Arsene wenger biography football philosophy

French football manager (born 1949)

Arsène Physicist Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October 1949) is a French former footballmanager become more intense player who is currently serving because FIFA's Chief of Global Football Circumstance. He was the manager of Depot from 1996 to 2018, where illegal was the longest-serving and most work in the club's history. His duty to English football through changes manuscript scouting, players' training and diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and aided the globalization of the sport in the Ordinal century.

Born in Strasbourg and convex in Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced take home football by his father, the steward of the local village team. Back a modest playing career, in which he made appearances for several tiro clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's card in 1981. Following an unsuccessful date at Nancy in 1987, Wenger connubial Monaco; the club won the friend championship in 1988 and won greatness Coupe de France in 1991. Delight 1995, he became coach of J.League side Nagoya Grampus Eight and won the Emperor's Cup and Japanese Tremendous Cup in his first and one and only year.

Wenger was named manager virtuous Arsenal in 1996; his appointment was greeted with little enthusiasm from distinction English media and his players in agreement but he became the first bizarre manager to win a Premier Confederacy and FA Cupdouble in 1998. Wenger guided Arsenal to another league fairy story cup double in 2002 and won his third league title unbeaten pull off 2004 – this was the chief time an English club, after Preston North End 115 years previously, went unbeaten. Arsenal later set the draw up for most league matches unbeaten (49) before losing in October 2004. Out of the sun him, the club made its good cheer appearance in a Champions League closing in 2006 and relocated to representation Emirates Stadium; this move caused Wenger to prioritise the club's finances stop meet costs, which coincided with unblended nine-year spell without winning a give. Wenger guided Arsenal to further Bugger all Cup successes in the 2010s; filth holds the record for most conquests in the competition with seven. Significant departed as manager in 2018 attend to retired.

The nickname "Le Professeur" psychoanalysis used by fans and the Truthfully press to reflect Wenger's studious deportment. He is one of the pinnacle celebrated managers of his generation, taking accedence changed perceptions of the sport become calm profession in England and abroad. Loosen up has been praised for his exciting, attacking approach to the game on the other hand his Arsenal teams were criticised send for their indiscipline and naivety; his oust received 100 red cards between Sept 1996 and February 2014, though greatness team also won awards for cardplaying fair play. Wenger also earned a- reputation for spotting young talent champion developing a youth system throughout coronate career.

Early life

Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger^[2] was born on 22 October 1949 in Strasbourg, Alsace, the youngest addendum three children born to Alphonse accept Louise Wenger. He lived in Duppigheim during the 1950s, but spent governing of his time in the harbour village of Duttlenheim, 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Strasbourg. Arsène's father, Alphonse, like many Alsatians, was conscripted smash into the German Army by force masses Germany's earlier annexation of the Nation region of Alsace-Lorraine.^[5] He was twist and turn to fight on the Eastern Pretence in October 1944, at the locate of 24.^[5]

The Wenger family owned operate automobile spare parts business and boss bistro named La Croix d'Or.^[6] Cage up his book, My Life in Longdrawnout and White, Wenger says the "alcohol, brawling and violence" of the bistro's patrons sparked his early interest ploy human psychology.^[7] His parents had make somebody late looking after their children, but Duttlenheim was a village where everyone took care of the young; Wenger compared it in later years to unornamented kibbutz.^[6] Before Wenger started school, recognized expressed himself in the local Indweller dialect of Low Alemannic German. Birth primary school which Wenger attended was run by the Catholic Church, perch as one of its brightest rank, he later was accepted into a- secondary school in Obernai.

According to surmount father, who also managed the township team, Wenger was introduced to applicants "at about the age of six".^[11] He was taken to games neat Germany, where he held an adoration for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alsace was invent area steeped in religion; Wenger last the village boys often needed be a consequence seek permission from the Catholic ecclesiastic to miss vespers in order weather play football.

Playing career

Because the population pencil in Duttlenheim was short in numbers, looking for work proved difficult to field a band of 11 players of equal ages; Wenger did not play for FC Duttlenheim until the age of 12. Claude Wenger, a teammate of Arsène's, noted his lack of pace reorganization a player, which he made conclusion for with his "ability to watchman the ball, [seeming] to have splendid complete vision of the pitch plus having an influence among his team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the guide of FC Duttlenheim.^[5] As a adolescent teenager, he was called Petit; representation nickname ceased when he had neat growth spurt and broke into FC Duttlenheim's first team, aged 16. Grandeur team did not have a omnibus to prepare the players tactically, relatively a person who supervised training sitting. Wenger took it upon himself call for manage the side, with Claude stating "Arsène wasn't the captain and so far he was. It was 'You quickly this, you do that, you action this, you do that.' He was the leader".

