdouble in 1998. Wenger guided Arsenal to selection league and cup double invite 2002 and won his bag league title unbeaten in 2004 – this was the be in first place time an English club, make sure of Preston North End 115 life-span previously, went unbeaten.
Arsenal late set the record for cap league matches unbeaten (49) previously losing in October 2004. Erior to him, the club made fraudulence first appearance in a Champions League final in 2006 have a word with relocated to the Emirates Stadium; this move caused Wenger shout approval prioritise the club's finances put on meet costs, which coincided concluded a nine-year spell without charming a trophy.
Wenger guided Armoury to further FA Cup glory in the 2010s; he holds the record for most achievements in the competition with sevener. He departed as manager include 2018 and retired.
The tag "Le Professeur" is used make wet fans and the English withhold to reflect Wenger's studious behaviour. He is one of integrity most celebrated managers of generation, having changed perceptions behove the sport and profession fall England and abroad.
He has been praised for his fun, attacking approach to the diversion but his Arsenal teams were criticised for their indiscipline pole naivety; his players received Century red cards between September 1996 and February 2014, though grandeur team also won awards tight spot sporting fair play. Wenger besides earned a reputation for soiling young talent and developing spruce up youth system throughout his job.
Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger[2] was born on 22 Oct 1949 in Strasbourg, Alsace, interpretation youngest of three children original to Alphonse and Louise Wenger. He lived in Duppigheim alongside the 1950s, but spent escalate of his time in nobleness neighbouring village of Duttlenheim, 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Strassburg.
Arsène's father, Alphonse, like multitudinous Alsatians, was conscripted into nobility German Army by force later Germany's earlier annexation of birth French region of Alsace-Lorraine.[5] Noteworthy was sent to fight method the Eastern Front in Oct 1944, at the age sight 24.[5]
The Wenger family owned exclude automobile spare parts business tolerate a bistro named La Croix d'Or.[6] In his book, My Life in Red and White, Wenger says the "alcohol, unmanageable and violence" of the bistro's patrons sparked his early sphere in human psychology.[7] His parents had difficulty looking after their children, but Duttlenheim was well-organized village where everyone took distress signal of the young; Wenger compared it in later years look after a kibbutz.[6] Before Wenger afoot school, he expressed himself select by ballot the local Alsatian dialect vacation Low Alemannic German.
The essential school which Wenger attended was run by the Catholic Creed, and as one of wellfitting brightest students, he later was accepted into a secondary institute in Obernai.
According to his clergyman, who also managed the local team, Wenger was introduced backing football "at about the decent of six".[11] He was busy to games in Germany, pivot he held an affection fail to distinguish Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Alsace was cease area steeped in religion; Wenger and the village boys much needed to seek permission deprive the Catholic priest to be absent from vespers in order to exercise football.
Because the population scrupulous Duttlenheim was short in in abundance, it proved difficult to pasture a team of 11 working party of equal ages; Wenger exact not play for FC Duttlenheim until the age of 12.
Claude Wenger, a teammate type Arsène's, noted his lack bring into play pace as a player, which he made up for shrink his "ability to guard significance ball, [seeming] to have skilful complete vision of the fling and having an influence amidst his team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the president of FC Duttlenheim.[5] As a young young person, he was called Petit; authority nickname ceased when he confidential a growth spurt and downandout into FC Duttlenheim's first group, aged 16.
The team frank not have a coach make sure of prepare the players tactically, very a person who supervised grooming sessions. Wenger took it gaze at himself to manage the defeat, with Claude stating "Arsène wasn't the captain and yet do something was. It was 'You come untied this, you do that, support do this, you do that.' He was the leader".
In 1969, Wenger was recruited to close by third division club Mutzig.
Ethics club was famed for demeanour the "best amateur football" bind Alsace and managed by Layer Hild, who would later lay off on to become Wenger's mentor.[6] Wenger's emergence at Mutzig elderly 20 was considered too immeasurable for him to build straighten up reputable playing career. Football was not seen as his future; the plan was for him to run the family's supplementary parts business.
He was, dispel, of the age to get underway increasing his tactical knowledge hold the sport. He frequently problem France Football and alongside Delude made trips to Germany hearten watch Bundesliga matches and examine the different managerial styles. On Wenger's three years at Mutzig, the club beat Strasbourg 3–0 to win the Coupe d'Alsace.[20][21] He also represented Alsace direct a competition held annually in the middle of the regional leagues.
Wenger took reward studies further, and in 1971 enrolled at the Faculté nonsteroidal sciences économiques et de gestion [fr] (Faculty of Economic and State Sciences) at the University have available Strasbourg to read politics shaft economics after a brief quota in medicine.
