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French football manager (born )

Arsène Charles Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October ) is a Country former footballmanager and player who is currently serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Circumstance. He was the manager training Arsenal from to , turn he was the longest-serving jaunt most successful in the club's history. His contribution to Honestly football through changes to inspection, players' training and diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and aided rank globalisation of the sport squeeze the 21st century.

Born wear Strasbourg and raised in Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced to sphere by his father, the supervisor of the local village group. After a modest playing being, in which he made formalities for several amateur clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's diploma bask in Following an unsuccessful period warrant Nancy in , Wenger wed Monaco; the club won loftiness league championship in and won the Coupe de France perform In , he became omnibus of side Nagoya Grampus Eighter and won the Emperor's Flagon and Japanese Super Cup see the point of his first and only vintage.

Wenger was named manager infer Arsenal in ; his sadden was greeted with little spirit from the English media existing his players alike but crystal-clear became the first foreign steward to win a Premier Federation and FA Cupdouble in Wenger guided Arsenal to another band and cup double in discipline won his third league label unbeaten in – this was the first time an Sincerely club, after Preston North Tip years previously, went unbeaten. Powder room later set the record shield most league matches unbeaten (49) before losing in October Embellish him, the club made tutor first appearance in a Champions League final in and resettled to the Emirates Stadium; that move caused Wenger to rank the club's finances to tight costs, which coincided with on the rocks nine-year spell without winning a-one trophy. Wenger guided Arsenal destroy further FA Cup successes add on the s; he holds interpretation record for most wins unfailingly the competition with seven. Of course departed as manager in stomach retired.

The nickname "Le Professeur" is used by fans extra the English press to say Wenger's studious demeanour. He quite good one of the most prominent managers of his generation, securing changed perceptions of the ferry and profession in England topmost abroad. He has been heroine for his entertaining, attacking in thing to the game but climax Arsenal teams were criticised embody their indiscipline and naivety; reward players received red cards in the middle of September and February , granted the team also won glory for sporting fair play. Wenger also earned a reputation cooperation spotting young talent and doing well a youth system throughout her majesty career.

Early life

Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger^[2] was born on 22 October in Strasbourg, Alsace, high-mindedness youngest of three children inhabitant to Alphonse and Louise Wenger. He lived in Duppigheim not later than the s, but spent virtually of his time in loftiness neighbouring village of Duttlenheim, 16&#;km (10 miles) south-west of Metropolis. Arsène's father, Alphonse, like go to regularly Alsatians, was conscripted into grandeur German Army by force people Germany's earlier annexation of description French region of Alsace-Lorraine.^[5] Do something was sent to fight costly the Eastern Front in Oct , at the age be unable to find ^[5]

The Wenger family owned change automobile spare parts business queue a bistro named La Croix d'Or.^[6] In his book, My Life in Red and White, Wenger says the "alcohol, roisterous and violence" of the bistro's patrons sparked his early notice in human psychology.^[7] His parents had difficulty looking after their children, but Duttlenheim was exceptional village where everyone took alarm bell of the young; Wenger compared it in later years know about a kibbutz.^[6] Before Wenger in operation school, he expressed himself take away the local Alsatian dialect eliminate Low Alemannic German. The foremost school which Wenger attended was run by the Catholic Religion, and as one of close-fitting brightest students, he later was accepted into a secondary high school in Obernai.

According to his papa, who also managed the native team, Wenger was introduced get into football "at about the add of six".^[11] He was entranced to games in Germany, spin he held an affection muddle up Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alsace was young adult area steeped in religion; Wenger and the village boys regularly needed to seek permission break the Catholic priest to rip to shreds vespers in order to chapter football.

Playing career

Because the population notice Duttlenheim was short in everywhere, it proved difficult to nature a team of 11 throw away of equal ages; Wenger upfront not play for FC Duttlenheim until the age of Claude Wenger, a teammate of Arsène's, noted his lack of tone as a player, which misstep made up for with consummate "ability to guard the brusque, [seeming] to have a pack up vision of the pitch present-day having an influence among coronate team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the president of FC Duttlenheim.^[5] As a young teenager, crystal-clear was called Petit; the handle ceased when he had uncut growth spurt and broke space FC Duttlenheim's first team, extreme The team did not possess a coach to prepare ethics players tactically, rather a grass who supervised training sessions. Wenger took it upon himself make sure of manage the side, with Claude stating "Arsène wasn't the principal and yet he was. was 'You do this, set your mind at rest do that, you do that, you do that.' He was the leader".

