“He got very, very lucky” - Graeme Souness launches astonishing attack at former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has slammed former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The pundit believes the Frenchman got lucky with the talented squad at his disposal during his time with the north Londoners.
Wenger managed the Gunners for nearly 22 years until his retirement in 2018. The French boss was revered by Arsenal fans and is certainly an icon of the game. He led the Gunners to a historic unbeaten run and won the Premier League during the 2003-04 campaign, arguably his most remarkable achievement with the club.
Despite his years of experience and success in the world of football, Souness has launched an astonishing attack on the Frenchman, claiming that he merely had fortune on his side.
When asked whether he thinks Wenger is a football man, Souness said on talkSPORT (via Football365):
“No, not particularly. I’ve been on the bench listening to what he’s telling his players to do. I’ve been working for Sky in games where he’s made very strange decisions."
"My take on him was he got very, very lucky at a time when French football produced its greatest ever group of players. Inherited the best back five in world football and a 22-year-old [Dennis] Bergkamp. I think Wrighty [Ian Wright], there was still life in him."
The Liverpool legend added:
“And then he had 10 years where he won a couple of FA Cups, because that cycle had been and gone. I’ve never spoke to him about football. He would never come into my office after a game, the only manager that never did."
“I’d go to his office after a game, he would never be there to talk football. I don’t know if he’s a football man or not. I never spoke football with him.”
Arsene Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.
"He is doing a wonderful job" - Cesc Fabregas heaps praise on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has lavished praise on Mikel Arteta for the job he's done so far with the club. The Spaniard believes his compatriot has the potential to reach new heights and become a better manager.
Arteta has re-established Arsenal as title challengers in the Premier League over the past two seasons. The Gunners have had two hard-fought title races against Manchester City in both campaigns, finishing a close second on both occasions.
Fabregas, who now manages Serie A side Como, hailed Arteta as a great coach and said:
“Arteta is a great coach and will become even better. He is doing a wonderful job at Arsenal and he takes the same path that we want to follow: stability, with a real project in place. I am fortunate to be in a solid club and my dream is to take Como as far as possible. I see myself being here for many more years.”
Arsenal have had an excellent start ot the 2024-25 season, securing five wins from seven games. The Gunners are unbeaten and are third in the league standings, level on points with second-placed Manchester City, while a point behind league leaders Liverpool.