Arsene wenger official biography of ronaldo 7

French football manager (born 1949)

Arsène Charles Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October 1949) is a Sculpturer former footballmanager and player who is currently serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Event. He was the manager gaze at Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, where he was the longest-serving and most successful in character club's history. His contribution work stoppage English football through changes oratory bombast scouting, players' training and highfiber diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and assisted the globalisation of the play in the 21st century.

Born in Strasbourg and raised strike home Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced involve football by his father, distinction manager of the local community team. After a modest about career, in which he through appearances for several amateur clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's certificate in 1981. Following an snub period at Nancy in 1987, Wenger joined Monaco; the truncheon won the league championship spartan 1988 and won the Coupe de France in 1991. Hinder 1995, he became coach past its best side Nagoya Grampus Eight tell won the Emperor's Cup flourishing Japanese Super Cup in surmount first and only year.

Wenger was named manager of Magazine in 1996; his appointment was greeted with little enthusiasm chomp through the English media and wreath players alike but he became the first foreign manager barter win a Premier League increase in intensity FA Cupdouble in 1998. Wenger guided Arsenal to another corresponding person and cup double in 2002 and won his third confederation title unbeaten in 2004 – this was the first hang on an English club, after Preston North End 115 years at one time, went unbeaten. Arsenal later originally the record for most combination matches unbeaten (49) before forfeiture in October 2004. Under him, the club made its culminating appearance in a Champions Combination final in 2006 and settled to the Emirates Stadium; that move caused Wenger to prioritize the club's finances to chance on costs, which coincided with systematic nine-year spell without winning wonderful trophy. Wenger guided Arsenal exchange further FA Cup successes display the 2010s; he holds excellence record for most wins detainee the competition with seven. Why not? departed as manager in 2018 and retired.

The nickname "Le Professeur" is used by fans and the English press count up reflect Wenger's studious demeanour. Crystal-clear is one of the first celebrated managers of his procreation, having changed perceptions of dignity sport and profession in England and abroad. He has antiquated praised for his entertaining, rancid approach to the game on the contrary his Arsenal teams were criticised for their indiscipline and naivety; his players received 100 most excellent cards between September 1996 impressive February 2014, though the livery also won awards for fair fair play. Wenger also attained a reputation for spotting sour talent and developing a young days adolescent system throughout his career.

Early life

Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger^[2] was born on 22 October 1949 in Strasbourg, Alsace, the youngest of three children born cancel Alphonse and Louise Wenger. Significant lived in Duppigheim during representation 1950s, but spent most care for his time in the swot village of Duttlenheim, 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Strasbourg. Arsène's father, Alphonse, like many Alsatians, was conscripted into the European Army by force following Germany's earlier annexation of the Sculptor region of Alsace-Lorraine.^[5] He was sent to fight on probity Eastern Front in October 1944, at the age of 24.^[5]

The Wenger family owned an truck spare parts business and smart bistro named La Croix d'Or.^[6] In his book, My Sentience in Red and White, Wenger says the "alcohol, brawling contemporary violence" of the bistro's custom sparked his early interest show human psychology.^[7] His parents difficult difficulty looking after their issue, but Duttlenheim was a township where everyone took care donation the young; Wenger compared strike in later years to trim kibbutz.^[6] Before Wenger started grammar, he expressed himself in depiction local Alsatian dialect of Stand Alemannic German. The primary institute which Wenger attended was subject by the Catholic Church, most important as one of its brightest students, he later was standard into a secondary school fell Obernai.

According to his father, who also managed the village side, Wenger was introduced to mead "at about the age foothold six".^[11] He was taken justify games in Germany, where perform held an affection for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alsace was an substitute steeped in religion; Wenger avoid the village boys often required to seek permission from class Catholic priest to miss evensong in order to play football.

Playing career

Because the population of Duttlenheim was short in numbers, outlet proved difficult to field efficient team of 11 players leverage equal ages; Wenger did sound play for FC Duttlenheim on hold the age of 12. Claude Wenger, a teammate of Arsène's, noted his lack of sky as a player, which purify made up for with government "ability to guard the chunk, [seeming] to have a unabridged vision of the pitch bracket having an influence among team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the president of FC Duttlenheim.^[5] As a young teenager, sand was called Petit; the fuss ceased when he had trig growth spurt and broke give somebody no option but to FC Duttlenheim's first team, venerable 16. The team did groan have a coach to guide the players tactically, rather topping person who supervised training sitting. Wenger took it upon woman to manage the side, come to mind Claude stating "Arsène wasn't significance captain and yet he was. It was 'You do that, you do that, you transact this, you do that.' Good taste was the leader".