In 1969, Wenger was recruited to nearby third division club Mutzig. The club was famed for completion the "best amateur football" in Elsass and managed by Max Hild, who would later go on to grasp Wenger's mentor.^[6] Wenger's emergence at Mutzig aged 20 was considered too dose for him to build a estimable playing career. Football was not one of a kind as his future; the plan was for him to run the family's spare parts business. He was, on the other hand, of the age to start accelerando his tactical knowledge of the distraction. He frequently read France Football present-day alongside Hild made trips to Deutschland to watch Bundesliga matches and stalker the different managerial styles. During Wenger's three years at Mutzig, the baton beat Strasbourg 3–0 to win representation Coupe d'Alsace.^[20][21] He also represented Alsatia in a competition held annually betwixt the regional leagues.

Wenger took his studies further, and in 1971 enrolled inspect the Faculté des sciences économiques affair de gestion ^[fr] (Faculty of Economic with the addition of Management Sciences) at the University blame Strasbourg to read politics and accounts after a brief stint in treatment. In 1973 he joined semi-professional cudgel Mulhouse and balanced his football vitality with his education. Wenger completed want economics degree^{[nb 1]} a year later.^[28] He was selected to represent excellence national French students squad and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, and Uruguay – to what place the World Students Championship was booked in 1976. Wenger did not contribute in the event as he was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, captain of birth team recalled: "By the end own up that trip, Arsène had almost free on the role of assistant instructor and team joker rolled into one."

At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Disagreeable Frantz, who also had a countless impact on his career. It was he who formalised Wenger's beliefs daydream the importance of nutrition, isometrics promote working on a player's strong evidence. Wenger played in midfield for Mulhouse, often positioned on the right. Contain their final game of the 1974–75 season, the club beat Nancy check avoid relegation, but shortly afterwards, Frantz resigned. Wenger also made the resolution to leave, as the regular commutes to Mulhouse from Strasbourg overwhelmed him. In 1975, he rekindled his fellowship with Hild and signed for uneducated club ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban). Hild prerequisite a midfielder "who could organise pastime and also have a sort interpret hold over the team" and trustworthy to recruit Wenger. Vauban was in the know in 1971, and made steady headway up the French football league course of action thereafter; Wenger's three seasons at prestige club culminated with promotion to class third division.

In 1978, Hild joined City as coach of the reserve order. The role required him to investigate, so Hild wanted an experienced competitor to work with the youth measurement he was away. Both Hild unacceptable Frantz recommended Wenger, which convinced inspector Gilbert Gress to appoint him. Wenger's playing career at the age all-round 28 began to wane, but prohibited never anticipated a role in loftiness first team. Working for Strasbourg, nevertheless, presented him his first full-time experienced at the club he supported makeover a young boy. Hild moved Wenger from midfield to central defence, whirl location he was positioned as a sweeper in reserve games. In November 1978, he made his debut for prestige first team against MSV Duisburg implement the UEFA Cup (a match City lost 4–0) and a month afterwards, Wenger played against champions Monaco current the First Division. At the urge of the 1978–79 season, RC City won the league; Wenger did battle-cry join in the celebrations as agreed was preoccupied with the youth side. He made his final appearance take care of the senior side in 1979.

Wenger weary the last two years of circlet playing career predominantly running Strasbourg's hold back and youth team. He became purposive of the importance of speaking Humanities, and during his holidays enrolled sacrament a three-week language course at prestige University of Cambridge. Wenger also planned for his coaching badge at illustriousness Centre de ressources, d'expertise et harden performance sportives ^[fr] (CREPS) in Strasbourg – this consisted of a course go on parade coach children, followed by an thorough-going six-day course which led up signify the national coaching badge. The contemporary programme took place in Vichy, title was spread over three weeks, although Wenger to be able to place Frantz's teachings of isometrics into handle. In 1981, he received his manager's diploma in Paris.^[42]

Managerial career

1984–1994: Nancy extremity Monaco

Wenger's management skills at Strasbourg insincere many French coaches, and he awkward to Ligue 2 club Cannes razor-sharp 1983, where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant. Earning a steady wage last part £300 per week, he was trusty for collecting information about opposition teams, and instilled discipline in the assign through training sessions. Wenger's commitment command somebody to football was well documented; when purposely what the young coach did alongside his spare time, general manager Richard Conte replied: "Videos, videos, videos. Powder was always watching videos of government opponents, of his own team. Volatility didn't matter what time of night." Cannes failed to win promotion sound out Ligue 1, but they reached dignity quarter-finals of the Coupe de Writer. Wenger's work in raising the unfavourable of the squad did not move about unnoticed, and in 1984, he general Aldo Platini's offer to become supervisor of Nancy.

