Monsieur's lucky 13

Skysports.com's James Dall reflects on Arsene Wenger's impact on football since arriving at Arsenal 13 years ago

Last updated: 1st October 2009  

Monsieur's lucky 13

Wenger: 13 years and counting

Also see

Happy 13th anniversary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

On Thursday 1st October 2009 the French coach celebrates 13 years since officially taking over the Gunners; this makes him the club's longest-serving boss, surpassing the 4,748-day record set by George Allison over 60 years ago.

After Bruce Rioch was sacked in 1996, Arsenal were seeking a new man to take the reins. They turned their attention towards the then-manager of Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight, a move instigated by former vice-chairman David Dein. The gentleman in question had made a name for himself at Monaco before heading to the Far East.

In Autumn 1996, Wenger, wearing glasses made from the bottom of milk bottles and looking like a gawky version of the Demon Headmaster, addressed the media as the first Frenchman to manage in England and Arsenal's first overseas boss. This was a peculiar yet intriguing appointment to many.

Peter Hill-Wood, the Arsenal chairman, said at the time: "This signals a new era for us. I believe Arsene Wenger is going to be a great success and drag football in this country into the 20th century. There is no doubt in my mind we are blinkered and backward as a sporting nation."

Despite his unfamiliarity, Wenger came to these rainy shores with a growing reputation. Having worked with Glenn Hoddle, George Weah, Jurgen Klinsmann and Youri Djorkaeff, Wenger, who holds a Masters' Degree in Economics from Strasbourg University, already boasted a pedigree for guiding footballing talent.

Diet

He did indeed win his first game in charge - a 2-0 triumph at Blackburn Rovers - and from then on Wenger's fascination with eking the best out of his players became an apparent obsession. The well-read Frenchman had a beady eye for detail, and he brought a fresh approach to the drinking culture of yesteryear.

He addressed diet - no more cramming one's mouth until you sweated Lunchables. Physical conditioning was also improved and this helped Wenger build a side of athletes, as well as assist in prolonging the careers of the older heads, with Tony Adams and co. benefiting greatly. With this approach in place, little did Arsenal fans know but success was just around the corner.

In his first full season at the helm, Wenger guided his charges, who included shrewd signings Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka, to the 1997/98 title Premier League title before lifting the FA Cup. In 2002, it was Double Double delight for the Gunners, memorable for Sylvain Wiltord's title-winning goal at Old Trafford and two beauties scored in Cardiff.

Another FA Cup trophy followed in 2003, before the famous 2003/04 campaign: the season of supermen. 'The Invincibles' went a staggering 49 games unbeaten, along the way claiming league glory. Looking back at the feat today, Wenger reflects: "The highest point was to play a whole season unbeaten. No matter how much money anybody else has invested, nobody else has done that."

Wenger continued his love-in with the FA Cup in 2005, defeating Manchester United in an unconvincing manner on penalties. The following year Arsenal waved an emotional farewell to Highbury as part of the moving forward of the club. They then featured in the UEFA Champions League final, but this adventure ended in agony as they were undone with 13 minutes remaining. Still today, that European prize has evaded Wenger.

Modern

As well as adding to the trophy cabinet, Wenger assisted in moving its location when in 2006 the club headed to Emirates Stadium, a state-of-the-art ground he helped design that would boost income long-term. Training facilities were also vastly improved. Wenger had led the club into the modern day.

When reflecting on the aforementioned trophies, it is easy to overlook the players that Wenger nurtured during those years. He arguably helped develop one of the best players in the world by taking a gamble on ex-Juventus winger Thierry Henry, while Cesc Fabregas' rise under the Gunners coach has been dramatic and Wenger's belief in youth and the future is demonstrated in the Spaniard wearing the captain's armband at 22 years of age.

This is a written piece for celebration, but it is undeniable that Wenger has endured tough times. He has had his flashes of rage (just ask Alan Pardew) while his war of words with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho made for fascinating watching and reading.

Furthermore, the last four years without silverware have threatened to mar his reputation. He could have jumped ship to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. But Wenger has stood by his project - quite a different project to the one spoken about at Manchester City.

Admittedly, Wenger's a stubborn man, and has infuriated spectators with the infamous 'I did not see it' catchphrase. But not to admit to his outstanding effect on the game is birdbrained. Should you not enjoy Wenger's persona, then at least consider that he strives for 90 minutes of beautiful entertainment for us onlookers.

Wenger's current deal expires in June 2011. Bidding au revoir would be difficult.

