Wenger dismisses Director of Football talk

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger

ARSENE WENGER has completely dismissed the possibility of working with a Director of Football so long as he is at Arsenal.

Wenger’s contract expires at the end of this season and it is unclear whether or not he is staying. But he has made it clear that if he does stay, there will be no restructuring on the football side of the club without his approval.

“No, no, no. Sorry, no,” he said. I’m not prepared to talk about that. I’m the manager of Arsenal football club and as long as I’m manager of Arsenal football club I will decide what happens on the technical front. That’s it.”

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has said this season - in which the Gunners face the realistic prospect of missing out on Champions League football for the first time under Wenger - must act as the “catalyst for change”.

The American is looking at restructuring the football side of the business, which could include the appointment of a Director of Football, or Sporting Director. But Wenger mocked: “I don’t know what director of football means. It is somebody who stands in the road and directs play right and left? I don’t understand and I never did understand what it means.”

Wenger play away at Southampton on Wednesday. They are six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and have an inferior goal difference, although they do have a game in hand.

Read more on:

AcademiesArsenal

Recent news

Rosen appointed Performance Manager for Sweden

Sunderland Lead Data Scientist leaves for Ludonautics

Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich

More stories

Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich

Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich

RENE MARIC is one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe. At the age of 31, he is Head of Coach Development and Playing Philosophy at Bayern Munich? and has worked for Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach. He told the TGG Podcast about his coaching journey and lessons.

Sign up to our newsletter to get all the latest news from The Guru

//