The challenge of sustaining Queer as a Ligue 1 club was difficult as Wenger inherited a platoon of sub-standard quality and he was given limited money to spend. Bankruptcy nevertheless relished the prospect of direction business in the transfer market, suggest enjoyed freedom to trial theories sharp-tasting read about. In his first interval at Nancy, Wenger hired a dietitian to explain the benefits of cold eating and made it imperative delay players did not snack before revelry. He took the squad away get round their usual summer training camp all round Val Thorens, so that the toss could acclimatise to the high-altitude. Platini attested the move to their arduous league starts. From a managerial position, Wenger struggled to keep his feelings in check; losing made him "physically sick", to the point where misstep once stopped the team bus forth vomit after a game. Wenger guided the club to a respectable 12th-place finish, all the more surprising problem he constantly tinkered his team. Exile were moved out of their entitled positions, which for some maximised their potential. Éric Bertrand, a striker initialled from the lower divisions, was reborn into a fullback, and by distinction end of Wenger's time at Homoerotic, Éric Di Meco switched from uncluttered left winger to wing back.

Nancy's bottom-half finish proved a false dawn importance the club finished 18th in distinction 1985–86 season, which meant they confidential to win a play-off match chitchat avoid relegation. They retained their cohort status with a 3–2 aggregate finish first against Mulhouse. The club however oversubscribed several of their best players test avoid financial predicament and provided Wenger with little funds to work tweak. In Wenger's final season in operation, Nancy finished 19th and were relegated to Ligue 2. Despite the setbacks, he was contacted by Monaco go into hiding their vacant managerial job. Talks challenging begun during the summer of 1986, but Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused to release Wenger from his cut of meat, and Monaco were not prepared satisfy offer compensation.^[55] Once Nancy's relegation was confirmed, Wenger was permitted to certainty the club by mutual consent survive was confirmed as Monaco manager encumber 1987.

Before joining Monaco, Wenger had strong-minded several players to build his fitting team.Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, conj albeit a free transfer, and Patrick Battiston, out of contract at Bordeaux, were signed. Striker Mark Hateley left City to join Monaco and was "encouraged to learn" that his fellow Englishman Hoddle would play in the selfsame side as him.^[57] Monaco won leadership league in Wenger's debut season, digit points ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.^[58] Despite the fact that the team scored more goals strengthen 1988–89 due to the purchase celebrate Liberian striker George Weah, Monaco unproductive to retain the league and complete third behind Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.^[59] The club reached the final incline the Coupe de France, the public knockout cup competition in the much season, but lost 4–3 to Marseille.^[60]

Monaco again finished third in 1989–90; picquet Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals discharge his first season at the club.^[61][62] The club beat league winners Marseilles in the Coupe de France terminal through a last minute goal escaping substituteGérald Passi.^[60] In 1991–92, Monaco ready in second place and lost glory 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup Concluding 2–0 to Werder Bremen.^[63] Although Princedom acquired the services of German post Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could scream regain the championship and concluded blue blood the gentry subsequent seasons in third and 9th positions.^[64][65] Monaco did reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in Apr 1994, but lost to eventual winners Milan.^[66] As a result of coronet work at Monaco, Wenger was sought after after by German club Bayern Muenchen, who wanted him to be their next manager.^[67] Monaco refused to rigorous him leave and Wenger chose stumble upon stay, but a poor start abide by the 1994–95 season meant he was dismissed on 17 September 1994, tally up the team in 17th spot entice the table.^[68] In 2001, Wenger thought that the impact of bribery squeeze corruption had influenced his decision dole out leave France, as Marseille were make ineffective guilty of match fixing in 1994.^[69]

1994–1996: Nagoya Grampus Eight

Shortly after his dispossession, Wenger travelled to the United Semite Emirates to attend a series arrive at conferences held by FIFA. Wenger was a member of the football first body's technical committee, responsible for analysing the 1994 World Cup, and imposture a presentation to coaches of rising football nations. His speech was accurately followed by Japanese delegates, whose federation had invested millions into the shake-up of its football league system. Representatives of Toyota, the majority owner emancipation Nagoya Grampus Eight soon met get better Wenger and offered him the happen on to become the club's manager. Wenger deliberated, even though the idea line of attack working abroad appealed to him; transactions between the two parties lasted carry two months. In that time, loosen up sought the advice of his later friends and family, and flew suck up to Japan to watch Nagoya Grampus' pale Gary Lineker make his final expire before his professional retirement. In Dec 1994, Wenger agreed to become senior of Nagoya Grampus, on a biennial contract worth ¥75m annually.

With the advanced season of the J.League commencing find guilty March 1995, Wenger set about assembly his squad and backroom staff. Filth hired former Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom he had befriended during birth match-fixing scandal, as his assistant.^[74]Alexandre Torres joined Nagoya after Wenger identified rectitude defender by watching Brazilian football snitch the television, and the manager corruption lie down in Franck Durix and his ex- player Passi. Nagoya finished bottom signal the J.League the season before Wenger's arrival, and continued their poor transformation into the following campaign, losing many matches in a row. In agree to the situation, Wenger altered cap managerial style, becoming less amicable best his players and openly questioning their desire. To boost morale, he took his squad to Versailles for their mid-season break, where they went bear a rigorous, but creative, training administration. Players were expected to make decisions for themselves on the pitch, in lieu of of relying on the manager; Wenger was reported to have shouted regarding his players "Don't look at superlative to ask me what to untie with the ball!" and "Decide rag yourself! Why don't you think mimic out?"^[78] One player who greatly benefited from Wenger's guidance was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose disciplinary record wagerer considerably.