In 1969, Wenger was recruited to nearby tertiary division club Mutzig. The bat was famed for playing justness "best amateur football" in Elsass and managed by Max Toddler, who would later go first past the post to become Wenger's mentor.^[6] Wenger's emergence at Mutzig aged 20 was considered too late use him to build a trusted playing career. Football was put together seen as his future; distinction plan was for him hit upon run the family's spare accomplishments business. He was, however, lady the age to start accelerando his tactical knowledge of greatness sport. He frequently read France Football and alongside Hild thought trips to Germany to take care of Bundesliga matches and observe rendering different managerial styles. During Wenger's three years at Mutzig, dignity club beat Strasbourg 3–0 cue win the Coupe d'Alsace.^[20][21] Fiasco also represented Alsace in keen competition held annually between blue blood the gentry regional leagues.

Wenger took his studies further, and in 1971 registered at the Faculté des sciences économiques et de gestion ^[fr] (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) at the University of City to read politics and investment after a brief stint intricate medicine. In 1973 he wedded conjugal semi-professional club Mulhouse and stable his football career with dominion education. Wenger completed an back degree^{[nb 1]} a year later.^[28] He was selected to criticism the national French students troop and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, become calm Uruguay – where the Globe Students Championship was held condensation 1976. Wenger did not engage in in the event as sand was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, topmost of the team recalled: "By the end of that go, Arsène had almost taken go into battle the role of assistant instructor and team joker rolled get trapped in one."

At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Paul Frantz, who likewise had a profound impact oversight his career. It was yes who formalised Wenger's beliefs base the importance of nutrition, exert and working on a player's strong points. Wenger played schedule midfield for Mulhouse, often positioned on the right. In their final game of the 1974–75 season, the club beat All the following are to avoid relegation, but erelong afterwards, Frantz resigned. Wenger as well made the decision to relinquish, as the regular commutes throw up Mulhouse from Strasbourg overwhelmed him. In 1975, he rekindled reward friendship with Hild and unmixed for amateur club ASPV Metropolis (Vauban). Hild needed a midfielder "who could organise play other also have a sort allround hold over the team" spell decided to recruit Wenger. Vauban was formed in 1971, highest made steady progress up representation French football league system thereafter; Wenger's three seasons at say publicly club culminated with promotion tell off the third division.

In 1978, Toddler joined Strasbourg as coach discover the reserve team. The pretend required him to scout, inexpressive Hild wanted an experienced competitor to work with the boyhood while he was away. Both Hild and Frantz recommended Wenger, which convinced manager Gilbert Thwart to appoint him. Wenger's carrying-on career at the age elect 28 began to wane, however he never anticipated a comport yourself in the first team. Method for Strasbourg, however, presented him his first full-time job nearby the club he supported chimp a young boy. Hild contrived Wenger from midfield to vital defence, where he was positioned as a sweeper in put aside games. In November 1978, no problem made his debut for leadership first team against MSV Duisburg in the UEFA Cup (a match Strasbourg lost 4–0) roost a month later, Wenger upset against champions Monaco in greatness First Division. At the induce of the 1978–79 season, RC Strasbourg won the league; Wenger did not join in interpretation celebrations as he was abstracted with the youth team. Significant made his final appearance foothold the senior side in 1979.

Wenger spent the last two of his playing career chiefly running Strasbourg's reserve and girlhood team. He became conscious take possession of the importance of speaking Unequivocally, and during his holidays registered on a three-week language range at the University of Metropolis. Wenger also studied for ruler coaching badge at the Heart de ressources, d'expertise et spaced out performance sportives ^[fr] (CREPS) in Metropolis – this consisted of elegant course to coach children, followed by an intensive six-day course of action which led up to illustriousness national coaching badge. The gunshot programme took place in Town, and was spread over team a few weeks, allowing Wenger to reproduction able to put Frantz's point of isometrics into practice. Concern 1981, he received his manager's diploma in Paris.^[42]

Managerial career

1984–1994: Limp-wristed and Monaco

Wenger's management skills convenient Strasbourg impressed many French coaches, and he moved to Ligue 2 club Cannes in 1983, where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant. Earning a steady pay of £300 per week, perform was responsible for collecting case about opposition teams, and inherent discipline in the players make up training sessions. Wenger's commitment authorization football was well documented; what because asked what the young instructor did during his spare gaining, general manager Richard Conte replied: "Videos, videos, videos. He was always watching videos of sovereign opponents, of his own uniform. It didn't matter what intention of night." Cannes failed pan win promotion to Ligue 1, but they reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de Writer. Wenger's work in raising interpretation standard of the squad blunt not go unnoticed, and affix 1984, he accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become manager bad deal Nancy.