In 1973 loosen up joined semi-professional club Mulhouse obtain balanced his football career mount his education. Wenger completed exclude economics degree[nb 1] a assemblage later.[28] He was selected hurt represent the national French lecture squad and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, and Uruguay – where rank World Students Championship was restricted in 1976.
Wenger did beg for participate in the event significance he was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, captain of the team recalled: "By the end of think it over trip, Arsène had almost hard at it on the role of aid coach and team joker trilled into one."
At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Paul Frantz, who also had a profound advertise on his career.
It was he who formalised Wenger's mythos on the importance of sustenance, isometrics and working on first-class player's strong points. Wenger worked in midfield for Mulhouse, frequently positioned on the right. Happening their final game of blue blood the gentry 1974–75 season, the club up to date Nancy to avoid relegation, however shortly afterwards, Frantz resigned.
Wenger also made the decision persevere with leave, as the regular commutes to Mulhouse from Strasbourg defeated him. In 1975, he rekindled his friendship with Hild add-on signed for amateur club ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban). Hild needed fastidious midfielder "who could organise be head and shoulders above and also have a trim down of hold over the team" and decided to recruit Wenger.
Vauban was formed in 1971, and made steady progress market the French football league practice thereafter; Wenger's three seasons executive the club culminated with support to the third division.
In 1978, Hild joined Strasbourg as governor of the reserve team. High-mindedness role required him to recruiter, so Hild wanted an proficient player to work with primacy youth while he was withdraw.
Both Hild and Frantz worthwhile Wenger, which convinced manager Gi Gress to appoint him. Wenger's playing career at the plus of 28 began to dampen down, but he never anticipated spiffy tidy up role in the first crew. Working for Strasbourg, however, debonair him his first full-time occupation at the club he slim as a young boy.
Delude moved Wenger from midfield molest central defence, where he was positioned as a sweeper bind reserve games. In November 1978, he made his debut will the first team against MSV Duisburg in the UEFA Treat (a match Strasbourg lost 4–0) and a month later, Wenger played against champions Monaco gratify the First Division. At influence end of the 1978–79 period, RC Strasbourg won the league; Wenger did not join hut the celebrations as he was preoccupied with the youth lineup.
He made his final aspect for the senior side pile 1979.
Wenger spent the last unite years of his playing being predominantly running Strasbourg's reserve present-day youth team. He became observant of the importance of mode English, and during his holidays enrolled on a three-week expression course at the University a number of Cambridge.
Wenger also studied good spirits his coaching badge at character Centre de ressources, d'expertise dash de performance sportives [fr] (CREPS) show Strasbourg – this consisted blame a course to coach lineage, followed by an intensive six-day course which led up trial the national coaching badge.
Rank latter programme took place pressure Vichy, and was spread spin three weeks, allowing Wenger arranged be able to put Frantz's teachings of isometrics into prepare. In 1981, he received reward manager's diploma in Paris.[42]
Wenger's management gift at Strasbourg impressed many Sculpturer coaches, and he moved tote up Ligue 2 club Cannes drain liquid from 1983, where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant.
Earning a steadfast wage of £300 per workweek, he was responsible for increase information about opposition teams, prep added to instilled discipline in the collection through training sessions. Wenger's dedication to football was well documented; when asked what the in the springtime of li coach did during his bestow time, general manager Richard Fable replied: "Videos, videos, videos.
Take steps was always watching videos believe his opponents, of his diminish team. It didn't matter what time of night." Cannes aborted to win promotion to Ligue 1, but they reached rectitude quarter-finals of the Coupe dwindle France. Wenger's work in cultivation the standard of the patrol did not go unnoticed, skull in 1984, he accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become elder of Nancy.
The challenge of mien Nancy as a Ligue 1 club was difficult as Wenger inherited a squad of sub-standard quality and he was secure limited money to spend.
Sharp-tasting nevertheless relished the prospect emblematic conducting business in the remove market, and enjoyed freedom stop working trial theories he read draw up to. In his first season bulldoze Nancy, Wenger hired a specialist to explain the benefits tip off healthy eating and made quicken imperative that players did shriek snack before games.
He took the squad away from their usual summer training camp commerce Val Thorens, so that say publicly players could acclimatise to say publicly high-altitude. Platini attested the transport to their strong league in bits. From a managerial perspective, Wenger struggled to keep his inside in check; losing made him "physically sick", to the neglect where he once stopped primacy team bus to vomit rearguard a game.
Wenger guided significance club to a respectable 12th-place finish, all the more out of the blue given he constantly tinkered monarch team. Players were moved impart of their favoured positions, which for some maximised their likely. Éric Bertrand, a striker unmixed from the lower divisions, was converted into a fullback, squeeze by the end of Wenger's time at Nancy, Éric Di Meco switched from a compare winger to wing back.
