Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed his thoughts on Arsene Wenger.
Xhaka spent two years under Wenger’s tutelage between 2016 and 2018, after the Frenchman signed him from Borussia Monchengladbach for £34 million.
These two years were a turbulent part of the Swiss’s career, but the legendary manager publicly supported the player throughout this period.
Xhaka ultimately weathered the storm and left North London as an Arsenal cult hero in 2023.
Granit Xhaka lauds former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Xhaka is enjoying an exceptional season with Sunderland, having returned to the Premier League in the summer after a two-year absence.
The metronomic midfielder left N5 having made 297 appearances across seven years, and as an extremely popular figure amongst the Arsenal fanbase.
However, things hadn’t always been rosy for Xhaka in England. The divisive character was lamented by many supporters in his first few years at the Emirates, with this culminating in the infamous incident against Crystal Palace in 2019.
Xhaka swore at the Arsenal faithful, throwing his armband to the ground as he was booed off the pitch.
While this happened in Unai Emery’s reign, Wenger was one of Xhaka’s most staunch defenders throughout this difficult period.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 33-year-old waxed lyrical about his former mentor.
“Arsene Wenger gave me the chance to play,” Xhaka said.
“Every young player dreams to play in the Premier League, and he was the guy who opened the door to play in the Premier League in 2016.
“I wanted to say, he’s not loud, he’s a gentleman, he knows exactly what he wants, and I’m thankful that he gave me a chance.”
Arsene Wenger’s man-management skills made him great
Aside from his ability to coach exciting attacking football, Wenger was a master at treating his players in the way they wanted to be treated, which elicited respect from them.
The French tactician knew how to captivate his players and get them on board, and almost everyone who has played under him has subsequently spoken well of him publicly.
Gael Clichy has heaped praise on Wenger, while Glen Hoddle cited the coach as his best ever.
These glowing reviews from such prominent players speak volumes about Wenger’s people skills, and these were clearly key to his success in the dugout.
The 75-year-old continues to be one of the most revered and respected managers in the modern era, despite retiring seven years ago.
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