Wenger leaning towards managerial role over director's position
Tuesday 8 May 2018 22:52, UK
Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to continue his managerial career and says he has received more offers than he expected.
Wenger steps down this summer after a 22-year spell in charge of Arsenal, during which time the Frenchman has won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's trip to Leicester in his penultimate pre-match news conference as Arsenal boss, Wenger was asked if he had been contacted about managerial opportunities for next season.
"Yes! More than I expected," said Wenger, who put his decision down to whether or not he wants to continue in day-to-day management.
"At the moment I am focusing on doing my job well. I'm not even analysing or considering anything. I want to work well here until the last day of my contract and then I will rest a little bit and think about where i will go from there.
"But for sure I will be active. My brain demands work and is active. I have huge experience in management. Overall, I will work. What will I do? I don't know yet."
Pressed on whether he has received managerial offers from other English sides, Wenger said: "I don't want to go any further on that into detail at the moment. It is difficult for me [to think about managing another English team] I don't envisage that at the moment."
Wenger arrived at Arsenal as a relative unknown on these shores when he succeeded Bruce Rioch during the early stages of the 1996/97 season.
The former Monaco boss paid tribute to former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein for giving him the opportunity to launch his managerial career in England.
"I would like to finish one of my last press conferences to thank David Dein who brought me here," Wenger said.
"He had a special vision for the future and for the Premier League. He gave a foreign manager a chance when no-one knew me.
"He was always someone who consistently supported me in my 22 years, so I think he deserves special thanks from myself because he is a special man."
Sky sources understand Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri and former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique are the frontrunners to replace Wenger.
The 68-year-old has called on the club to appoint his successor sooner rather than later.
"The earlier the better, people want hope and need to prepare for next season," he said.
On the prospect of Allegri or Enrique replacing him, Wenger said: "These guys are very competent and are good names. I will be like every Arsenal fan. I will wait until they make the decision and then after support the guy to do well.
"I don't want to come out publicly on that [who I think should be the next manager]. It's better I stay neutral but if the club wants my advice, I will give it them but it's better I don't talk publicly about it."