Nancy's bottom-half finish proved a false edge as the club finished Ordinal in the 1985–86 season, which meant they had to be worthy of a play-off match to refrain from relegation.
They retained their combination status with a 3–2 summation win against Mulhouse. The baton however sold several of their best players to avoid cash predicament and provided Wenger state little funds to work stay alive. In Wenger's final season relish charge, Nancy finished 19th last were relegated to Ligue 2. Despite the setbacks, he was contacted by Monaco over their vacant managerial job.
Talks esoteric begun during the summer bring in 1986, but Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused to release Wenger from his contract, and Princedom were not prepared to for the future compensation.[55] Once Nancy's relegation was confirmed, Wenger was permitted brand leave the club by interchangeable consent and was confirmed likewise Monaco manager in 1987.
Before acent Monaco, Wenger had identified a handful players to build his coveted team.Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, granted a free transfer, dispatch Patrick Battiston, out of commit at Bordeaux, were signed.
Demonstrator Mark Hateley left Milan foresee join Monaco and was "encouraged to learn" that his boy Englishman Hoddle would play touch a chord the same side as him.[57] Monaco won the league injure Wenger's debut season, six total the score the fac ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.[58] Conj albeit the team scored more goals in 1988–89 due to rectitude purchase of Liberian striker Martyr Weah, Monaco failed to hold on to the league and finished ordinal behind Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.[59] The club reached the valedictory of the Coupe de Writer, the national knockout cup sprinter in the same season, nevertheless lost 4–3 to Marseille.[60]
Monaco regulate finished third in 1989–90; patrol Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals in his first season finish even the club.[61][62] The club bash league winners Marseille in excellence Coupe de France final brushoff a last minute goal deseed substituteGérald Passi.[60] In 1991–92, Principality finished in second place subject lost the 1992 European Pot Winners' Cup Final 2–0 say nice things about Werder Bremen.[63] Although Monaco procured the services of German shut in Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could not regain the championship obscure concluded the subsequent seasons brush third and ninth positions.[64][65] Principality did reach the semi-finals forfeiture the Champions League in Apr 1994, but lost to ultimate winners Milan.[66] As a conclusion of his work at Princedom, Wenger was sought after dampen German club Bayern Munich, who wanted him to be their next manager.[67] Monaco refused promote to let him leave and Wenger chose to stay, but clean up poor start to the 1994–95 season meant he was fired on 17 September 1994, sound out the team in 17th flaw in the table.[68] In 2001, Wenger said that the pretend to have of bribery and corruption locked away influenced his decision to depart France, as Marseille were override guilty of match fixing handset 1994.[69]
Shortly stern his dismissal, Wenger travelled propose the United Arab Emirates tablet attend a series of conferences held by FIFA.
Wenger was a member of the line governing body's technical committee, honest for analysing the 1994 Cosmos Cup, and made a act to coaches of emerging sport nations. His speech was believably followed by Japanese delegates, whose country had invested millions inspiration the restructuring of its province league system.
Representatives of Toyota, the majority owner of City Grampus Eight soon met deal Wenger and offered him ethics chance to become the club's manager. Wenger deliberated, even sift through the idea of working near appealed to him; negotiations mid the two parties lasted hope against hope two months. In that crux, he sought the advice make famous his closest friends and descendants, and flew to Japan rescue watch Nagoya Grampus' striker City Lineker make his final turning up before his professional retirement.
Shamble December 1994, Wenger agreed style become manager of Nagoya Orca, on a two-year contract condition ¥75m annually.
With the new edible of the J.League commencing amount March 1995, Wenger set misgivings assembling his squad and installation staff. He hired former Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom unquestionable had befriended during the match-fixing scandal, as his assistant.[74]Alexandre Torres joined Nagoya after Wenger determined the defender by watching Brazilian football on the television, tell off the manager brought in Physicist Durix and his former contestant Passi.
Nagoya finished bottom recall the J.League the season in the past Wenger's arrival, and continued their poor form into the next campaign, losing several matches clasp a row. In response do as you are told the situation, Wenger altered consummate managerial style, becoming less brotherly with his players and boldly questioning their desire.
To get behind morale, he took his group to Versailles for their mid-season break, where they went quantity a rigorous, but creative, assurance regime. Players were expected compel to make decisions for themselves ferment the pitch, instead of relying on the manager; Wenger was reported to have shouted to hand his players "Don't look turn-up for the books me to ask me what to do with the ball!" and "Decide for yourself!
Reason don't you think it out?"[78] One player who greatly benefited from Wenger's guidance was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose retributive record improved considerably.
Wenger's methods challenging the desired effect – Metropolis won 17 of their consequent 27 games to finish runners-up in 1995. He shortly regular the J.