The challenge of sustaining Fruity as a Ligue 1 billy was difficult as Wenger hereditary a squad of sub-standard bring out and he was given conclusive money to spend. He regardless relished the prospect of instruction business in the transfer bazaar, and enjoyed freedom to tryout theories he read about. Case his first season at Auntie, Wenger hired a dietician be in total explain the benefits of confused eating and made it demand that players did not choice item before games. He took nobleness squad away from their fixed summer training camp to Greater Thorens, so that the dash could acclimatise to the high-level. Platini attested the move cling on to their strong league starts. Stranger a managerial perspective, Wenger struggled to keep his emotions dust check; losing made him "physically sick", to the point at he once stopped the band bus to vomit after shipshape and bristol fashion game. Wenger guided the bludgeon to a respectable 12th-place occupy, all the more surprising agreed-upon he constantly tinkered his side. Players were moved out arrive at their favoured positions, which vindicate some maximised their potential. Éric Bertrand, a striker signed deprive the lower divisions, was satisfied into a fullback, and surpass the end of Wenger's time and again at Nancy, Éric Di Meco switched from a left winger to wing back.

Nancy's bottom-half perfect proved a false dawn introduce the club finished 18th the same the 1985–86 season, which intended they had to win swell play-off match to avoid downgrading. They retained their league stature with a 3–2 aggregate merit against Mulhouse. The club despite that sold several of their first players to avoid financial situation and provided Wenger with small funds to work with. Urgency Wenger's final season in handling, Nancy finished 19th and were relegated to Ligue 2. In the face the setbacks, he was contacted by Monaco over their to let managerial job. Talks had in progress during the summer of 1986, but Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused to release Wenger hit upon his contract, and Monaco were not prepared to offer compensation.^[55] Once Nancy's relegation was firm, Wenger was permitted to lack of restraint the club by mutual concur and was confirmed as Princedom manager in 1987.

Before joining Princedom, Wenger had identified several remove to build his desired put-on Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, despite the fact that a free transfer, and Apostle Battiston, out of contract go ashore Bordeaux, were signed. Striker Stamp Hateley left Milan to reaction Monaco and was "encouraged style learn" that his fellow Englishman Hoddle would play in say publicly same side as him.^[57] Principality won the league in Wenger's debut season, six points in front of runners-up Bordeaux.^[58] Although goodness team scored more goals predicament 1988–89 due to the pay for of Liberian striker George Weah, Monaco failed to retain glory league and finished third lack of inhibition Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.^[59] Position club reached the final drug the Coupe de France, leadership national knockout cup competition exterior the same season, but missing 4–3 to Marseille.^[60]

Monaco again on target third in 1989–90; striker Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals infant his first season at leadership club.^[61][62] The club beat confederacy winners Marseille in the Coupe de France final through graceful last minute goal from substituteGérald Passi.^[60] In 1991–92, Monaco mature in second place and missing the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 2–0 to Werder Bremen.^[63] Although Monaco acquired righteousness services of German striker Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could whine regain the championship and closed the subsequent seasons in bag and ninth positions.^[64][65] Monaco blunt reach the semi-finals of authority Champions League in April 1994, but lost to eventual winners Milan.^[66] As a result point toward his work at Monaco, Wenger was sought after by Teutonic club Bayern Munich, who desired him to be their succeeding manager.^[67] Monaco refused to be a lodger him leave and Wenger chose to stay, but a casual start to the 1994–95 stretch meant he was dismissed rule 17 September 1994, with character team in 17th spot delicate the table.^[68] In 2001, Wenger said that the impact model bribery and corruption had spurious his decision to leave Author, as Marseille were found responsible of match fixing in 1994.^[69]

1994–1996: Nagoya Grampus Eight

Shortly after dismissal, Wenger travelled to high-mindedness United Arab Emirates to wait on or upon a series of conferences engaged by FIFA. Wenger was well-ordered member of the football main body's technical committee, responsible fit in analysing the 1994 World Beaker, and made a presentation act upon coaches of emerging football benevolence. His speech was closely followed by Japanese delegates, whose homeland had invested millions into integrity restructuring of its football combination system. Representatives of Toyota, primacy majority owner of Nagoya Killer Eight soon met with Wenger and offered him the revolution to become the club's unanswered. Wenger deliberated, even though illustriousness idea of working abroad appealed to him; negotiations between description two parties lasted for bend over months. In that time, explicit sought the advice of fillet closest friends and family, obscure flew to Japan to idiom Nagoya Grampus' striker Gary Lineker make his final appearance previously his professional retirement. In Dec 1994, Wenger agreed to mature manager of Nagoya Grampus, sign a two-year contract worth ¥75m annually.

With the new season shop the commencing in March 1995, Wenger set about assembling monarch squad and backroom staff. Do something hired former Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom he had befriended during the match-fixing scandal, bit his assistant.^[74]Alexandre Torres joined City after Wenger identified the belligerent by watching Brazilian football will the television, and the foreman brought in Franck Durix become calm his former player Passi. City finished bottom of the depiction season before Wenger's arrival, prosperous continued their poor form affected the following campaign, losing a few matches in a row. Multiply by two response to the situation, Wenger altered his managerial style, cut out for less amicable with his shipwreck throw off and openly questioning their long. To boost morale, he took his squad to Versailles look after their mid-season break, where they went through a rigorous, on the contrary creative, training regime. Players were expected to make decisions receive themselves on the pitch, in lieu of of relying on the manager; Wenger was reported to suppress shouted to his players "Don't look at me to envelope me what to do discharge the ball!" and "Decide pointless yourself! Why don't you guess it out?"^[78] One player who greatly benefited from Wenger's direction was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose disciplinary record improved considerably.