Click Here for Your Free Bet

Comments (21)

  • Page 1 of 2
  • 1
  • 2

Jan-erik Jakobsen (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Although I'm a Spurs supporter and Arsenal are our firm enemies, I have great respect for Wenger and what he has made Arsenal into. No one can deny they are a great side to watch and although his after-match comments can be provoking, credit must be given to the man and his team. I agree with nurturing young talent and keeping books balanced. I'm happy to say that Spurs is also a "business minded" club, especially since Levy took over. We buy, but we also sell, and we have the money for a new training complex and stadium - which will be great for developing future generations of Spurs players. Admittedly Wenger's team has a lot of foreigners, but I think taking a chance on young players is right, and hopefully Spurs is well positioned to follow this policy too. Look forward to the next North London derby - they are at least usually entertaining since both teams got rid of George Graham and now play football!

Posted 09:04 2nd October 2009

Jamie Bates (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

13 years is long enough...i'm personally tired of seeing the same old face week in week out time for change!!!

Posted 23:11 1st October 2009

Arfhan Arshed (Arsenal fan) says...

In Wenger we trust....what a genius this guy is, absolutely marvellous!! Mr Wenger has totally transformed the Premiership into the best league in the world with his dedication and love for football. We have had 13 years of exciting football and heres to another 13 years with this God at the helm....Long live Arsene Wenger!!

Posted 23:04 1st October 2009

Dean Croucher (Arsenal fan) says...

They say nobody is irreplaceable...I disagree there isn't anyone who could replace Arsene. What he has achieved on and off the pitch is incredible, he has made the whole club what it is today from bottom to top. In an age where club's futures are put on the line with huge debt or the whims of mega rich sugardaddys he has the club on a sound footing, fantastic stadium and training facilities and a bright short and long term future. People start to question his faith in developing youth but I pray for the sake of football as a whole Arsenal do succeed in lifting a trophy soon to reward such a fantastic man as Arsene and the club itself who have had the faith in him over 13 years. It would be so uplifting to win a title the way he is trying to as opposed to the big money route. As i'm sure he does himself, I look forward to what lies ahead probably more than looking back on all he has achieved because I believe the future for Arsenal could be even better than what has gone before! Thank you Arsene and long may you continue.

Posted 22:08 1st October 2009

Onze H (Arsenal fan) says...

Is it really 13 years since this 'professeur' of football arrived on our shores to take the helm of one of England's most famous clubs? The foresight of the Arsenal Board in employing him has only been matched with the foresight and embracing vision of Mon.Wenger. To say that he has been a revolutionary would seem to be inadequate in respect of the countless changes that he has made in everything appertaining to The Arsenal. The great Herbert Chapman personally oversaw Arsenal as a close family club; a tradition that not only survives today but thrives under the care and compassion of Arsene Wenger. May his guidance and expertise guide the way well into the next decade. ARSENE WENGER I SALUTE A TRUE GENTLE-MAN. Onze

Posted 18:54 1st October 2009

David Gillespie (Manchester United fan) says...

13 years... fair play, hes good alright but peerless??? Nah! Theres only one man peerless in football.... Sir. Alex Ferguson.

Posted 17:01 1st October 2009

John Ola (Arsenal fan) says...

I used to be a Chelsea fan in those days because I had followed and loved Glen Hoddle's career until Gullit took over and got the sack through politics, I wasn't happy at his treatment and I stopped being CFC fan. Then Wenger arrived, as a neutral, I went to read up on him before his first game and immediately liked the man and tipped him for great things (how I wished I took a bet on his success) because many critics panned and wrote him off. The rest, as they say, is history. Thanks Wenger for helping me to decide for Arsenal - Yes, you may have just three trophies to your testimony, but please add a debt-free club to it as well. I am sure the only way is up now, there will be more trophies very soon. However, I still feel, you need a new Viera (Song & Denilson are trying, but they are too attack minded, especially Denilson). Beisdes, we are fine, really fine. Well done and I wish you many more years at Arsenal.

Posted 16:49 1st October 2009

Ronan Maher says...

Congrats Arsenal on hanging onto a great coach. But to all those that question his developing team, who would you have replace him and who would you have the new coach buy? My view is that any new coach would be hard put to find an addition in the current overpriced market. Arsenal could be set for a good 5-10 years in about 3 years time (when SAF retires) with the squad they have.

Posted 16:45 1st October 2009

Stanley Cox says...

Arise Monsieur Wenger!

Posted 16:08 1st October 2009

Davis Sado says...

Surerly, Arsene is a genius of a coach. His philosophy of the game is inspiring, and can be applied to other aspects of life and managent life. Believe in what you have, invest wisely, nurture the available resources and results will come. Proud to be associated with the taem and the coach.

Posted 15:00 1st October 2009

Sam Boulton (Arsenal fan) says...