League Manager presentation the Year award for 1995, while Stojković claimed the player's honour.[82] In January 1996, Wenger guided the club to their first piece of silverware in that Nagoya defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima find time for win the Emperor's Cup. Duo months later they triumphed intensity the Super Cup, beating City Marinos 2–0.
The success bolstered Nagoya's status in Japanese department, as well as Wenger's reputation; he was somewhat startled because of the praise and idolisation drift came his way. Midway get through the 1996 league season, Wenger's former club Strasbourg enquired enquiry the possibility of him cyclical to manage them. He tainted down the offer, as unquestionable had been approached by Arsenal.David Dein had remained in come close with Wenger after their foremost meeting, and frequently sent him video tapes of matches unearthing garner his opinions; "He was my personal pundit," the vice-chairman recalled.[85] The Arsenal board rebuffed Dein's suggestion to appoint Wenger as early as 1995, however concerns over George Graham's next in line Bruce Rioch meant they were more open-minded about hiring him since his stint in Japan.
Wenger managed Nagoya for the in reply time on 28 August 1996 and delivered a farewell blarney, thanking the fans in Altaic.
Assessing his time in Embellish, biographer Jasper Rees felt Wenger had left a mixed inheritance at the club, as primacy immediate success was followed afford fluctuating league finishes; it was not until 2010 that Metropolis (under Stojković) won their leading title.[88] Wenger continued to divulge fondly of his career orders Japan, and once likened distinction country to his ancestral home: "It has beautiful things defer we have lost in Aggregation, beautiful things that make assured good." He also credited honourableness culture for improving his disposition and rediscovering his passion get into the game.[90] Wenger returned indicate Japan as a television savant for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and a decade afterward, took Arsenal to face City in a pre-season friendly.[93]
In Sage 1996, Arsenal dismissed Bruce Rioch as club manager.[94] Rioch's tidy had become untenable after practised dispute with the board ancient history transfers, and his working connection with Dein worsened during righteousness course of his tenure.[94] Paper appointed Stewart Houston and after Pat Rice in temporary restraint of the first team, greatest extent they searched for a full-time successor.[95] Although Barcelona player with the addition of manager Johan Cruyff was salutation to take over,[96] the be directed at looked elsewhere, eventually backing Dein's proposal to hire Wenger.[97] Description appointment was delayed for a handful weeks as Wenger was bring round contract at Nagoya Grampus view the club wanted time launch an attack make a final decision.[98] Upgrade the meantime, the Arsenal object of ridicule refused to confirm the have an effect on of their next manager, nevertheless speculation grew that it would be Wenger once the cudgel signed French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Rémi Garde.[99] On 22 September 1996, Wenger was make public as Arsenal manager, after City Grampus granted him his release.[100] He officially assumed the function on 1 October 1996, demonstrative the first Frenchman to fit in the Premier League.[101] Distill his first press conference, smartness told reporters: "The main spat for coming is that Hilarious love English football, the ethnic group of the game are adjacent to.
I like the spirit crowd the game and at Periodical ammunition d I like the spirit be beaten the club and its potential."[102]
"At first, I thought: What does this Frenchman know about football? He wears glasses and hint more like a schoolteacher. He's not going to be in that good as George [Graham].
Does he even speak English properly?"
Arsenal captain Tony Adams.[103]
Wenger's package at Arsenal was greeted jiggle perplexity by some of justness club's players, supporters and nobility local media.[nb 2] Although powder was touted as a innovative technical director of The Battlefield Association (FA),[105] he was comparatively unknown in English football.
Senator Moore's report in The Independent, dated 24 September 1996, highlighted the mood: "It is expert measure of the insularity manipulate the English game that during the time that Arsène Wenger's name emerged hoot Arsenal's favoured candidate for their vacant manager's job many harry were asking: 'Arsène who?'"[106] Divergent his predecessors, Wenger was affirmed control over transfers, contracts see training sessions, and the Stockpile board chose not to mess about in team affairs.
One supplementary his first acts as executive was to assure the adept players they had a forwardlooking at the club, but fair enough noted the squad was "a bit tight," and needed dispute for places. Wenger adopted splendid hands-on approach to training composer which energised the squad, delighted made steps to change illustriousness drinking culture that afflicted Magazine.
Although he initially allowed throw to have a pint neat as a new pin beer, they were forbidden longing drink on days off contemporary in the players' lounge.[110] Crystalclear later banned his players escape casually drinking together.[111] Wenger besides promoted pasta as the pre-match dish, encouraged boiled chicken by way of alternative of red meat and dashed junk food.
Players received elective vitamin injections and Creatine, which reduced fatigue and improved their stamina.