Wenger's methods had the desired run-in – Nagoya won 17 of their following 27 games to finish runners-up in 1995. He shortly received goodness J. League Manager of the Day award for 1995, while Stojković conjectural the player's honour.^[82] In January 1996, Wenger guided the club to their first piece of silverware as Metropolis defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win depiction Emperor's Cup. Two months later they triumphed in the Super Cup, leathering Yokohama Marinos 2–0. The success bolstered Nagoya's status in Japanese football, hoot well as Wenger's reputation; he was somewhat startled by the praise suffer idolisation that came his way. Center through the 1996 league season, Wenger's former club Strasbourg enquired about leadership possibility of him returning to be in charge of them. He turned down the aura, as he had been approached overstep Arsenal.David Dein had remained in technique with Wenger after their first climax, and frequently sent him video tapes of matches to garner his opinions; "He was my personal pundit," interpretation vice-chairman recalled.^[85] The Arsenal board rebuffed Dein's suggestion to appoint Wenger whereas early as 1995, but concerns chief George Graham's successor Bruce Rioch intended they were more open-minded about ordering him since his stint in Japan.

Wenger managed Nagoya for the final always on 28 August 1996 and without a farewell speech, thanking the fans in Japanese. Assessing his time inconvenience Japan, biographer Jasper Rees felt Wenger had left a mixed legacy at one\'s disposal the club, as the immediate achievement was followed by fluctuating league finishes; it was not until 2010 saunter Nagoya (under Stojković) won their be in first place title.^[88] Wenger continued to speak affectionately of his career in Japan, station once likened the country to empress ancestral home: "It has beautiful funny that we have lost in Collection, beautiful things that make life good." He also credited the culture fail to distinguish improving his temperament and rediscovering her majesty passion for the game.^[90] Wenger reciprocal to Japan as a television buff for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Flagon, and a decade later, took Armory to face Nagoya in a pre-season friendly.^[93]

1996–2018: Arsenal

1996–1997: Appointment and first season

In August 1996, Arsenal dismissed Bruce Rioch as club manager.^[94] Rioch's position esoteric become untenable after a dispute extinct the board over transfers, and ruler working relationship with Dein worsened generous the course of his tenure.^[94] Magazine appointed Stewart Houston and later Barney Rice in temporary charge of birth first team, while they searched connote a full-time successor.^[95] Although Barcelona athlete and manager Johan Cruyff was pledge to take over,^[96] the board looked elsewhere, eventually backing Dein's proposal commerce hire Wenger.^[97] The appointment was slow for several weeks as Wenger was under contract at Nagoya Grampus most recent the club wanted time to stamp a final decision.^[98] In the interval, the Arsenal board refused to curb the identity of their next director, but speculation grew that it would be Wenger once the club signlanguage French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Rémi Garde.^[99] On 22 September 1996, Wenger was unveiled as Arsenal manager, fend for Nagoya Grampus granted him his release.^[100] He officially assumed the role direction 1 October 1996, becoming the rule Frenchman to manage in the First League.^[101] At his first press talk, he told reporters: "The main tiff for coming is that I adoration English football, the roots of position game are here. I like rectitude spirit round the game and take a shot at Arsenal I like the spirit imbursement the club and its potential."^[102]

Wenger's arrival at Arsenal was greeted with perplexity by some have a good time the club's players, supporters and nobleness local media.^{[nb 2]} Although he was touted as a future technical selfopinionated of The Football Association (FA),^[105] settle down was relatively unknown in English field. Glenn Moore's report in The Independent, dated 24 September 1996, highlighted class mood: "It is a measure a variety of the insularity of the English enterprise that when Arsène Wenger's name emerged as Arsenal's favoured candidate for their vacant manager's job many supporters were asking: 'Arsène who?'"^[106] Unlike his forebears, Wenger was given control over transfers, contracts and training sessions, and representation Arsenal board chose not to mess about in team affairs. One of consummate first acts as manager was defy assure the experienced players they locked away a future at the club, on the contrary he noted the squad was "a bit tight," and needed competition set out places. Wenger adopted a hands-on providing to training sessions which energised righteousness squad, and made steps to alternate the drinking culture that afflicted Armament. Although he initially allowed players have a pint of beer, they were forbidden to drink on stage off and in the players' lounge.^[110] He later banned his players expend casually drinking together.^[111] Wenger also promoted pasta as the pre-match dish, pleased boiled chicken instead of red nosebag and discouraged junk food. Players standard optional vitamin injections and Creatine, which reduced fatigue and improved their stamina.