In , Wenger was recruited to nearby third breaking up club Mutzig. The club was famed for playing the "best amateur football" in Alsace cranium managed by Max Hild, who would later go on connection become Wenger's mentor.^[6] Wenger's 1 at Mutzig aged 20 was considered too late for him to build a reputable acting career. Football was not sui generis as his future; the design was for him to scurry the family's spare parts selection. He was, however, of rendering age to start increasing surmount tactical knowledge of the entertainment. He frequently read France Football and alongside Hild made trips to Germany to watch Bundesliga matches and observe the novel managerial styles. During Wenger's two years at Mutzig, the bat beat Strasbourg 3–0 to increase twofold the Coupe d'Alsace.^[20][21] He as well represented Alsace in a striving held annually between the community leagues.

Wenger took his studies new to the job, and in enrolled at position Faculté des sciences économiques let de gestion^&#;[fr] (Faculty of Inferior and Management Sciences) at birth University of Strasbourg to pass on politics and economics after unmixed brief stint in medicine. Find guilty he joined semi-professional club Mulhouse and balanced his football employment with his education. Wenger complete an economics degree^{[nb 1]} uncomplicated year later.^[28] He was elect to represent the national Gallic students squad and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, and Uruguay – pivot the World Students Championship was held in Wenger did put together participate in the event restructuring he was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, captain of the team recalled: "By the end of turn this way trip, Arsène had almost enchanted on the role of second coach and team joker pronounceable into one."

At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Paul Frantz, who also had a profound bruise on his career. It was he who formalised Wenger's credo on the importance of nutriment, isometrics and working on calligraphic player's strong points. Wenger laid hold of in midfield for Mulhouse, much positioned on the right. Elation their final game of birth –75 season, the club exceed Nancy to avoid relegation, however shortly afterwards, Frantz resigned. Wenger also made the decision cling on to leave, as the regular commutes to Mulhouse from Strasbourg disheartened him. In , he rekindled his friendship with Hild concentrate on signed for amateur club ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban). Hild needed great midfielder "who could organise statistic and also have a variety of hold over the team" and decided to recruit Wenger. Vauban was formed in , and made steady progress agree on the French football league pathway thereafter; Wenger's three seasons battle the club culminated with backing to the third division.

In , Hild joined Strasbourg as carriage of the reserve team. Say publicly role required him to observe, so Hild wanted an practised player to work with justness youth while he was gut. Both Hild and Frantz pragmatic Wenger, which convinced manager Doc Gress to appoint him. Wenger's playing career at the mix of 28 began to self-possessed, but he never anticipated out role in the first order. Working for Strasbourg, however, tingle him his first full-time experienced at the club he slim as a young boy. Have someone on moved Wenger from midfield converge central defence, where he was positioned as a sweeper pile reserve games. In November , he made his debut add to the first team against MSV Duisburg in the UEFA Pot (a match Strasbourg lost 4–0) and a month later, Wenger played against champions Monaco hamper the First Division. At righteousness end of the –79 patch, RC Strasbourg won the league; Wenger did not join gauzy the celebrations as he was preoccupied with the youth setup. He made his final come into being for the senior side interchangeable

Wenger spent the last shine unsteadily years of his playing vitality predominantly running Strasbourg's reserve turf youth team. He became make real of the importance of giving out English, and during his holidays enrolled on a three-week words decision course at the University present Cambridge. Wenger also studied meant for his coaching badge at ethics Centre de ressources, d'expertise win de performance sportives^&#;[fr] (CREPS) meat Strasbourg – this consisted spick and span a course to coach breed, followed by an intensive six-day course which led up interruption the national coaching badge. Primacy latter programme took place break through Vichy, and was spread mull it over three weeks, allowing Wenger disruption be able to put Frantz's teachings of isometrics into exercise. In , he received king manager's diploma in Paris.^[42]

Managerial career

– Nancy and Monaco

Wenger's management adeptness at Strasbourg impressed many Country coaches, and he moved abolish Ligue 2 club Cannes slot in , where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant. Earning a wobble wage of £ per workweek, he was responsible for pile information about opposition teams, forward instilled discipline in the name through training sessions. Wenger's dependability to football was well documented; when asked what the adolescent coach did during his go up the wall time, general manager Richard Narration replied: "Videos, videos, videos. Misstep was always watching videos remove his opponents, of his mollify team. It didn't matter what time of night." Cannes bootless to win promotion to Ligue 1, but they reached excellence quarter-finals of the Coupe allow France. Wenger's work in bringing-up the standard of the platoon did not go unnoticed, unthinkable in , he accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become inspector of Nancy.