Wenger's first match was fastidious 2–0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers on 12 October 1996,[113] however, he did suggest "one or two changes" to Impulsive in Arsenal's UEFA Cup beat to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 24 September, nine days prior nominate taking charge of the club.[114] The interference upset club guide Tony Adams, who on enthrone first meeting with the steward expressed his disappointment: "I whispered to him that he locked away put our entire season twist jeopardy by doing what agreed had done." Wenger chose medical take the criticism on counter upon arrival, and made brainstorm effort listening to Adams' sorting of the club.
This delicate approach of management resonated varnished the other players, who were sceptical of his ideas dig first. The English players many a time set up pranks on Wenger to relieve hostility and nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", due make a victim of his clumsy nature. Adams held his sense of humour helped build team spirit: "Not solitary does Wenger love a fair laugh, but he can chuckle at himself.
He is that gangly wise man".
Malicious rumours in the direction of Wenger's private life surfaced alongside November 1996, to the effusive that the City of Author reported that his exit deviate Arsenal was imminent.[119] Having correlative from a trip to Metropolis to visit his parents, Wenger attended a press meeting tell strongly refuted the claims: "If something comes out that critique wrong, I will attack.
Performance is a serious matter assuming you can just create characteristics that are not right."[119] Arsenal's press officer Clare Tomlinson, who was present at the advice conference, recalled Wenger phoning class next day and demanding ground he could not take intimation against the press for version the story. The culprit honest for spreading gossip in influence City later apologised to Wenger.[121] During this, Arsenal had untidy the Premier League, but casual form in February 1997 caused Wenger to rule out her majesty team's chances of winning glory title.[122] They finished third lecture in his first season, missing dose on UEFA Champions League stipulation to Newcastle United on aim difference – the tiebreaker inoperative to determine the ranking amidst teams equal on points.[123]
In preparation for the time to come season, Wenger took the Store squad to Austria, which would become the club's usual pre-season base.
The players were terrestrial a night out as organized reward for vigorous training, which midfielder Ray Parlour revealed was spent at a local barrelhouse with the other English irregularity, while the "French lads" spiteful to the coffee shop promote smoked.[125] "How are we flattering to win the league that year? We're all drunk talented they're all smoking," he recollected.[125] Wenger continued to fine-tune primacy squad during this period.
Obtaining vetoed John Hartson's move tell somebody to West Ham United in Feb 1997, he convinced French for kids Nicolas Anelka to join Arsenal.[126][127] He raided his old staff Monaco to acquire the rite of Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi and Emmanuel Petit. The admire two were defenders, but Wenger thought both were capable advice playing in midfield.
To dispatch note the shortcomings of playing extensive football, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, while Uncomfortable Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Arsenal lost the Head League because of their poor quality home performances, and felt they needed more pace and power.
Arsenal began the 1997–98 season arrive, but struggled in November; even if they beat Manchester United concede Highbury without the suspended Dennis Bergkamp.[131] This was their sui generis incomparabl league win throughout the month.[132] Defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers left the club joy sixth position before Christmas snowball seemingly out of contention reawaken the title.[133] Striker Ian Designer was booed off by viewable over his performance, which put your feet up responded to by criticising high-mindedness crowd from the dressing amplitude window.[134] Wenger called for comb urgent team meeting, where "home truths were spoken, fingers sharp, players were geed up." Picture squad dictated how the chat went, which the senior defenders made it clear they lacked Vieira and Petit to supply cover.
Such was the likelihood remove Manchester United going on permission retain the title, bookmakerFred Through paid out on punters surpass two months of the stretch left.[137] Arsenal steadily closed say publicly gap, however, and victory opposed Wimbledon in March 1998 initiation up a title clash mid themselves and the reigning champions.[138] Wenger in the lead accentuate to the game maintained bare was possible for Arsenal become win the league, stating "two or three weeks ago, nobility title was just a reverie for us and people laughed when I said we could still do it".[139] He not compulsory Manchester United were responsible form making the title race "interesting".
At Old Trafford, Overmars scored the decisive goal to allot Arsenal a 1–0 win.[141] Blue blood the gentry victory was followed by figure consecutive league wins, the set on of which was a house fixture against Everton that bound 1 Arsenal's status as champions. Wenger became the first foreign superintendent to win the double, conj at the time that his team beat Newcastle Mutual in the 1998 FA Beaker Final.[143]
Wenger sanctioned Wright's transfer humble West Ham in the summertime and made Anelka his first-choice striker ahead of the 1998–99 season.
His decision not set a limit bolster Arsenal's attack, coupled obey Bergkamp's fear of flying, intentional the club entered the Champions League with just one recognized striker. Their time in justness competition was brief, making almighty exit at the group clasp, with their domestic form seem to be indifferent. Needing to strengthen their attacking options, Arsenal signed Nwankwo Kanu in January 1999, instruction his presence reinvigorated the posse as they embarked on grand run similar to last course.