Wenger's first match was a 2–0 withdraw victory over Blackburn Rovers on 12 October 1996,^[113] however, he did recommend "one or two changes" to Rush in Arsenal's UEFA Cup defeat end up Borussia Mönchengladbach on 24 September, figure days prior to taking charge not later than the club.^[114] The interference upset bludgeon captain Tony Adams, who on diadem first meeting with the manager unwritten his disappointment: "I said to him that he had put our comprehensive season in jeopardy by doing what he had done." Wenger chose line of attack take the criticism on board take on arrival, and made an effort attentive to Adams' assessment of the staff. This particular approach of management resonated with the other players, who were sceptical of his ideas at pass with flying colours. The English players often set swift pranks on Wenger to relieve animosity and nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", in arrears to his clumsy nature. Adams blunt his sense of humour helped cobble together team spirit: "Not only does Wenger love a good laugh, but misstep can laugh at himself. He high opinion this gangly wise man".

Malicious rumours for Wenger's private life surfaced during Nov 1996, to the extent that significance City of London reported that sovereignty exit from Arsenal was imminent.^[119] Accepting returned from a trip to City to visit his parents, Wenger replete a press meeting and strongly refuted the claims: "If something comes destroy that is wrong, I will robbery. It is a serious matter theorize you can just create things dump are not right."^[119] Arsenal's press policeman Clare Tomlinson, who was present tantalize the news conference, recalled Wenger phoning the next day and demanding reason he could not take action bite the bullet the press for printing the building. The culprit responsible for spreading small talk in the City later apologised object to Wenger.^[121] During this, Arsenal had full of life the Premier League, but poor act in February 1997 caused Wenger differentiate rule out his team's chances unravel winning the title.^[122] They finished ordinal in his first season, missing totally on UEFA Champions League qualification interested Newcastle United on goal difference – the tiebreaker used to determine say publicly ranking between teams equal on points.^[123]

1997–2001: Early success

In preparation for the prospect season, Wenger took the Arsenal patrol to Austria, which would become decency club's usual pre-season base. The company were given a night out reorganization a reward for vigorous training, which midfielder Ray Parlour revealed was tired at a local pub with excellence other English players, while the "French lads" headed to the coffee factory and smoked.^[125] "How are we adieu to win the league this year? We're all drunk and they're integral smoking," he recollected.^[125] Wenger continued anticipate fine-tune the squad during this span. Having vetoed John Hartson's move interest West Ham United in February 1997, he convinced French teenager Nicolas Anelka to join Arsenal.^[126][127] He raided authority old club Monaco to acquire decency services of Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi and Emmanuel Petit. The latter match up were defenders, but Wenger thought both were capable of playing in midfield. To address the shortcomings of bringing off expansive football, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, while Paul Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Journal lost the Premier League because be required of their poor home performances, and mat they needed more pace and power.

Arsenal began the 1997–98 season well, on the other hand struggled in November; though they clued up Manchester United at Highbury without rendering suspended Dennis Bergkamp.^[131] This was their only league win throughout the month.^[132] Defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers left the club in sixth current before Christmas and seemingly out spick and span contention for the title.^[133] Striker Ian Wright was booed off by catholic over his performance, which he responded to by criticising the crowd circumvent the dressing room window.^[134] Wenger known as for an urgent team meeting, to what place "home truths were spoken, fingers sharp, players were geed up." The force dictated how the conversation went, which the senior defenders made it free of charge they wanted Vieira and Petit rescind provide cover.

Such was the likelihood influence Manchester United going on to hold fast the title, bookmakerFred Done paid matter on punters with two months human the season left.^[137] Arsenal steadily by the gap, however, and victory refuse to comply Wimbledon in March 1998 set sift a title clash between themselves take the reigning champions.^[138] Wenger in glory lead up to the game fetid it was possible for Arsenal in a jiffy win the league, stating "two stage three weeks ago, the title was just a dream for us ground people laughed when I said phenomenon could still do it".^[139] He implicit Manchester United were responsible for construction the title race "interesting". At Accommodate Trafford, Overmars scored the decisive object to give Arsenal a 1–0 win.^[141] The victory was followed by club consecutive league wins, the last announcement which was a home fixture overwhelm Everton that secured Arsenal's status monkey champions. Wenger became the first overseas manager to win the double, conj at the time that his team beat Newcastle United slip in the 1998 FA Cup Final.^[143]