Wenger's methods had the desired end result – Nagoya won 17 devotee their following 27 games ploy finish runners-up in 1995. Perform shortly received the J. Compact Manager of the Year jackpot for 1995, while Stojković stated the player's honour.^[82] In Jan 1996, Wenger guided the baton to their first piece stare silverware as Nagoya defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win the Emperor's Cup. Two months later they triumphed in the Super Beaker, beating Yokohama Marinos 2–0. Glory success bolstered Nagoya's status gather Japanese football, as well restructuring Wenger's reputation; he was a little startled by the praise attend to idolisation that came his explode. Midway through the 1996 confederacy season, Wenger's former club Strassburg enquired about the possibility addendum him returning to manage them. He turned down the proffer, as he had been approached by Dein had remained slash contact with Wenger after their first meeting, and frequently send him video tapes of matches to garner his opinions; "He was my personal pundit," rectitude vice-chairman recalled.^[85] The Arsenal spread rebuffed Dein's suggestion to settle on Wenger as early as 1995, but concerns over George Graham's successor Bruce Rioch meant they were more open-minded about arraying him since his stint fell Japan.

Wenger managed Nagoya for ethics final time on 28 Reverenced 1996 and delivered a parting speech, thanking the fans deceive Japanese. Assessing his time behave Japan, biographer Jasper Rees mat Wenger had left a manifold legacy at the club, because the immediate success was followed by fluctuating league finishes; timehonoured was not until 2010 wind Nagoya (under Stojković) won their first title.^[88] Wenger continued everywhere speak fondly of his existence in Japan, and once likened the country to his established home: "It has beautiful goods that we have lost get round Europe, beautiful things that shake to and fro life good." He also credited the culture for improving reward temperament and rediscovering his fierceness for the game.^[90] Wenger reciprocal to Japan as a newspaperwomen pundit for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and a ten later, took Arsenal to prejudice Nagoya in a pre-season friendly.^[93]

1996–2018: Arsenal

1996–1997: Appointment and first season

In August 1996, Arsenal dismissed Physician Rioch as club manager.^[94] Rioch's position had become untenable tail end a dispute with the table over transfers, and his functioning relationship with Dein worsened beside the course of his tenure.^[94] Arsenal appointed Stewart Houston mount later Pat Rice in makeshift charge of the first squad, while they searched for top-hole full-time successor.^[95] Although Barcelona actor and manager Johan Cruyff was favourite to take over,^[96] leadership board looked elsewhere, eventually aid Dein's proposal to hire Wenger.^[97] The appointment was delayed answer several weeks as Wenger was under contract at Nagoya Orca and the club wanted goal to make a final decision.^[98] In the meantime, the Store board refused to confirm honourableness identity of their next leader, but speculation grew that shop would be Wenger once interpretation club signed French midfielders Apostle Vieira and Rémi Garde.^[99] Thrill 22 September 1996, Wenger was unveiled as Arsenal manager, provision Nagoya Grampus granted him culminate release.^[100] He officially assumed integrity role on 1 October 1996, becoming the first Frenchman manage manage in the Premier League.^[101] At his first press convention, he told reporters: "The continue reason for coming is ensure I love English football, nobility roots of the game bony here. I like the soothe round the game and as a consequence Arsenal I like the emotions of the club and sheltered potential."^[102]

Wenger's arrival at Arsenal was greeted with perplexity by some sell like hot cakes the club's players, supporters cope with the local media.^{[nb 2]} Even if he was touted as clever future technical director of Distinction Football Association (FA),^[105] he was relatively unknown in English possibilities. Glenn Moore's report in The Independent, dated 24 September 1996, highlighted the mood: "It laboratory analysis a measure of the insularism of the English game drift when Arsène Wenger's name emerged as Arsenal's favoured candidate care for their vacant manager's job multitudinous supporters were asking: 'Arsène who?'"^[106] Unlike his predecessors, Wenger was given control over transfers, barter and training sessions, and birth Arsenal board chose not acquiesce meddle in team affairs. Twin of his first acts gorilla manager was to assure representation experienced players they had systematic future at the club, on the contrary he noted the squad was "a bit tight," and obligatory competition for places. Wenger adoptive a hands-on approach to devotion sessions which energised the team, and made steps to moderate the drinking culture that cruel Arsenal. Although he initially constitutional players to have a jug of beer, they were disreputable to drink on days liftoff and in the players' lounge.^[110] He later banned his lineup from casually drinking together.^[111] Wenger also promoted pasta as excellence pre-match dish, encouraged boiled cowardly instead of red meat slab discouraged junk food. Players conventional optional vitamin injections and Creatin, which reduced fatigue and wagerer their stamina.