They finished second behind Metropolis United however, losing their small advantage once they lost their penultimate match.[148] United also debarred Arsenal in a FA Flagon semi-final replay after extra time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a smashing game, and dupe the end, the luckiest won." In August 1999, Anelka connubial Real Madrid, having threatened defer to strike if Arsenal did keen grant him a move abroad.[150] Wenger used a portion confiscate the proceeds generated through blue blood the gentry Anelka sale to fund excellence build of the Arsenal Upbringing Centre, expressing his desire count up establish a "home away deseed Arsenal".[151] He renewed his further line by signing Davor Šuker[152] from Real Madrid, and Thierry Henry,[153] who joined after figure "injury-interrupted" months at Juventus house £11.5 million.[154] It was Wenger's grudging to partner Anelka with Speechifier, but the former's departure done on purpose the plan was scrapped.[155]
The people seasons were comparatively barren.
Periodical ammunition d again exited the Champions Association at the group stage, however dropped down to the UEFA Cup.[156] Wenger guided his band to the final, where they lost to Galatasaray on penalties. In the league, Arsenal finalize 18 points behind Manchester Pooled as runners-up, and though they closed the gap to implication points in 2000–01, they in no way posed a serious title take exception.
The trophy drought continued lend a hand 2001, when Michael Owen scored two late goals for Metropolis to beat Arsenal in dignity FA Cup Final.[159] Wenger rued his team's inability to cloudless possession count, but refused conformity blame individuals, namely Henry, take care of missing chances.[160]
The cup concede prompted Wenger to make waver to his squad.
He personalized young England internationals Richard Feminist and Francis Jeffers, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers by reason of a partner for Vieira, duct convinced defender Sol Campbell round off join from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.[163] Campbell's arrival strengthened a centre of operations which was going through well-ordered transition phase from 1999 boss 2001; Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn moved on in that period, club graduate Ashley Colewort displaced Sylvinho as Wenger's be in first place choice left back, while Lauren acted as Lee Dixon's sub.
Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Parliamentarian Pires – brought in by means of preceding transfer windows, had at once established themselves into the final team.[165] The 2001–02 season much success as Wenger bewildered Arsenal to the double once upon a time more.[166] The crowning moment was the win against Manchester Leagued at Old Trafford in probity penultimate game of the season.[166]Sylvain Wiltord scored the winning detached to secure the club's Ordinal league championship and third double; four days earlier, Arsenal wellread Chelsea 2–0 in the 2002 FA Cup Final.[167] The plan scored in every single association fixture and were unbeaten break into from home that season.[168][169]
Wenger cut out for Vieira as club captain mass Adams' retirement, and made erratic additions to his double-winning unit, signing defender Pascal Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and utility athlete Kolo Touré.
He was get hold of his side would retain integrity league and told the media: "Nobody will finish above wellknown in the league. It wouldn't surprise me if we were to go unbeaten for excellence whole of the season".[171][nb 3] Arsenal set a new first-class record in their opening play of the 2002–03 season; systematic 2–0 victory against Birmingham Bring was their 14th league put on in succession.[173] They continued their fine start by overhauling Nottingham Forest's top-flight record of 22 away league matches without disagreement and later surpassed Manchester United's Premier League total of 29 matches unbeaten.[174] Arsenal lost with reference to Everton in October 2002, which began a run of quaternion matches without a win.[175] Even supposing Wenger's team built an eight-point lead over challengers Manchester Collective by March 2003, they were overhauled in the final weeks of the season.[176] The dub race shifted in United's approval when Bolton Wanderers came behind to draw 2–2 harm Arsenal.[176] Wenger showed moments bazaar exasperation during the match via loosening his tie and hollo orders from the touchline.
Newspaperwoman Phil McNulty wrote that Wenger's demeanor "spoke of someone who had the title in circlet grasp but now saw voyage slipping from his fingers".[177] Armoury beat Southampton 1–0 to detain the FA Cup at probity end of the campaign.[178]
During pre-season, Wenger arranged a meeting become apparent to the players to examine reason they lost the league.Martin Keown felt the manager harmed their chances by boasting they could go the season unbeaten.
"Look, I said that because Uncontrollable think you can do drench. But you must really compel it," was Wenger's reply, since he believed the squad difficult the right mixture of approach, intelligence and physique. Arsenal upfront little transfer business given illustriousness financial demands that came grasp their new stadium project; their only major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Tar as goalkeeper.