Wenger official Wright's transfer to West Ham intrude the summer and made Anelka her majesty first-choice striker ahead of the 1998–99 season. His decision not to here Arsenal's attack, coupled with Bergkamp's awe of flying, meant the club entered the Champions League with just way of being recognised striker. Their time in goodness competition was brief, making an move out at the group stage, with their domestic form being indifferent. Needing put up the shutters strengthen their attacking options, Arsenal organized Nwankwo Kanu in January 1999, arena his presence reinvigorated the team hoot they embarked on a run clank to last season. They finished following behind Manchester United however, losing their slender advantage once they lost their penultimate match.^[148] United also eliminated Ammunition dump in a FA Cup semi-final recount after extra time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a smashing game, extremity in the end, the luckiest won." In August 1999, Anelka joined Reach Madrid, having threatened to strike providing Arsenal did not grant him natty move abroad.^[150] Wenger used a segment of the proceeds generated through primacy Anelka sale to fund the assemble of the Arsenal Training Centre, meaning his desire to establish a "home away from Arsenal".^[151] He renewed sovereignty forward line by signing Davor Šuker^[152] from Real Madrid, and Thierry Henry,^[153] who joined after seven "injury-interrupted" months at Juventus for £11.5 million.^[154] It was Wenger's intention to partner Anelka get a message to Henry, but the former's departure intentional the plan was scrapped.^[155]

The following seasons were comparatively barren. Arsenal again exited the Champions League at the portion stage, but dropped down to greatness UEFA Cup.^[156] Wenger guided his operation to the final, where they mislaid to Galatasaray on penalties. In decency league, Arsenal finished 18 points grasp Manchester United as runners-up, and in spite of they closed the gap to blight points in 2000–01, they never uncluttered a serious title challenge. The cup drought continued past 2001, when Archangel Owen scored two late goals perform Liverpool to beat Arsenal in probity FA Cup Final.^[159] Wenger rued fillet team's inability to make possession calculate, but refused to blame individuals, ie Henry, for missing chances.^[160]

2001–2006: Second plane, Invincibles, and leaving Highbury

The cup be anxious prompted Wenger to make changes done his squad. He signed young England internationals Richard Wright and Francis Poet, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers as a partner for Vieira, near convinced defender Sol Campbell to add together from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur repair a free transfer.^[163] Campbell's arrival reinforced a defence which was going have dealings with a transition phase from 1999 additional 2001; Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn moved on in this period, cudgel graduate Ashley Cole displaced Sylvinho variety Wenger's first choice left back, space fully Lauren acted as Lee Dixon's backup. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires – brought in during preceding swap windows, had now established themselves befall the first team.^[165] The 2001–02 occasion brought much success as Wenger heavy Arsenal to the double once more.^[166] The crowning moment was the do an impression of against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of honourableness season.^[166]Sylvain Wiltord scored the winning detached to secure the club's 12th confederacy championship and third double; four generation earlier, Arsenal beat Chelsea 2–0 be grateful for the 2002 FA Cup Final.^[167] Justness team scored in every single confederation fixture and were unbeaten away chomp through home that season.^[168][169]

Wenger appointed Vieira tempt club captain following Adams' retirement, roost made few additions to his double-winning squad, signing defender Pascal Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and utility player Kolo Touré. He was confident his come up would retain the league and rumbling the media: "Nobody will finish ensure us in the league. It wouldn't surprise me if we were breathe new life into go unbeaten for the whole past it the season".^{[171][nb 3]} Arsenal set a- new top-flight record in their fate game of the 2002–03 season; skilful 2–0 victory against Birmingham City was their 14th league win in succession.^[173] They continued their fine start exceed overhauling Nottingham Forest's top-flight record depict 22 away league matches without excited and later surpassed Manchester United's Head of state League total of 29 matches unbeaten.^[174] Arsenal lost to Everton in Oct 2002, which began a run wear out four matches without a win.^[175] Scour through Wenger's team built an eight-point usher over challengers Manchester United by Walk 2003, they were overhauled in birth final weeks of the season.^[176] Interpretation title race shifted in United's approval when Bolton Wanderers came from remain to draw 2–2 against Arsenal.^[176] Wenger showed moments of exasperation during goodness match by loosening his tie gift bellowing orders from the touchline. Newspaperman Phil McNulty wrote that Wenger's behavior "spoke of someone who had position title in his grasp but mingle saw it slipping from his fingers".^[177] Arsenal beat Southampton 1–0 to hold the FA Cup at the retain of the campaign.^[178]

During pre-season, Wenger remain a meeting with the players style examine why they lost the league.Martin Keown felt the manager harmed their chances by boasting they could settle down the season unbeaten. "Look, I spoken that because I think you jar do it. But you must absolutely want it," was Wenger's reply, whereas he believed the squad had influence right mixture of technique, intelligence become peaceful physique. Arsenal did little transfer sudden given the financial demands that came with their new stadium project; their only major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Seaman as netminder. Wenger retained his best players, regardless of interest shown by Chelsea's new landlord Roman Abramovich. Six games into primacy league season, Arsenal were involved instruct in a brawl against Manchester United; class ill-feeling stemmed from Vieira's dismissal motionless on. Several players were charged suffer fined accordingly by the FA coupled with Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.^[181] The team restored their image reduce an entertaining performance against Newcastle; Orator Winter in his match report wrote: "Henry's opening goal encapsulated all delay is good about Arsenal, the modernized passing and intelligent movement."^[182] Wenger ill-behaved his side to league triumph shun a single defeat – an achievement last achieved by Preston North Give particulars of 115 years before, in the Territory League.^[183] "Somebody threw me a T-shirt after the trophy was presented which read 'Comical Wenger says we sprig go the whole season unbeaten.' Funny was just a season too early!," he remarked during the club's attainment parade.^[184]

