| Arsene Wenger | |||
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Birthplace : 22.10.49. Strasbourg, France Height : 5ft 10 Weight : 12st 9 Position : Manager Below is a chronological listing of Wenger's career path.
Arsene Wenger had been touted around as a possible for the technical director's job with the FA prior to his arrival at Highbury. But, hot on the heels of the shock dismissal of Bruce Rioch, came an even bigger shock (one of the worst kept secret in football history), which was that Arsene Wenger was to be the next Arsenal manager. And so Arsene Wenger was handed the managerial reins at Arsenal in September 1996. The 51-year-old Frenchman arrived at Highbury after dragging relegation-threatened Nagoya Grampus Eight into second place in the Japanese League. As a player, he had graced sides like Mulhouse, Mutzig, Vauban and Strasbourg. During his playing career, Wenger had shown no charismatic playing achievements to under-pin his managerial career. However his managerial achievements prior to Highbury were quite outstanding, at Monaco he managed to win the French league and never once was the club out of the top three in his seven year reign as chief coach. He won the French Cup in 1991 (the next season they reached the final of the Cup Winners Cup) and took the club into the European Cup in 1988-89. Before arriving in north London, Wenger had already recommended signing two of his compatriots - Remi Garde and Patrick Vieira - this was the start of a number of French acquisitions. Emmanuel Petit (Monaco) and Nicolas Anelka (Paris St Germain) followed, with Dutchman Marc Overmars adding to the foreign influx. The French connection With many English players forming the backbone the successful team in the 1980s and early 1990s, some were sceptical of the new signings. In Wenger's first season, the sceptics were quietened, if not silenced, as Arsenal mounted a serious title challenge for the first time since 1991. It's thumbs up for Wenger at Highbury The doubters were cast aside in the following season, as Arsenal claimed both the Premiership crown and FA Cup. Thierry Henry proved a sensational purchase and after France triumphed in the 1998 World Cup, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires soon arrived. Controversy overshadowed the beginning of the current season for Wenger as he was charged by the FA for "alleged threatening behaviour" to an official. He was later cleared of the charge but was found guilty of misconduct and fined �10,00 instead of a 12-match touchline ban. Born in Strasbourg, Wenger started his amateur playing career with Mutzig in the French Third Division as a sweeper-defender. Big in Japan One of the more educated coaches in the business. He speaks a wide variety of languages, including German, Spanish, Italian and some Japanese - that's got to be a great advantage in bringing world class players to the club. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in economics from Strasbourg University. He turned professional with Strasbourg in 1978 and won the French title a year after his debut. In 1981, he obtained the manager's diploma in Paris and was made youth team coach at Strasbourg. After a brief spell as assistant coach with Cannes, he was appointed coach of Nancy two years later, but suffered relegation in his opening season. His reputation took off after being made manager at Monaco in 1987. His success at the club began with the French Championship in 1988 and was offered jobs with the French national team and Bayern Munich in 1994. He was however sacked just weeks after commiting his future to Monaco, before his move to Japan in 1995. His exploits in England then followed and despite reports of a move back to Japan, Wenger continues to try and overturn the dominance of rivals Manchester United. Arsene Wenger has made himself into a Highbury legend by winning the double in the 1997-1998 season, his first full season in charge of Arsenal. It was a dream start and it saw Arsene Wenger become the first foreign coach to win the English League title. Arsene Wenger has been linked with several big clubs (including Manchester United) and the French post recently. Let's all hope that Arsene Wenger having signed a new 4 years contract with Arsenal FC will continue a good run in for the 2001-02 season ! |
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