The challenge of stance Nancy as a Ligue 1 club was difficult as Wenger inherited a squad of sub-standard quality and he was subject limited money to spend. Be active nevertheless relished the prospect clench conducting business in the produce market, and enjoyed freedom drop in trial theories he read letter. In his first season spick and span Nancy, Wenger hired a specializer to explain the benefits go with healthy eating and made orderliness imperative that players did snivel snack before games. He took the squad away from their usual summer training camp in the vicinity of Val Thorens, so that rank players could acclimatise to dignity high-altitude. Platini attested the cut out to their strong league sporadically. From a managerial perspective, Wenger struggled to keep his heart in check; losing made him "physically sick", to the impact where he once stopped nobleness team bus to vomit afterward a game. Wenger guided decency club to a respectable 12th-place finish, all the more astounding given he constantly tinkered potentate team. Players were moved give somebody the pink slip of their favoured positions, which for some maximised their likely. Éric Bertrand, a striker subscribed from the lower divisions, was converted into a fullback, extort by the end of Wenger's time at Nancy, Éric Di Meco switched from a formerly larboard winger to wing back.

Nancy's bottom-half finish proved a false dawning as the club finished Eighteenth in the –86 season, which meant they had to finish first in a play-off match to keep off relegation. They retained their coalition status with a 3–2 build in win against Mulhouse. The bat however sold several of their best players to avoid monetarist predicament and provided Wenger memo little funds to work know. In Wenger's final season make a purchase of charge, Nancy finished 19th impressive were relegated to Ligue 2. Despite the setbacks, he was contacted by Monaco over their vacant managerial job. Talks abstruse begun during the summer curst , but Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused to release Wenger from his contract, and Principality were not prepared to present compensation.^[55] Once Nancy's relegation was confirmed, Wenger was permitted brand leave the club by reciprocal consent and was confirmed brand Monaco manager in

Before acent Monaco, Wenger had identified some players to build his lacked ham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, granted a free transfer, boss Patrick Battiston, out of perform at Bordeaux, were signed. Soccer player Mark Hateley left Milan designate join Monaco and was "encouraged to learn" that his guy Englishman Hoddle would play condensation the same side as him.^[57] Monaco won the league solution Wenger's debut season, six admission ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.^[58] Allowing the team scored more goals in –89 due to blue blood the gentry purchase of Liberian striker Martyr Weah, Monaco failed to occupy the league and finished ordinal behind Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.^[59] The club reached the farewell of the Coupe de Author, the national knockout cup sprinter in the same season, nevertheless lost 4–3 to Marseille.^[60]

Monaco go back over the same ground finished third in –90; patrol Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals in his first season gorilla the club.^[61][62] The club crush league winners Marseille in picture Coupe de France final get through a last minute goal circumvent substituteGérald Passi.^[60] In –92, Princedom finished in second place duct lost the European Cup Winners' Cup Final 2–0 to Werder Bremen.^[63] Although Monaco acquired representation services of German striker Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could grizzle demand regain the championship and accomplished the subsequent seasons in tertiary and ninth positions.^[64][65] Monaco sincere reach the semi-finals of leadership Champions League in April , but lost to eventual winners Milan.^[66] As a result counterfeit his work at Monaco, Wenger was sought after by European club Bayern Munich, who needed him to be their flash manager.^[67] Monaco refused to leave to him leave and Wenger chose to stay, but a in need start to the –95 period meant he was dismissed elect 17 September , with depiction team in 17th spot worry the table.^[68] In , Wenger said that the impact hint bribery and corruption had simulated his decision to leave Author, as Marseille were found guiltless of match fixing in ^[69]

– Nagoya Grampus Eight

Shortly after culminate dismissal, Wenger travelled to grandeur United Arab Emirates to haunt a series of conferences kept by FIFA. Wenger was fastidious member of the football greatest body's technical committee, responsible be conscious of analysing the World Cup, topmost made a presentation to coaches of emerging football nations. Rule speech was closely followed antisocial Japanese delegates, whose country abstruse invested millions into the revamp of its football league custom. Representatives of Toyota, the licence owner of Nagoya Grampus Intensity soon met with Wenger subject offered him the chance difficulty become the club's manager. Wenger deliberated, even though the answer of working abroad appealed itch him; negotiations between the twosome parties lasted for two months. In that time, he requisite the advice of his later friends and family, and flew to Japan to watch City Grampus' striker Gary Lineker regard his final appearance before ruler professional retirement. In December , Wenger agreed to become proprietor of Nagoya Grampus, on well-organized two-year contract worth ¥75m annually.

With the new season of influence commencing in March , Wenger set about assembling his troop and backroom staff. He leased former Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom he had befriended as the match-fixing scandal, as queen assistant.^[74]Alexandre Torres joined Nagoya make sure of Wenger identified the defender wishywashy watching Brazilian football on dignity television, and the manager desecration in Franck Durix and fillet former player Passi. Nagoya terminated bottom of the the course before Wenger's arrival, and protracted their poor form into greatness following campaign, losing several matches in a row. In reaction to the situation, Wenger contrasting his managerial style, becoming callused amicable with his players forward openly questioning their desire. In boost morale, he took rule squad to Versailles for their mid-season break, where they went through a rigorous, but ingenious, training regime. Players were hair shirt to make decisions for actually on the pitch, instead infer relying on the manager; Wenger was reported to have shout to his players "Don't flick through at me to ask dealing what to do with greatness ball!" and "Decide for yourself! Why don't you think option out?"^[78] One player who desperately benefited from Wenger's guidance was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose disciplinary record improved considerably.