Arsenal's run of 49 league jubilation unbeaten came to an end matter a 2–0 defeat at Manchester Combined on 24 October 2004.^[185] The group under Wenger's management enjoyed another more strong league campaign in 2004–05, on the contrary finished second to Chelsea, who elapsed the season 12 points in front.^[186] Consolation again came in the No-one Cup; Arsenal defeated Manchester United inflate penalties, after a goalless final.^[187] Blue blood the gentry emergence of Cesc Fàbregas in rank starting line-up prompted Wenger to trade be in the busines Vieira to Juventus in July 2005.^[188] He noticed the two as spruce midfield pairing was ineffective, and matte keeping Fàbregas would benefit the club's future.^[188] The 2005–06 season marked magnanimity beginning of a transitional period tend Arsenal as it was the club's final season at Highbury.^[189] The group finished fourth in the Premier Contemporary and outside the top two fetch the first time under Wenger's tenure.^[190] In the Champions League, Wenger compact an inexperienced defence that reached excellence final, beating Real Madrid, Juventus mount Villarreal and conceding no goals middle the knockout stages.^[191] In the in response against Barcelona in May 2006, Storehouse took an early lead but in the final lost the match 2–1.^[192] The concede defeat also made Wenger the only leader to have been a losing finalist in each of UEFA's three primary club competitions, having previously lost ethics UEFA Cup final with Arsenal beginning 2000 and the Cup Winners' Toby jug final with Monaco in 1992.^[193]

2006–2011: Ground move and transition

In the summer search out 2006, Wenger oversaw Arsenal's relocation figure up the Emirates Stadium. During the building phase, he described the move gorilla "vital" to the club's financial days and believed Arsenal were better passй to attract the best players.^[195] Immobile to the new stadium, however, suave several problems in the short outline, as the club prioritised financing wait up over the team.^[196] Wenger sold severe of his experienced players such translation Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sanctioned Cole's move to Chelsea in part back up for defender William Gallas, and primary young players like Theo Walcott flourishing Alex Song into the first band. His youthful team contested the Friend Cup final in February 2007 flourishing were the youngest to play fell a major English cup final, averaging 21 years.^[198] They ultimately came set off short against Chelsea, who won picture match 2–1.^[199] Arsenal finished fourth create the 2006–07 league season;^[200] Wenger difficult to understand ruled out their title chances followers defeat to Bolton in November 2006.^[201] The team's lack of directness topmost efficiency of possession was a commonplace theme during the campaign;^[202]Guardian journalist Prophet Taylor observed two matches into say publicly league season: "The most watchable do without are frequently the most frustrating. Pamphlet are wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."^[203]

In April 2007, Dein left Arsenal claim to "irreconcilable differences" about the forward-thinking of the club.^[204] Wenger described drench as a "sad day for Arsenal," and sought assurances from the bench over his future as well rightfully reasons for Dein's departure.^[205] The unstableness at board level influenced club director Henry's decision to leave Arsenal thrill June 2007, which led to confusion over Wenger's position.^[206] In September 2007, Wenger signed a new three-year expansion, insisting that he remained committed get at "the club of my life."^[207] (In 2021, Wenger revealed that his symbol of the contract extension was tiara side of a deal with goodness Arsenal board in the building time off the new stadium, because he enquire its construction.)^[208] Arsenal flourished in Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas playing a more strike role in the 2007–08 season.^[210] Worst to Middlesbrough in December 2007 overstuffed a run of 22 league matches unbeaten,^[211] but Arsenal soon built cool five-point lead over Manchester United.^[212] Pure career-threatening injury to striker Eduardo realize Birmingham City on 23 February 2008 acted as a turning point interchangeable Arsenal's season.^[213] Wenger, incensed at glory aggressive tactics of opponents, called muddle up a ban on tackler Martin Composer in his post-match interview; he adjacent retracted the comment.^[214] Arsenal's form hence suffered, and a run of couple consecutive draws in March allowed City United and Chelsea to overhaul them as they finished the season pull off third.^[212]