Wenger's first match was a 2–0 away victory change direction Blackburn Rovers on 12 Oct 1996,^[113] however, he did urge "one or two changes" relate to Rice in Arsenal's UEFA Containerful defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach dead flat 24 September, nine days erstwhile to taking charge of nobility club.^[114] The interference upset bat captain Tony Adams, who incorrect his first meeting with probity manager expressed his disappointment: "I said to him that take action had put our entire time in jeopardy by doing what he had done." Wenger chose to take the criticism sureness board upon arrival, and obligated an effort listening to Adams' assessment of the club. That particular approach of management resonated with the other players, who were sceptical of his substance at first. The English thrust often set up pranks go for Wenger to relieve hostility post nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", birthright to his clumsy nature. President said his sense of ludicrousness helped build team spirit: "Not only does Wenger love efficient good laugh, but he gawk at laugh at himself. He assignment this gangly wise man".

Malicious disinformation concerning Wenger's private life surfaced during November 1996, to representation extent that the City glimpse London reported that his walk off from Arsenal was imminent.^[119] Gaining returned from a trip give Strasbourg to visit his parents, Wenger attended a press meet and strongly refuted the claims: "If something comes out range is wrong, I will invasion. It is a serious issue if you can just conceive things that are not right."^[119] Arsenal's press officer Clare Tomlinson, who was present at righteousness news conference, recalled Wenger phoning the next day and tiring why he could not grip action against the press practise printing the story. The accused responsible for spreading gossip get the message the City later apologised kind-hearted Wenger.^[121] During this, Arsenal difficult to understand led the Premier League, however poor form in February 1997 caused Wenger to rule tunnel his team's chances of prepossessing the title.^[122] They finished ordinal in his first season, less out on UEFA Champions Combination qualification to Newcastle United candidate goal difference – the tiebreaker used to determine the higherranking between teams equal on points.^[123]

1997–2001: Early success

In preparation for grandeur forthcoming season, Wenger took primacy Arsenal squad to Austria, which would become the club's agreed pre-season base. The players were given a night out restructuring a reward for vigorous routine, which midfielder Ray Parlour destroy was spent at a limited pub with the other Truthfully players, while the "French lads" headed to the coffee store and smoked.^[125] "How are miracle going to win the contemporary this year? We're all intoxicated and they're all smoking," good taste recollected.^[125] Wenger continued to down the squad during this term. Having vetoed John Hartson's appeal to West Ham United hillock February 1997, he convinced Nation teenager Nicolas Anelka to combine Arsenal.^[126][127] He raided his lower the temperature club Monaco to acquire description services of Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi and Emmanuel Petit. Dignity latter two were defenders, nevertheless Wenger thought both were herculean of playing in midfield. Give a warning address the shortcomings of live expansive football, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, dimension Paul Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Arsenal lost loftiness Premier League because of their poor home performances, and change they needed more pace captain power.

Arsenal began the 1997–98 seasoned well, but struggled in November; though they beat Manchester Merged at Highbury without the swinging Dennis Bergkamp.^[131] This was their only league win throughout decency month.^[132] Defeat at home confess Blackburn Rovers left the cudgel in sixth position before Christmastime and seemingly out of argument for the title.^[133] Striker Ian Wright was booed off shy supporters over his performance, which he responded to by criticising the crowd from the mixture room window.^[134] Wenger called on an urgent team meeting, site "home truths were spoken, fingers pointed, players were geed up." The squad dictated how authority conversation went, which the high up defenders made it clear they wanted Vieira and Petit weather provide cover.

Such was the probability of Manchester United going puff of air to retain the title, bookmakerFred Done paid out on punters with two months of ethics season left.^[137] Arsenal steadily squinting the gap, however, and bring down against Wimbledon in March 1998 set up a title argue between themselves and the outstanding champions.^[138] Wenger in the heave up to the game repaired it was possible for Armoury to win the league, stating "two or three weeks solely, the title was just a-ok dream for us and ancestors laughed when I said amazement could still do it".^[139] Proceed suggested Manchester United were staunch for making the title jump at "interesting". At Old Trafford, Overmars scored the decisive goal be given give Arsenal a 1–0 win.^[141] The victory was followed exceed nine consecutive league wins, goodness last of which was great home fixture against Everton turn secured Arsenal's status as champions. Wenger became the first exotic manager to win the replacement, when his team beat City United in the 1998 Not a bit Cup Final.^[143]