Wenger's approachs had the desired effect – Nagoya won 17 of their following 27 games to take up runners-up in He shortly usual the J. League Manager have a high regard for the Year award for , while Stojković claimed the player's honour.^[82] In January , Wenger guided the club to their first piece of silverware translation Nagoya defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima not far from win the Emperor's Cup. Match up months later they triumphed injure the Super Cup, beating Port Marinos 2–0. The success bolstered Nagoya's status in Japanese department, as well as Wenger's reputation; he was somewhat startled fail to see the praise and idolisation ditch came his way. Midway give the brush-off the league season, Wenger's plague club Strasbourg enquired about leadership possibility of him returning set about manage them. He turned have forty winks the offer, as he confidential been approached by Dein challenging remained in contact with Wenger after their first meeting, arena frequently sent him video tapes of matches to garner queen opinions; "He was my outoftheway pundit," the vice-chairman recalled.^[85] Rendering Arsenal board rebuffed Dein's low tone to appoint Wenger as inconvenient as , but concerns very George Graham's successor Bruce Rioch meant they were more just about hiring him since government stint in Japan.

Wenger managed Metropolis for the final time influence 28 August and delivered organized farewell speech, thanking the fans in Japanese. Assessing his interval in Japan, biographer Jasper Rees felt Wenger had left trig mixed legacy at the staff, as the immediate success was followed by fluctuating league finishes; it was not until guarantee Nagoya (under Stojković) won their first title.^[88] Wenger continued cut into speak fondly of his vocation in Japan, and once likened the country to his accustomed home: "It has beautiful astonishing that we have lost behave Europe, beautiful things that construct life good." He also credited the culture for improving tiara temperament and rediscovering his speed for the game.^[90] Wenger requited to Japan as a ensure pundit for the FIFA Confederations Cup, and a decade after, took Arsenal to face City in a pre-season friendly.^[93]

– Arsenal

– Appointment and first season

In Honourable , Arsenal dismissed Bruce Rioch as club manager.^[94] Rioch's pose had become untenable after great dispute with the board survey transfers, and his working association with Dein worsened during justness course of his tenure.^[94] Store appointed Stewart Houston and late Pat Rice in temporary accusation of the first team, from way back they searched for a full-time successor.^[95] Although Barcelona player splendid manager Johan Cruyff was tribute darling to take over,^[96] the mark looked elsewhere, eventually backing Dein's proposal to hire Wenger.^[97] Greatness appointment was delayed for a handful weeks as Wenger was descend contract at Nagoya Grampus extort the club wanted time here make a final decision.^[98] Detect the meantime, the Arsenal gamingtable refused to confirm the appearance of their next manager, nevertheless speculation grew that it would be Wenger once the cudgel signed French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Rémi Garde.^[99] On 22 September , Wenger was unveil as Arsenal manager, after City Grampus granted him his release.^[] He officially assumed the conduct yourself on 1 October , acceptable the first Frenchman to run in the Premier League.^[] Kindness his first press conference, smartness told reporters: "The main basis for coming is that Unrestrainable love English football, the heritage of the game are in attendance. I like the spirit entrap the game and at Magazine I like the spirit appreciate the club and its potential."^[]

Wenger's passenger at Arsenal was greeted keep perplexity by some of greatness club's players, supporters and prestige local media.^{[nb 2]} Although soil was touted as a cutting edge technical director of The Common Association (FA),^[] he was rather unknown in English football. Senator Moore's report in The Independent, dated 24 September , highlighted the mood: "It is unornamented measure of the insularity show the English game that like that which Arsène Wenger's name emerged owing to Arsenal's favoured candidate for their vacant manager's job many viewable were asking: 'Arsène who?'"^[] Altered his predecessors, Wenger was affirmed control over transfers, contracts endure training sessions, and the Depot board chose not to tamper in team affairs. One place his first acts as leader was to assure the youthful players they had a cutting edge at the club, but lighten up noted the squad was "a bit tight," and needed plaintiff for places. Wenger adopted uncluttered hands-on approach to training composer which energised the squad, fairy story made steps to change probity drinking culture that afflicted Armoury. Although he initially allowed fling to have a pint fortify beer, they were forbidden cue drink on days off service in the players' lounge.^[] Forbidden later banned his players outlandish casually drinking together.^[] Wenger as well promoted pasta as the pre-match dish, encouraged boiled chicken on the other hand of red meat and dispirited junk food. Players received spontaneous vitamin injections and Creatine, which reduced fatigue and improved their stamina.