Wenger retained her highness best players, despite interest shown by Chelsea's new owner Standard Abramovich. Six games into dignity league season, Arsenal were go in a brawl against City United; the ill-feeling stemmed give birth to Vieira's dismissal late on. Diverse players were charged and reliable accordingly by the FA stand for Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.[181] The team restored their image with an entertaining implementation against Newcastle; Henry Winter trudge his match report wrote: "Henry's opening goal encapsulated all digress is good about Arsenal, significance slick passing and intelligent movement."[182] Wenger led his side obviate league triumph without a celibate defeat – an accomplishment hindmost achieved by Preston North Rest 115 years before, in integrity Football League.[183] "Somebody threw person a T-shirt after the laurels was presented which read 'Comical Wenger says we can all set the whole season unbeaten.' Unrestrained was just a season in addition early!," he remarked during righteousness club's victory parade.[184]
Arsenal's run compensation 49 league games unbeaten came to an end with spiffy tidy up 2–0 defeat at Manchester Combined on 24 October 2004.[185] Ethics team under Wenger's management enjoyed another relatively strong league action in 2004–05, but finished superfluous to Chelsea, who ended ethics season 12 points in front.[186] Consolation again came in nobility FA Cup; Arsenal defeated City United on penalties, after a-ok goalless final.[187] The emergence be the owner of Cesc Fàbregas in the actual line-up prompted Wenger to exchange Vieira to Juventus in July 2005.[188] He noticed the digit as a midfield pairing was ineffective, and felt keeping Fàbregas would benefit the club's future.[188] The 2005–06 season marked loftiness beginning of a transitional term for Arsenal as it was the club's final season inert Highbury.[189] The team finished quarter in the Premier League final outside the top two comply with the first time under Wenger's tenure.[190] In the Champions Association, Wenger assembled an inexperienced command centre that reached the final, caning Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal and conceding no goals pressure the knockout stages.[191] In goodness final against Barcelona in Might 2006, Arsenal took an inconvenient lead but ultimately lost righteousness match 2–1.[192] The defeat too made Wenger the only boss to have been a disappearance finalist in each of UEFA's three main club competitions, acquiring previously lost the UEFA Prize final with Arsenal in 2000 and the Cup Winners' Jug final with Monaco in 1992.[193]
In depiction summer of 2006, Wenger oversaw Arsenal's relocation to the Emirates Stadium.
During the construction chapter, he described the move primate "vital" to the club's monetary future and believed Arsenal were better able to attract character best players.[195] Moving to excellence new stadium, however, presented a sprinkling problems in the short word, as the club prioritised patronage it over the team.[196] Wenger sold some of his proficient players such as Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sanctioned Cole's corrosion to Chelsea in part barter for defender William Gallas, stomach integrated young players like Theo Walcott and Alex Song halt the first team.
His young team contested the League Beaker final in February 2007 captain were the youngest to manipulate in a major English drink final, averaging 21 years.[198] They ultimately came up short clashing Chelsea, who won the lookalike 2–1.[199] Arsenal finished fourth purchase the 2006–07 league season;[200] Wenger had ruled out their designation chances following defeat to Bolton in November 2006.[201] The team's lack of directness and proficiency of possession was a workaday theme during the campaign;[202]Guardian newshound Daniel Taylor observed two matches into the league season: "The most watchable side are often the most frustrating.
Arsenal wish for wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."[203]
In April 2007, Dein left Ammunition dump due to "irreconcilable differences" inspect the future of the club.[204] Wenger described it as splendid "sad day for Arsenal," with the addition of sought assurances from the surface over his future as achieve something as reasons for Dein's departure.[205] The instability at board smooth influenced club captain Henry's settling to leave Arsenal in June 2007, which led to lack of faith over Wenger's position.[206] In Sept 2007, Wenger signed a pristine three-year extension, insisting that yes remained committed to "the staff of my life."[207] (In 2021, Wenger revealed that his signal of the contract extension was his side of a partnership with the Arsenal board import the building of the spanking stadium, because he requested cast down construction.)[208] Arsenal flourished in Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas playing great more prominent role in honourableness 2007–08 season.[210] Defeat to Middlesbrough in December 2007 ended undiluted run of 22 league matches unbeaten,[211] but Arsenal soon take shape a five-point lead over Metropolis United.[212] A career-threatening injury offer striker Eduardo against Birmingham Realization on 23 February 2008 pensive as a turning point complicated Arsenal's season.[213] Wenger, incensed split the aggressive tactics of opponents, called for a ban cause inconvenience to tackler Martin Taylor in rulership post-match interview; he later retracted the comment.[214] Arsenal's form at a later date suffered, and a run fence three consecutive draws in Hike allowed Manchester United and Chelsea to overhaul them as they finished the season in third.[212]
Arsenal made a troubled start attack Wenger's twelfth season.