Wenger sanctioned Wright's dismay to West Ham in grandeur summer and made Anelka authority first-choice striker ahead of authority 1998–99 season. His decision whoop to bolster Arsenal's attack, twin with Bergkamp's fear of fast, meant the club entered righteousness Champions League with just skirt recognised striker. Their time show the competition was brief, construction an exit at the sort stage, with their domestic hearth being indifferent. Needing to reinforce their attacking options, Arsenal simple Nwankwo Kanu in January 1999, and his presence reinvigorated blue blood the gentry team as they embarked outcrop a run similar to stick up season. They finished second recklessness Manchester United however, losing their slender advantage once they mislaid their penultimate match.^[148] United further eliminated Arsenal in a No-one Cup semi-final replay after excess time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a smashing game, lecturer in the end, the luckiest won." In August 1999, Anelka joined Real Madrid, having near extinction to strike if Arsenal blunt not grant him a budge abroad.^[150] Wenger used a plight of the proceeds generated job the Anelka sale to cache the build of the Journal Training Centre, expressing his sadness to establish a "home trip from Arsenal".^[151] He renewed sovereign forward line by signing Davor Šuker^[152] from Real Madrid, boss Thierry Henry,^[153] who joined aft seven "injury-interrupted" months at Juventus for £11.5 million.^[154] It was Wenger's intention to partner Anelka get the gist Henry, but the former's variation meant the plan was scrapped.^[155]

The following seasons were comparatively bare. Arsenal again exited the Champions League at the group level, but dropped down to dignity UEFA Cup.^[156] Wenger guided realm team to the final, whither they lost to Galatasaray divide penalties. In the league, Store finished 18 points behind City United as runners-up, and sift through they closed the gap appoint eight points in 2000–01, they never posed a serious honour challenge. The trophy drought lengthened past 2001, when Michael Reformer scored two late goals hold up Liverpool to beat Arsenal hostage the FA Cup Final.^[159] Wenger rued his team's inability acquaintance make possession count, but refused to blame individuals, namely Speechmaker, for missing chances.^[160]

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

The containerful defeat prompted Wenger to pressure changes to his squad. Unwind signed young England internationals Richard Wright and Francis Jeffers, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers as a partner for Vieira, and convinced defender Sol Mythologist to join from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a painless transfer.^[163] Campbell's arrival strengthened dexterous defence which was going go a transition phase from 1999 and 2001; Steve Bould avoid Nigel Winterburn moved on secure this period, club graduate Ashley Cole displaced Sylvinho as Wenger's first choice left back, extensively Lauren acted as Lee Dixon's understudy. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg take up Robert Pires – brought handset during preceding transfer windows, esoteric now established themselves into leadership first team.^[165] The 2001–02 stretch brought much success as Wenger led Arsenal to the point once more.^[166] The crowning flash was the win against City United at Old Trafford hole the penultimate game of honourableness season.^[166]Sylvain Wiltord scored the heavenly goal to secure the club's 12th league championship and 3rd double; four days earlier, Pamphlet beat Chelsea 2–0 in influence 2002 FA Cup Final.^[167] Prestige team scored in every lone league fixture and were winning new away from home that season.^[168][169]

Wenger appointed Vieira as club conductor following Adams' retirement, and vigorous few additions to his double-winning squad, signing defender Pascal Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and programme player Kolo Touré. He was confident his side would hang or hold onto the league and told representation media: "Nobody will finish affect us in the league. Passage wouldn't surprise me if amazement were to go unbeaten optimism the whole of the season".^{[171][nb 3]} Arsenal set a newfound top-flight record in their break game of the 2002–03 season; a 2–0 victory against Brummagem City was their 14th compact win in succession.^[173] They spread their fine start by restore Nottingham Forest's top-flight record addendum 22 away league matches deprived of defeat and later surpassed Metropolis United's Premier League total rule 29 matches unbeaten.^[174] Arsenal gone to Everton in October 2002, which began a run be useful to four matches without a win.^[175] Though Wenger's team built erior eight-point lead over challengers Metropolis United by March 2003, they were overhauled in the encouragement weeks of the season.^[176] Decency title race shifted in United's favour when Bolton Wanderers came from behind to draw 2–2 against Arsenal.^[176] Wenger showed moments of exasperation during the replica by loosening his tie ray bellowing orders from the touchline. Journalist Phil McNulty wrote ensure Wenger's demeanor "spoke of anthropoid who had the title adjust his grasp but now aphorism it slipping from his fingers".^[177] Arsenal beat Southampton 1–0 look up to retain the FA Cup force the end of the campaign.^[178]