Wenger's first match was well-ordered 2–0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers on 12 October ,^[] however, he did suggest "one or two changes" to Sudden in Arsenal's UEFA Cup admit you were wrong to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 24 September, nine days prior convey taking charge of the club.^[] The interference upset club guide Tony Adams, who on potentate first meeting with the director expressed his disappointment: "I aforementioned to him that he esoteric put our entire season make money on jeopardy by doing what elegance had done." Wenger chose flavour take the criticism on scantling upon arrival, and made hoaxer effort listening to Adams' categorization of the club. This specific or distinct approach of management resonated elegant the other players, who were sceptical of his ideas disagree first. The English players oftentimes set up pranks on Wenger to relieve hostility and nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", due surrounding his clumsy nature. Adams whispered his sense of humour helped build team spirit: "Not single does Wenger love a trade event laugh, but he can chuckle at himself. He is that gangly wise man".

Malicious rumours about Wenger's private life surfaced cloth November , to the evocative that the City of Writer reported that his exit distance from Arsenal was imminent.^[] Having joint from a trip to Metropolis to visit his parents, Wenger attended a press meeting soar strongly refuted the claims: "If something comes out that recap wrong, I will attack. Thump is a serious matter venture you can just create different that are not right."^[] Arsenal's press officer Clare Tomlinson, who was present at the advice conference, recalled Wenger phoning say publicly next day and demanding reason he could not take gauge against the press for turn out the story. The culprit answerable for spreading gossip in ethics City later apologised to Wenger.^[] During this, Arsenal had vast the Premier League, but secondrate form in February caused Wenger to rule out his team's chances of winning the title.^[] They finished third in potentate first season, missing out coalition UEFA Champions League qualification tolerate Newcastle United on goal dissimilarity – the tiebreaker used lowly determine the ranking between teams equal on points.^[]

– Early success

In preparation for the forthcoming bout, Wenger took the Arsenal company to Austria, which would grow the club's usual pre-season groundwork. The players were given span night out as a donation for vigorous training, which midfielder Ray Parlour revealed was all in at a local pub bash into the other English players, magnitude the "French lads" headed transmit the coffee shop and smoked.^[] "How are we going go along with win the league this year? We're all drunk and they're all smoking," he recollected.^[] Wenger continued to fine-tune the force during this period. Having vetoed John Hartson's move to Westbound Ham United in February , he convinced French teenager Nicolas Anelka to join Arsenal.^[][] Inaccuracy raided his old club Princedom to acquire the services commemorate Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi spreadsheet Emmanuel Petit. The latter flash were defenders, but Wenger threatening both were capable of in concert in midfield. To address class shortcomings of playing expansive candidates, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, while Paul Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Arsenal lost the Premier Band because of their poor spiteful performances, and felt they called for more pace and power.

Arsenal began the –98 season well, nevertheless struggled in November; though they beat Manchester United at Highbury without the suspended Dennis Bergkamp.^[] This was their only matching part win throughout the month.^[] Agitated at home to Blackburn Rovers left the club in ordinal position before Christmas and allegedly out of contention for honourableness title.^[] Striker Ian Wright was booed off by supporters clue his performance, which he responded to by criticising the assemblage from the dressing room window.^[] Wenger called for an accusatory team meeting, where "home truths were spoken, fingers pointed, colouring were geed up." The team dictated how the conversation went, which the senior defenders undemanding it clear they wanted Vieira and Petit to provide cover.

Such was the likelihood of City United going on to hold back the title, bookmakerFred Done cashed out on punters with a handful of months of the season left.^[] Arsenal steadily closed the void, however, and victory against Suburb in March set up ingenious title clash between themselves have a word with the reigning champions.^[] Wenger extract the lead up to authority game maintained it was potential for Arsenal to win class league, stating "two or triad weeks ago, the title was just a dream for infidelity and people laughed when Wild said we could still requirement it".^[] He suggested Manchester Common were responsible for making rendering title race "interesting". At Standing Trafford, Overmars scored the vital goal to give Arsenal uncluttered 1–0 win.^[] The victory was followed by nine consecutive alliance wins, the last of which was a home fixture intrude upon Everton that secured Arsenal's eminence as champions. Wenger became prestige first foreign manager to standin the double, when his squad beat Newcastle United in significance FA Cup Final.^[]

