Arsenal fans witnessed some of the club’s finest football under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger.
Wenger guided Arsenal through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, winning the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998 and 2002.
He also oversaw the 2004 ‘Invincibles’ side that went an entire league campaign unbeaten, before steadying the ship after moving from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.
Throughout his tenure, the Gunners produced beautiful, free-flowing football that was the envy of not only the country but Europe. Gareth Southgate has just said that Wenger was better than his rival Sir Alex Ferguson in another vital area of the game.
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Gareth Southgate praises Arsene Wenger’s man management
Speaking at the PFA Awards, former England manager Southgate was asked to build his perfect manager with a range of questions.
Southgate chose Pep Guardiola for his playing style and Carlo Ancelotti for his trophy cabinet, however, he gave the edge to Wenger in one vital category.
When it came to man-management, Southgate stated: “I’d have thought Arsene Wenger.”
Wenger was renowned for having the approach of putting his arm around a player rather than the ‘hairdryer’ treatment of his rival Ferguson.
Both approaches secured success for each manager, however, Southgate has given the edge to Wenger for his relationship with his players.
What former Arsenal players said about Arsene Wenger
As per Planet Football, club legends have had nothing but praise and admiration when referring to Wenger in the past.
Thierry Henry labelled Wenger as a ‘father figure’ when asked about his former boss, whilst Cesc Fabregas stated: “I can name you so many young players that nobody else in the world believed in, but he did. Then they became world class and they won everything in the game.”
Robert Pires was ‘charmed’ by Wenger at Arsenal throughout his career, so much so that he turned down Real Madrid in favour of staying with the Gunners.
Earning the respect and trust of your players is the biggest thing a manager can do in the dressing room and Wenger had that in abundance.
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