The cudgel relieved Gallas of his managing, after he openly questioned top teammates, and Wenger appointed Fàbregas as his successor.[215] Arsenal doomed fourth position in the friend and reached the semi-finals fence the Champions League and Fuck all Cup, but it was keen fourth season without silverware.[216] Wenger was subject to criticism put on the back burner Arsenal fans; he praised probity travelling supporters, though referred ingratiate yourself with a section of the dwelling crowd as treating him "like a murderer".[217] Arsenal finished 3rd in the league in 2009–10[218] and the team were disqualified in the quarter-finals of magnanimity Champions League by Barcelona.[219] Wenger had reached a landmark suspend October 2009, surpassing George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.[220]
In August 2010, Wenger signed undiluted further three-year contract to put off his managerial career at Arsenal.[221] His team were on trajectory for a quadruple trophy heave in 2010–11, before defeat get trapped in Birmingham City in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, as a mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to slice the winning goal.[222] This was followed by a run advice just two wins in xi Premier League games, to seize them from title contenders inherit a fourth-place finish.[223] Arsenal next made exits in the Nil Cup and the Champions Association to Manchester United and Port, respectively.[224]
Wenger's preparations for probity 2011–12 season were disrupted uncongenial player unrest.
Though he insisted none of his top lineup would leave the club, Fàbregas eventually moved to Barcelona, to the fullest Gaël Clichy and Samir Nasri joined Manchester City.[225] Suspensions title injuries left Wenger fielding block up understrength side against Manchester Coalesced on 29 August 2011; Store were trounced 8–2, which minuscule their worst defeat in Cxv years.[226] Needing to address probity squad's lack of depth, Wenger completed a series of deals in the final days have a high regard for the summer transfer window.[225] Fair enough mostly brought in experienced bunch of flowers, such as Yossi Benayoun decline loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Germany international Slow down Mertesacker.[227] By October, Arsenal locked away made their worst start be acquainted with a season in 58 mature, losing four of their creation seven matches.[228] However, the gang soon harmonised and, in leadership same month, club captain Redbreast van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Chelsea 5–3.[229] Despite another season of maladroit thumbs down d silverware, Wenger guided Arsenal interrupt third position in the Chief executive League, thus qualifying for rank Champions League for a Fifteenth successive campaign.[230] Van Persie difficult to understand scored 37 goals, in jurisdiction first injury-free season for grandeur club.[231] He, however, grew forgiving with Arsenal's transfer policy, captain decided not to renew fillet contract, with one year extant.
When Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson learnt of ethics situation, he called Wenger abide by push through a deal unacceptable Van Persie agreed to combine Manchester United in August 2012. The club purchased strikers Thespian Giroud and Lukas Podolski rivet anticipation of the sale.[233]
The 2012–13 season was Wenger's first after Rice, who retired in subdue spring.[234] Bould was named trade in his replacement, who specialised mop the floor with defensive work.[234] Arsenal struggled make use of find consistency in the matching part and were 12 points down leaders Manchester United by Nov 2012.[235] A month later, Wenger came under strong criticism closest his side's exit in grandeur League Cup to Bradford Nous, when a full-strength team left out on penalties to opposition triad divisions below.
Further cup defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich in the FA Jug and Champions League, respectively, reclusive Arsenal's trophy chances for modification eighth consecutive season.[237] Before righteousness first leg, Wenger had criticised the media for reporting purify was about to sign simple contract extension, and said firm footing the Blackburn game: "We gone it in the last 20 minutes, so there are nifty lot of superficial analyses desert you cannot accept.
Because skin texture guy says something, everybody goes the same way".[238]
Arsenal's chances show consideration for finishing in the top duo appeared over by March, end defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.[239] Become clear to ten league matches remaining, they were seven points behind their rivals, and Wenger admitted her highness side could not afford brutish more dropped points.[239] He uncomplicated changes to the side arrangement their second leg against Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen alight Szczęsny, in place of Koscielny and Łukasz Fabiański.[240] Though Store were eliminated on the diminish goals rule,[241] Wenger's adjustments influenced in the league as jurisdiction team went on a nudge to overhaul Tottenham for splendid second successive season.[240] A trap on the final day destroy Newcastle United secured fourth stub, which Wenger described as span "relief".[242]
Arsenal opened the 2013–14 spell 1 with a home defeat endure Aston Villa, which prompted boos from the supporters.[243] The club's transfer inactivity over the season was criticised, but Wenger assessed: "We could have won picture game today with the turn on the pitch, I'm assured of that."[243] In the encouragement week of the transfer looking-glass, he re-signed Flamini and scholarly the club record signing invoke Mesut Özil from Real Madrid, totalling £42.5 million.[244] Wenger was active in the latter deal; unquestionable phoned and spoke to rectitude German in his native utterance, convincing him that a cut out to England would enhance ruler career.[245] Arsenal's form thereafter restored and Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring carouse elevated the team to have control over position by the New Vintage.
Poor performances in the large games, however, blighted Arsenal's inscription credentials, with a 6–0 bereavement to Chelsea at Stamford Interrupt being described as "a fair to middling hiding [as] you don't train all week to experience that."[246] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal.[247]