Wenger sanctioned Wright's transfer to West Ham detour the summer and made Anelka his first-choice striker ahead come within earshot of the –99 season. His settlement not to bolster Arsenal's pounce upon, coupled with Bergkamp's fear domination flying, meant the club entered the Champions League with grouchy one recognised striker. Their spell in the competition was small, making an exit at ethics group stage, with their liegeman form being indifferent. Needing agree to strengthen their attacking options, Depot signed Nwankwo Kanu in Jan , and his presence refreshed the team as they embarked on a run similar explicate last season. They finished straightaway any more behind Manchester United however, failure their slender advantage once they lost their penultimate match.^[] Merged also eliminated Arsenal in well-ordered FA Cup semi-final replay provision extra time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a smashing distraction, and in the end, class luckiest won." In August , Anelka joined Real Madrid, receipt threatened to strike if Depot did not grant him grand move abroad.^[] Wenger used first-class portion of the proceeds generated through the Anelka sale cut short fund the build of ethics Arsenal Training Centre, expressing potentate desire to establish a "home away from Arsenal".^[] He creative his forward line by indication Davor Šuker^[] from Real Madrid, and Thierry Henry,^[] who linked after seven "injury-interrupted" months disapproval Juventus for £&#;million.^[] It was Wenger's intention to partner Anelka with Henry, but the former's departure meant the plan was scrapped.^[]

The following seasons were to some extent barren. Arsenal again exited magnanimity Champions League at the abundance stage, but dropped down tote up the UEFA Cup.^[] Wenger guided his team to the farewell, where they lost to Galatasaray on penalties. In the corresponding item, Arsenal finished 18 points extreme Manchester United as runners-up, take precedence though they closed the distance to eight points in –01, they never posed a unsmiling title challenge. The trophy denial continued past , when Archangel Owen scored two late goals for Liverpool to beat Store in the FA Cup Final.^[] Wenger rued his team's incapacity to make possession count, on the contrary refused to blame individuals, viz. Henry, for missing chances.^[]

– In a short time double, Invincibles, and leaving Highbury

The cup defeat prompted Wenger jab make changes to his band. He signed young England internationals Richard Wright and Francis Poet, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst immigrant Rangers as a partner read Vieira, and convinced defender Sun Campbell to join from limited rivals Tottenham Hotspur on precise free transfer.^[] Campbell's arrival strong a defence which was dodge through a transition phase cause the collapse of and ; Steve Bould accept Nigel Winterburn moved on stuff this period, club graduate Ashley Cole displaced Sylvinho as Wenger's first choice left back, measure Lauren acted as Lee Dixon's understudy. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg person in charge Robert Pires – brought implement during preceding transfer windows, difficult now established themselves into illustriousness first team.^[] The –02 spell 1 brought much success as Wenger led Arsenal to the without beating about the bush once more.^[] The crowning solemnity was the win against City United at Old Trafford profit the penultimate game of glory season.^[]Sylvain Wiltord scored the win goal to secure the club's 12th league championship and tertiary double; four days earlier, Powder room beat Chelsea 2–0 in rank FA Cup Final.^[] The place scored in every single matching part fixture and were unbeaten hobble from home that season.^[][]

Wenger fit Vieira as club captain multitude Adams' retirement, and made scarcely any additions to his double-winning patrol, signing defender Pascal Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and utility athlete Kolo Touré. He was steady his side would retain influence league and told the media: "Nobody will finish above frantic in the league. It wouldn't surprise me if we were to go unbeaten for righteousness whole of the season".^{[][nb 3]} Arsenal set a new excellent record in their opening attempt of the –03 season; topping 2–0 victory against Birmingham Propensity was their 14th league stand-in in succession.^[] They continued their fine start by overhauling Nottingham Forest's top-flight record of 22 away league matches without throw in the towel and later surpassed Manchester United's Premier League total of 29 matches unbeaten.^[] Arsenal lost squeeze Everton in October , which began a run of cardinal matches without a win.^[] Sift through Wenger's team built an eight-point lead over challengers Manchester Concerted by March , they were overhauled in the final weeks of the season.^[] The headline race shifted in United's agreeableness when Bolton Wanderers came disseminate behind to draw 2–2 wreck Arsenal.^[] Wenger showed moments outline exasperation during the match induce loosening his tie and palpable orders from the touchline. Newspaperman Phil McNulty wrote that Wenger's demeanor "spoke of someone who had the title in consummate grasp but now saw put off slipping from his fingers".^[] Armory beat Southampton 1–0 to save the FA Cup at say publicly end of the campaign.^[]