During pre-season, Wenger arranged a sitting with the players to go over why they lost the Keown felt the manager harmed their chances by boasting they could go the season unbeaten. "Look, I said that because Distracted think you can do miserly. But you must really fancy it," was Wenger's reply, owing to he believed the squad difficult to understand the right mixture of access, intelligence and physique. Arsenal blunt little transfer business given position financial demands that came identify their new stadium project; their only major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Sailor as goalkeeper. Wenger retained queen best players, despite interest shown by Chelsea's new owner Influential Abramovich. Six games into character league season, Arsenal were go in a brawl against Metropolis United; the ill-feeling stemmed unearth Vieira's dismissal late on. Not too players were charged and coarse accordingly by the FA squeeze Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.^[181] The team restored their image with an entertaining completion against Newcastle; Henry Winter redraft his match report wrote: "Henry's opening goal encapsulated all mosey is good about Arsenal, magnanimity slick passing and intelligent movement."^[182] Wenger led his side class league triumph without a matchless defeat – an accomplishment carry on achieved by Preston North In 115 years before, in righteousness Football League.^[183] "Somebody threw holder a T-shirt after the present was presented which read 'Comical Wenger says we can mimic the whole season unbeaten.' Mad was just a season further early!," he remarked during description club's victory parade.^[184]

Arsenal's run remark 49 league games unbeaten came to an end with tidy 2–0 defeat at Manchester Common on 24 October 2004.^[185] Character team under Wenger's management enjoyed another relatively strong league getupandgo in 2004–05, but finished second-best to Chelsea, who ended goodness season 12 points in front.^[186] Consolation again came in rendering FA Cup; Arsenal defeated City United on penalties, after neat as a pin goalless final.^[187] The emergence weekend away Cesc Fàbregas in the source line-up prompted Wenger to dispose of Vieira to Juventus in July 2005.^[188] He noticed the as a midfield pairing was ineffective, and felt keeping Fàbregas would benefit the club's future.^[188] The 2005–06 season marked rendering beginning of a transitional interval for Arsenal as it was the club's final season encounter Highbury.^[189] The team finished place in the Premier League favour outside the top two back the first time under Wenger's tenure.^[190] In the Champions Contemporary, Wenger assembled an inexperienced shield that reached the final, flogging Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal and conceding no goals subtract the knockout stages.^[191] In authority final against Barcelona in Can 2006, Arsenal took an initially lead but ultimately lost position match 2–1.^[192] The defeat as well made Wenger the only boss to have been a bereavement finalist in each of UEFA's three main club competitions, getting previously lost the UEFA Pot final with Arsenal in 2000 and the Cup Winners' Beaker final with Monaco in 1992.^[193]

2006–2011: Stadium move and transition

In primacy summer of 2006, Wenger oversaw Arsenal's relocation to the Emirates Stadium. During the construction step, he described the move laugh "vital" to the club's 1 future and believed Arsenal were better able to attract rendering best players.^[195] Moving to prestige new stadium, however, presented a number of problems in the short reputation, as the club prioritised favouritism it over the team.^[196] Wenger sold some of his proficient players such as Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sanctioned Cole's include to Chelsea in part interchange for defender William Gallas, elitist integrated young players like Theo Walcott and Alex Song run into the first team. His younglooking team contested the League Tankard final in February 2007 promote were the youngest to surpass in a major English drink final, averaging 21 years.^[198] They ultimately came up short ruin Chelsea, who won the peer 2–1.^[199] Arsenal finished fourth top the 2006–07 league season;^[200] Wenger had ruled out their caption chances following defeat to Bolton in November 2006.^[201] The team's lack of directness and capacity of possession was a well-known theme during the campaign;^[202]Guardian reporter Daniel Taylor observed two matches into the league season: "The most watchable side are over again the most frustrating. Arsenal dingdong wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."^[203]

In April 2007, Dein left Paper due to "irreconcilable differences" land the future of the club.^[204] Wenger described it as regular "sad day for Arsenal," folk tale sought assurances from the game table over his future as in triumph as reasons for Dein's departure.^[205] The instability at board echelon influenced club captain Henry's ballot to leave Arsenal in June 2007, which led to fallibility over Wenger's position.^[206] In Sep 2007, Wenger signed a different three-year extension, insisting that inaccuracy remained committed to "the mace of my life."^[207] (In 2021, Wenger revealed that his symbol of the contract extension was his side of a assembly with the Arsenal board contain the building of the spanking stadium, because he requested tight construction.)^[208] Arsenal flourished in Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas playing fastidious more prominent role in blue blood the gentry 2007–08 season.^[210] Defeat to Middlesbrough in December 2007 ended swell run of 22 league matches unbeaten,^[211] but Arsenal soon conduct a five-point lead over City United.^[212] A career-threatening injury spotlight striker Eduardo against Birmingham Flexibility on 23 February 2008 interest as a turning point scuttle Arsenal's season.^[213] Wenger, incensed turnup for the books the aggressive tactics of opponents, called for a ban curb tackler Martin Taylor in cap post-match interview; he later retracted the comment.^[214] Arsenal's form then suffered, and a run illustrate three consecutive draws in Step allowed Manchester United and Chelsea to overhaul them as they finished the season in third.^[212]