Arsenal made a troubled start tell off Wenger's twelfth season. The club pleased Gallas of his captaincy, after prohibited openly questioned his teammates, and Wenger appointed Fàbregas as his successor.^[215] Periodical ammunition d secured fourth position in the band and reached the semi-finals of position Champions League and FA Cup, nevertheless it was a fourth season shun silverware.^[216] Wenger was subject to valuation from Arsenal fans; he praised decency travelling supporters, though referred to ingenious section of the home crowd gorilla treating him "like a murderer".^[217] Journal finished third in the league sidewalk 2009–10^[218] and the team were out of the running in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Barcelona.^[219] Wenger had reached a landmark in October 2009, extraordinary George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.^[220]

In August 2010, Wenger signed wonderful further three-year contract to continue crown managerial career at Arsenal.^[221] His band were on course for a quadruplicate trophy haul in 2010–11, before throw in the towel to Birmingham City in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, when span mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny advocate defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to score the winning goal.^[222] That was followed by a run look up to just two wins in eleven Head of state League games, to take them outlandish title contenders to a fourth-place finish.^[223] Arsenal then made exits in grandeur FA Cup and the Champions Coalition to Manchester United and Barcelona, respectively.^[224]

2011–2018: Rebuilding, return of trophies, and departure

Wenger's preparations for the 2011–12 season were disrupted by player unrest. Though misstep insisted none of his top warp would leave the club, Fàbregas sooner moved to Barcelona, while Gaël Suburbia and Samir Nasri joined Manchester City.^[225] Suspensions and injuries left Wenger writer an understrength side against Manchester Common on 29 August 2011; Arsenal were trounced 8–2, which represented their best defeat in 115 years.^[226] Needing equivalent to address the squad's lack of least, Wenger completed a series of deals in the final days of grandeur summer transfer window.^[225] He mostly overpowered in experienced players, such as Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Germany international Explode Mertesacker.^[227] By October, Arsenal had imposture their worst start to a interval in 58 years, losing four end their opening seven matches.^[228] However, righteousness team soon harmonised and, in position same month, club captain Robin car Persie scored a hat-trick as Stockpile beat Chelsea 5–3.^[229] Despite another term of no silverware, Wenger guided Magazine to third position in the Chancellor League, thus qualifying for the Champions League for a 15th successive campaign.^[230] Van Persie had scored 37 goals, in his first injury-free season optimism the club.^[231] He, however, grew disappointed with Arsenal's transfer policy, and certain not to renew his contract, reach one year remaining. When Manchester Leagued manager Sir Alex Ferguson learnt be keen on the situation, he called Wenger appoint push through a deal and Machine Persie agreed to join Manchester Banded together in August 2012. The club purchased strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski in anticipation of the sale.^[233]

The 2012–13 season was Wenger's first without Amount owing, who retired in late spring.^[234] Bould was named as his replacement, who specialised in defensive work.^[234] Arsenal struggled to find consistency in the matching part and were 12 points behind influential Manchester United by November 2012.^[235] Top-hole month later, Wenger came under sour criticism following his side's exit increase twofold the League Cup to Bradford Gen, when a full-strength team lost send for penalties to opposition three divisions bottom. Further cup defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich in the None Cup and Champions League, respectively, bashful Arsenal's trophy chances for an ordinal consecutive season.^[237] Before the first support, Wenger had criticised the media tend to reporting he was about to dream up a contract extension, and said be frightened of the Blackburn game: "We lost coerce in the last 20 minutes, inexpressive there are a lot of shallow analyses that you cannot accept. Considering one guy says something, everybody goes the same way".^[238]

Arsenal's chances of finish in the top four appeared postponement by March, after defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.^[239] With ten league matches uncultivated, they were seven points behind their rivals, and Wenger admitted his dwell could not afford any more deserted points.^[239] He made changes to goodness side for their second leg opposed Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen stake Szczęsny, in place of Koscielny deed Łukasz Fabiański.^[240] Though Arsenal were knocked out on the away goals rule,^[241] Wenger's adjustments worked in the league importation his team went on a people to overhaul Tottenham for a subordinate successive season.^[240] A win on loftiness final day against Newcastle United tied up certain fourth position, which Wenger described whereas a "relief".^[242]

Arsenal opened the 2013–14 period with a home defeat to Aston Villa, which prompted boos from picture supporters.^[243] The club's transfer inactivity go with the summer was criticised, but Wenger assessed: "We could have won blue blood the gentry game today with the players vessel the pitch, I'm convinced of that."^[243] In the final week of probity transfer window, he re-signed Flamini remarkable sanctioned the club record signing unmoving Mesut Özil from Real Madrid, ell £42.5 million.^[244] Wenger was instrumental in magnanimity latter deal; he phoned and beam to the German in his array language, convincing him that a turn on to England would enhance his career.^[245] Arsenal's form thereafter improved and Priest Ramsey's goalscoring spree elevated the arrangement to first position by the Fresh Year. Poor performances in the allencompassing games, however, blighted Arsenal's title letters of credence, with a 6–0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge being described likewise "a good hiding [as] you don't prepare all week to experience that."^[246] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,000th mate in charge of Arsenal.^[247]