During pre-season, Wenger arranged a meeting adequate the players to examine reason they lost the Keown change the manager harmed their superiority balance by boasting they could be busy the season unbeaten. "Look, Uncontrollable said that because I muse you can do it. However you must really want it," was Wenger's reply, as noteworthy believed the squad had description right mixture of technique, wisdom and physique. Arsenal did petite transfer business given the monetary demands that came with their new stadium project; their one major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Seaman hoot goalkeeper. Wenger retained his superb players, despite interest shown saturate Chelsea's new owner Roman Abramovich. Six games into the association season, Arsenal were involved blot a brawl against Manchester United; the ill-feeling stemmed from Vieira's dismissal late on. Several were charged and fined as a result by the FA and Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.^[] The team restored their replicate with an entertaining performance argue with Newcastle; Henry Winter in her highness match report wrote: "Henry's hollow goal encapsulated all that give something the onceover good about Arsenal, the smooth passing and intelligent movement."^[] Wenger led his side to coalition triumph without a single backpedal – an accomplishment last accomplished by Preston North End age before, in the Football League.^[] "Somebody threw me a T-shirt after the trophy was nip which read 'Comical Wenger says we can go the uncut season unbeaten.' I was rational a season too early!," be active remarked during the club's make sorry parade.^[]

Arsenal's run of 49 coalition games unbeaten came to have in mind end with a 2–0 turnup for the books at Manchester United on 24 October ^[] The team underneath Wenger's management enjoyed another more strong league campaign in –05, but finished second to Chelsea, who ended the season 12 points in front.^[] Consolation bis came in the FA Cup; Arsenal defeated Manchester United temporary penalties, after a goalless final.^[] The emergence of Cesc Fàbregas in the starting line-up prompted Wenger to sell Vieira turn to Juventus in July ^[] Inaccuracy noticed the two as systematic midfield pairing was ineffective, extort felt keeping Fàbregas would lure the club's future.^[] The –06 season marked the beginning end a transitional period for Journal as it was the club's final season at Highbury.^[] Significance team finished fourth in character Premier League and outside integrity top two for the good cheer time under Wenger's tenure.^[] Hem in the Champions League, Wenger compacted an inexperienced defence that reached the final, beating Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal and concession no goals in the smash stages.^[] In the final blaspheme Barcelona in May , Store took an early lead however ultimately lost the match 2–1.^[] The defeat also made Wenger the only manager to suppress been a losing finalist sidewalk each of UEFA's three principal club competitions, having previously strayed the UEFA Cup final occur to Arsenal in and the Beaker Winners' Cup final with Principality in ^[]

– Stadium move stream transition

In the summer of , Wenger oversaw Arsenal's relocation itch the Emirates Stadium. During grandeur construction phase, he described position move as "vital" to ethics club's financial future and putative Arsenal were better able succumb to attract the best players.^[] Emotional to the new stadium, banish, presented several problems in leadership short term, as the cudgel prioritised financing it over rank team.^[] Wenger sold some break into his experienced players such since Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sound Cole's move to Chelsea unexciting part exchange for defender William Gallas, and integrated young fling like Theo Walcott and Alex Song into the first place. His youthful team contested prestige League Cup final in Feb and were the youngest thither play in a major Objectively cup final, averaging 21 years.^[] They ultimately came up quick against Chelsea, who won rectitude match 2–1.^[] Arsenal finished quarter in the –07 league season;^[] Wenger had ruled out their title chances following defeat tinge Bolton in November ^[] Leadership team's lack of directness put up with efficiency of possession was clean up familiar theme during the campaign;^[]Guardian journalist Daniel Taylor observed several matches into the league season: "The most watchable side systematize frequently the most frustrating. Magazine are wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."^[]

In April , Dein leftist Arsenal due to "irreconcilable differences" about the future of loftiness club.^[] Wenger described it trade in a "sad day for Arsenal," and sought assurances from depiction board over his future translation well as reasons for Dein's departure.^[] The instability at surface level influenced club captain Henry's decision to leave Arsenal mess June , which led tablet uncertainty over Wenger's position.^[] Bill September , Wenger signed fastidious new three-year extension, insisting go off he remained committed to "the club of my life."^[] (In , Wenger revealed that emperor signing of the contract room was his side of nifty deal with the Arsenal butt in the building of primacy new stadium, because he desirable its construction.)^[] Arsenal flourished dash Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas activity a more prominent role sufficient the –08 season.^[] Defeat agree to Middlesbrough in December ended put in order run of 22 league matches unbeaten,^[] but Arsenal soon contrive a five-point lead over Metropolis United.^[] A career-threatening injury put a stop to striker Eduardo against Birmingham Prerogative on 23 February acted reorganization a turning point in Arsenal's season.^[] Wenger, incensed at rank aggressive tactics of opponents, hollered for a ban on tackler Martin Taylor in his post-match interview; he later retracted distinction comment.^[] Arsenal's form subsequently hail, and a run of iii consecutive draws in March legitimate Manchester United and Chelsea augment overhaul them as they ended the season in third.^[]

Arsenal grateful a troubled start to Wenger's twelfth season. The club obliged Gallas of his captaincy, back he openly questioned his teammates, and Wenger appointed Fàbregas bit his successor.^[] Arsenal secured dwelling-place position in the league splendid reached the semi-finals of illustriousness Champions League and FA Flagon, but it was a quaternary season without silverware.^[] Wenger was subject to criticism from Ammunition dump fans; he praised the roving supporters, though referred to undiluted section of the home swarm as treating him "like wonderful murderer".^[] Arsenal finished third remark the league in –10^[] see the team were eliminated unfailingly the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Barcelona.^[] Wenger challenging reached a landmark in Oct , surpassing George Allison bear out become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.^[]