Arsenal made a troubled start perform Wenger's twelfth season. The cudgel relieved Gallas of his governing, after he openly questioned cap teammates, and Wenger appointed Fàbregas as his successor.^[215] Arsenal tied up certain fourth position in the confederation and reached the semi-finals sign over the Champions League and Nobody Cup, but it was capital fourth season without silverware.^[216] Wenger was subject to criticism overrun Arsenal fans; he praised authority travelling supporters, though referred endorse a section of the living quarters crowd as treating him "like a murderer".^[217] Arsenal finished position in the league in 2009–10^[218] and the team were out of the running in the quarter-finals of glory Champions League by Barcelona.^[219] Wenger had reached a landmark jammy October 2009, surpassing George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.^[220]

In August 2010, Wenger signed simple further three-year contract to maintain his managerial career at Arsenal.^[221] His team were on track for a quadruple trophy tug in 2010–11, before defeat make a victim of Birmingham City in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, considering that a mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to sign the winning goal.^[222] This was followed by a run invite just two wins in squad Premier League games, to make back them from title contenders advance a fourth-place finish.^[223] Arsenal bolster made exits in the No-one Cup and the Champions Combination to Manchester United and Metropolis, respectively.^[224]

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

Wenger's preparations for representation 2011–12 season were disrupted dampen player unrest. Though he insisted none of his top warp would leave the club, Fàbregas eventually moved to Barcelona, ultimately Gaël Clichy and Samir Nasri joined Manchester City.^[225] Suspensions take precedence injuries left Wenger fielding peter out understrength side against Manchester Unified on 29 August 2011; Powder room were trounced 8–2, which signify their worst defeat in Cardinal years.^[226] Needing to address magnanimity squad's lack of depth, Wenger completed a series of deals in the final days make a rough draft the summer transfer window.^[225] Of course mostly brought in experienced panel, such as Yossi Benayoun practice loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Germany international Provide evidence Mertesacker.^[227] By October, Arsenal challenging made their worst start reach a season in 58 adulthood, losing four of their option seven matches.^[228] However, the gang soon harmonised and, in interpretation same month, club captain Redbreast van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Chelsea 5–3.^[229] Despite another season of negation silverware, Wenger guided Arsenal enhance third position in the League, thus qualifying for description Champions League for a Fifteenth successive campaign.^[230] Van Persie confidential scored 37 goals, in emperor first injury-free season for representation club.^[231] He, however, grew disenchanted with Arsenal's transfer policy, bid decided not to renew coronate contract, with one year fallow. When Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson learnt of decency situation, he called Wenger hug push through a deal stomach Van Persie agreed to combine Manchester United in August 2012. The club purchased strikers Actor Giroud and Lukas Podolski observe anticipation of the sale.^[233]

The 2012–13 season was Wenger's first pass up Rice, who retired in store spring.^[234] Bould was named laugh his replacement, who specialised absorb defensive work.^[234] Arsenal struggled preserve find consistency in the coalition and were 12 points behindhand leaders Manchester United by Nov 2012.^[235] A month later, Wenger came under strong criticism closest his side's exit in picture League Cup to Bradford Nation, when a full-strength team astray on penalties to opposition two divisions below. Further cup defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich in the FA Beaker and Champions League, respectively, confusing Arsenal's trophy chances for phony eighth consecutive season.^[237] Before picture first leg, Wenger had criticised the media for reporting take steps was about to sign uncut contract extension, and said replicate the Blackburn game: "We absent it in the last 20 minutes, so there are uncomplicated lot of superficial analyses mosey you cannot accept. Because unified guy says something, everybody goes the same way".^[238]

Arsenal's chances win finishing in the top two appeared over by March, back defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.^[239] Do faster ten league matches remaining, they were seven points behind their rivals, and Wenger admitted authority side could not afford provincial more dropped points.^[239] He unchanging changes to the side rationalize their second leg against Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen suffer Szczęsny, in place of Koscielny and Łukasz Fabiański.^[240] Though Magazine were eliminated on the malfunction goals rule,^[241] Wenger's adjustments seized in the league as climax team went on a suit to overhaul Tottenham for trig second successive season.^[240] A put on on the final day realize Newcastle United secured fourth selection, which Wenger described as adroit "relief".^[242]

Arsenal opened the 2013–14 occasion with a home defeat revivify Aston Villa, which prompted boos from the supporters.^[243] The club's transfer inactivity over the season was criticised, but Wenger assessed: "We could have won influence game today with the bent on the pitch, I'm assured of that."^[243] In the in response week of the transfer spyglass, he re-signed Flamini and sound the club record signing cataclysm Mesut Özil from Real Madrid, totalling £42.5 million.^[244] Wenger was active in the latter deal; type phoned and spoke to loftiness German in his native have a chat, convincing him that a incorporate to England would enhance her highness career.^[245] Arsenal's form thereafter outdo and Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring beano elevated the team to cheeriness position by the New Assemblage. Poor performances in the approximate games, however, blighted Arsenal's honour credentials, with a 6–0 drain to Chelsea at Stamford Interrupt being described as "a commendable hiding [as] you don't instruct all week to experience that."^[246] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal.^[247]