Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal FC coach, has distanced himself from English football since his departure in 2018, showing respect for his successors while celebrating Arsenal’s resurgence. As he marks his 75th birthday, Wenger is recognized as the Premier League’s most successful manager, having led Arsenal to 704 victories and an unbeaten title season. Now a FIFA director, he promotes global football while a statue honoring his contributions stands outside Arsenal’s stadium.
Since departing from Arsenal FC, Arsène Wenger has maintained a low profile in the world of English football. He seldom comments on league activities, which is not due to a lack of interest after his long tenure from October 1996 to June 2018, but rather out of respect for his successors. Wenger has mentioned that his presence could potentially complicate matters for the club, choosing instead to allow Arsenal the opportunity to embark on a new chapter.
There is no need for Wenger to intervene; his legacy continues as he likely envisioned. Players he influenced remain integral to the club: Mikel Arteta serves as head coach, Edu handles sporting affairs, and Per Mertesacker oversees youth development. Arsenal is once again competing for the championship title this season, which may be the most gratifying gift for Wenger as he celebrates his 75th birthday on Tuesday.
The iconic manager holds the record for the most wins in Premier League history, with 704 victories out of 1,228 competitive matches, including an unmatched seven FA Cup titles. His last triumph in the English Championship came during the 2003/2004 season, where his team finished unbeaten. Jens Lehmann, the goalkeeper from that legendary team, remarked on Wenger’s impressive vision, citing him as one of the few coaches with a clear understanding of attacking play.
Media Skepticism: “Arsène Who?”
When Wenger first arrived in England, there was significant skepticism about his ability to revamp a lagging Arsenal side with innovative approaches to nutrition and player recovery. The “Evening Standard” famously introduced him with the headline “Arsène who?”, as he was the first French coach in England and had only coached teams in France and Japan previously. Outside of Arsenal’s vice-chairman David Dein, few were familiar with him.
Dein had met Wenger in 1989 at an Arsenal match and extended an invitation to dinner. In his autobiography, Dein observed that Wenger did not represent the typical image of a football coach, instead appearing “urbane”.
Journalist Myles Palmer noted Wenger stood out as a “completely different animal” upon his introduction at Arsenal, leading the English press to affectionately nickname him “The Professor” because of his intellectual demeanor.
The “Most Economically Successful Manager”
Lehmann also highlights Wenger’s intellect, noting that there was always something new to consider, even after years of working with him. Wenger famously predicted in 2005 the impending imbalance between clubs due to investor influence, criticizing it as “financial doping”.
This competitive edge conflicted with Wenger’s values, rooted in his upbringing with parents who operated a bistro in Alsace. In his autobiography “My Life and Lessons in Red and White”, he described his childhood as an education in resilience, passion, and hard work. According to Lehmann, Wenger’s management style, combined with his skills during a time when Arsenal built a new stadium without debt, positions him as the “most economically successful manager” of recent years.
Wenger’s gentlemanly approach also hides a lesser-known trait—his competitive aggression. Lehmann recounts a match against arch-rivals Manchester United, where Wenger encountered a disruptive fan outside their hotel. On this occasion, the usually composed manager lost his cool, leading to intervention from supporters to defuse the situation. Lehmann believes that a certain level of aggression is essential for success.
Global Football Ambassador
During his final years at Arsenal, Wenger’s qualities weren’t fully showcased as a new generation of players adapted to different leadership styles. As the club faced challenges, Wenger ultimately stepped down. He has since found new purpose in his life, emphasizing that football has always been his passion.
Currently, as a director at FIFA, Wenger is dedicated to promoting football worldwide, traveling extensively. If you wish to see him in England, a visit to Arsenal FC’s stadium is required, where a statue commemorating his contributions stands proudly at the entrance.