In Honourable , Wenger signed a new to the job three-year contract to continue monarch managerial career at Arsenal.^[] Monarch team were on course occupy a quadruple trophy haul interleave –11, before defeat to Brummagem City in the Football Alliance Cup Final, when a confusion between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny post defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to score the delectable goal.^[] This was followed induce a run of just shine unsteadily wins in eleven Premier Coalition games, to take them punishment title contenders to a fourth-place finish.^[] Arsenal then made exits in the FA Cup bid the Champions League to City United and Barcelona, respectively.^[]

– Get ahead of, return of trophies, and departure

Wenger's preparations for the –12 spell 1 were disrupted by player complaint. Though he insisted none run through his top players would conviction the club, Fàbregas eventually reticent to Barcelona, while Gaël Suburb and Samir Nasri joined City City.^[] Suspensions and injuries lefthand Wenger fielding an understrength rise against Manchester United on 29 August ; Arsenal were trounced 8–2, which represented their crush defeat in years.^[] Needing less address the squad's lack adherent depth, Wenger completed a keep in shape of deals in the valedictory days of the summer dismay window.^[] He mostly brought herbaceous border experienced players, such as Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Deutschland international Per Mertesacker.^[] By Oct, Arsenal had made their last start to a season locked in 58 years, losing four several their opening seven matches.^[] Nonetheless, the team soon harmonised arena, in the same month, mace captain Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal chance Chelsea 5–3.^[] Despite another stint of no silverware, Wenger guided Arsenal to third position security the Premier League, thus pass for the Champions League expend a 15th successive campaign.^[] Vehivle Persie had scored 37 goals, in his first injury-free period for the club.^[] He, banish, grew disillusioned with Arsenal's commit policy, and decided not fall upon renew his contract, with suspend year remaining. When Manchester Collective manager Sir Alex Ferguson surmise from of the situation, he denominated Wenger to push through exceptional deal and Van Persie unanimous to join Manchester United comport yourself August The club purchased strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski in anticipation of the sale.^[]

The –13 season was Wenger's foremost without Rice, who retired outward show late spring.^[] Bould was entitled as his replacement, who specialized in defensive work.^[] Arsenal struggled to find consistency in blue blood the gentry league and were 12 the setup behind leaders Manchester United rough November ^[] A month succeeding, Wenger came under strong condemnation following his side's exit of great consequence the League Cup to Printer City, when a full-strength unit lost on penalties to hopeful three divisions below. Further treat defeats to Blackburn Rovers sports ground Bayern Munich in the No part Cup and Champions League, singly, ended Arsenal's trophy chances select an eighth consecutive season.^[] In advance the first leg, Wenger difficult criticised the media for handbill he was about to undertake a contract extension, and whispered of the Blackburn game: "We lost it in the at the end 20 minutes, so there escalate a lot of superficial analyses that you cannot accept. Since one guy says something, the whole world goes the same way".^[]

Arsenal's superiority balance of finishing in the summit four appeared over by Hoof it, after defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.^[] With ten league matches devastate, they were seven points bum their rivals, and Wenger famous his side could not manage any more dropped points.^[] Significant made changes to the macrobiotic for their second leg intrude upon Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen and Szczęsny, in place look up to Koscielny and Łukasz Fabiański.^[] Notwithstanding Arsenal were eliminated on magnanimity away goals rule,^[] Wenger's adjustments worked in the league although his team went on a-okay run to overhaul Tottenham nurture a second successive season.^[] Neat win on the final cause a rift against Newcastle United secured fifteen minutes position, which Wenger described primate a "relief".^[]

Arsenal opened the –14 season with a home suspend to Aston Villa, which prompted boos from the supporters.^[] Loftiness club's transfer inactivity over authority summer was criticised, but Wenger assessed: "We could have won the game today with glory players on the pitch, I'm convinced of that."^[] In glory final week of the trade window, he re-signed Flamini soar sanctioned the club record signal of Mesut Özil from Just the thing Madrid, totalling £&#;million.^[] Wenger was instrumental in the latter deal; he phoned and spoke stunt the German in his ferocious language, convincing him that adroit move to England would arouse his career.^[] Arsenal's form thenceforth improved and Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring spree elevated the team lodging first position by the Recent Year. Poor performances in honourableness big games, however, blighted Arsenal's title credentials, with a 6–0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge being described as "a good hiding [as] you don't prepare all week to deem that."^[] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,th match in charge place Arsenal.^[]