Its hard to even contemplate the effect Arsene Wenger has had on English football and Arsenal. There were foreign managers before him, and there have been many since but not a single one has had the effect on the English game or even their own club that Wenger has had on Arsenal. Fitness, training methods, youth development, style of play; the Premiership has developed into one of the biggest in the world and Wenger has had an ample part to play in that. And thats without mentioning the 3 league titles, four FA Cups, two European finals, including a 49-game unbeaten run and a whole season unbeaten. What a legend.

Posted 14:53 1st October 2009

Appolo Goma (Arsenal fan) says...

Football is first all about entertainment and can only survive as a business if cubs live within their means. Wenger have built a legacy of entertaintment and sustainable wealth generation for Arsenal and the club is positioned for greatness. We must respect a man that has sacrificed short term glory for sustainable results in the long time. Who cares if we have not won a trophy for 4 years, the horizon looks bright and even if we dont win a trophy this year , I see us winning many trophys in future while keeping our books balanced. Long live Wenger: Long live the gunners( The most exciting team in the world)

Posted 14:44 1st October 2009

David Morton says...

Arsene is indeed a legend at Arsenal, he has brought alot to the club changed they way we play and took us into the 21st Centuary. The question is how long will he be here for? 4 years is along time without trophies, and people are getting a little tired of hearing next year next year, these youths will become good. The problem is he has had money to spend but has stubbornly not done so and slowly people have left and are squad is looking a little weak compared to top4 and top Europe sides. I love Wenger personally, but I cant help feel frustrated of the lack of investment in the team at the moment with certain positions that have GLARING weeknesses, IE DM, CB and GK. Fans are slowly starting to voice this and will he be able to take it and if we have another trophyless season he is going to have to explain to the board and the fans why he chose not to invest. Its all well having these young players, but whats the point of bringing them through when they will get disillusioned and want to leave, it just a matter of when, when Cesc leaves for Barca, and who can blame him....

Posted 14:28 1st October 2009

Darren Jennings (arsenal) says...

For football's sake I wish there were more men like Arsene in football, who genuinely appear to love and care about their clubs and football in general. Yes, he has his failings and only time will tell if his philosophy wins through. However, rewind 13 years and ask Arsenal fans if they would accept: 3 League Titles, 5 x Runners Up 4 FA Cups, 1 x Runner Up Never mind never being out of the top four in the country, and playing some of the best football this planet has ever seen. At the time we were crying out for stability let alone all of the above. What an absolute legend this man is.

Posted 14:25 1st October 2009

Russ Bannister (Arsenal fan) says...

He is a living Legend. He brought the club and the rest of the premiership to the next level with his new techniques and approaches and was a huge influence in making it the best league in the world. I doth my hat to you Arsene. You have turned Arsenal into the most attractive football playing club the world has ever seen. 49 not out. It will never happen again to any top flight club. You really are the professor of the game and I hope you never leave.

Posted 13:46 1st October 2009

James Leblanc (Arsenal fan) says...

Congratulations Mr Wenger !! You are a legend !! The media savaging he gets about him saying ' he didn't see it ' is pathetic as he rightly wont criticise his players publicly. In contrast of course the media allow all the blatant dishonesty of the likes of Ferguson, Hughes, Benitez , Redknapp, Allardyce to pass by without criticism & yet Ferguson apart, the rest are not fit enough to lace his boots.

Posted 13:03 1st October 2009

Donal Coman says...

excellent piece james. it's hard to explain the influence arsene has had on the premiership, whatever people write about foreign coaches they cannot dispute the improvement in quality of play and fitness in players today. the benchmark for this improvement was wenger's arrival, his football style,his commitment to youth and professionalism is second to none. he opened the door for more to follow which has made english football great and diverse. long may he continue in his position because as an arsenal fan i don't think he can be replaced. thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for years to come.

Posted 13:03 1st October 2009

Francis White says...

phenomenal arsene! his approach to management is lengedary. he is arguably peerless. 13 magic years of pure entertainent football. in arsene we trust.

Posted 12:56 1st October 2009

Patrick Cannon (Arsenal fan) says...

I literally love this man. I cant imagine arsenal without him, but i think he'll be around for many years to come yet.

Posted 12:49 1st October 2009

Johnny Lopez (Chelsea fan) says...

Great manager who has made a huge impact. Just goes to show that stability is important to sustain a consistent chance to win trophies. These days success is expected instantly but look at the achievements, improvements, methodology and legacy Wenger has instilled at Arsenal. Remember, when he arrived, Arsenal were regarded as 'boring', 'lucky' and reliant on an offside trap-obsessed back four. Then look at the players he made out of Henry, Pires, Petit, Hleb.

Posted 12:35 1st October 2009
  • Page 1 of 2
  • 1
  • 2

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private