Pep Guardiola model fine for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger says
Friday 8 January 2016 21:11, UK
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will not necessarily go for another long-term manager when his time at the club ends.
Wenger is in his 20th year as Arsenal boss and has been with the club almost five times as long as the Premier League's next longest-serving boss, Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, who was 18 when the Frenchman arrived in England.
Wenger has helped build a club as much as several teams during that time, ensuring consistent Champions League qualification while the Emirates Stadium debt was paid, even if an initial glut of trophies gave way to a nine-year barren spell.
But there is no right or wrong way to approach the job, according to the Gunners boss, who sees no reason why the 'Pep Guardiola model' of managing in three-year blocks could not work at Arsenal.
"Anything is suitable," he said. "Every manager has his own way to run and model his career. There's not only one way as long as they give their best to the club where they are.
"What I think is most important is that anybody who works for a football club gives full commitment. How long does it last? Nobody knows. I didn't plan to stay here for 20 years."
Guardiola is leaving Bayern Munich next summer and wants a Premier League job, and Sky Sports' Paul Merson believes Arsenal are a perfect fit.
But Wenger, questioned at his weekly press conference, would not be drawn on the possibility he might stand down for the Catalan.
"I'm very pleased that you care about our club and my succession but it's not my job to talk about that and not your job to make this decision," he said.
"I can only make sure of one thing, that the guy who comes after me finds the club in a very strong position with very good players in a very good, strong financial situation. I hope I can convince you that I can do that."
