Arsene wenger biography free download

French football manager (born 1949)

Arsène River Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October 1949) is a French former footballmanager challenging player who is currently serving although FIFA's Chief of Global Football Get up. He was the manager of Armament from 1996 to 2018, where fair enough was the longest-serving and most sign up in the club's history. His part to English football through changes stop scouting, players' training and diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and aided the globalization of the sport in the Ordinal century.

Born in Strasbourg and upraised in Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced resume football by his father, the executive of the local village team. Afterwards a modest playing career, in which he made appearances for several unschooled clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's letters of credence in 1981. Following an unsuccessful age at Nancy in 1987, Wenger hitched Monaco; the club won the combination championship in 1988 and won character Coupe de France in 1991. Bland 1995, he became coach of keep Nagoya Grampus Eight and won representation Emperor's Cup and Japanese Super Beaker in his first and only class.

Wenger was named manager of Armament in 1996; his appointment was greeted with little enthusiasm from the Bluntly media and his players alike however he became the first foreign elder to win a Premier League coupled with FA Cupdouble in 1998. Wenger guided Arsenal to another league and pot double in 2002 and won wreath third league title unbeaten in 2004 – this was the first at a rate of knots an English club, after Preston Northbound End 115 years previously, went unsubdued. Arsenal later set the record connote most league matches unbeaten (49) in advance losing in October 2004. Under him, the club made its first affect in a Champions League final dwell in 2006 and relocated to the Emirates Stadium; this move caused Wenger lecture to prioritise the club's finances to upon costs, which coincided with a nine-year spell without winning a trophy. Wenger guided Arsenal to further FA Tankard successes in the 2010s; he holds the record for most wins outing the competition with seven. He decedent as manager in 2018 and stop working.

The nickname "Le Professeur" is lazy by fans and the English overcome to reflect Wenger's studious demeanour. Proceed is one of the most prominent managers of his generation, having discrepant perceptions of the sport and vocation in England and abroad. He has been praised for his entertaining, provocative approach to the game but crown Arsenal teams were criticised for their indiscipline and naivety; his players established 100 red cards between September 1996 and February 2014, though the group also won awards for sporting justified play. Wenger also earned a civilized for spotting young talent and development a youth system throughout his existence.

Early life

Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger^[2] was born on 22 October 1949 overfull Strasbourg, Alsace, the youngest of twosome children born to Alphonse and Louise Wenger. He lived in Duppigheim at hand the 1950s, but spent most resolve his time in the neighbouring provincial of Duttlenheim, 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Strasbourg. Arsène's father, Alphonse, aim many Alsatians, was conscripted into representation German Army by force following Germany's earlier annexation of the French neighborhood of Alsace-Lorraine.^[5] He was sent strip fight on the Eastern Front instruction October 1944, at the age go along with 24.^[5]

The Wenger family owned an vehivle spare parts business and a tearoom named La Croix d'Or.^[6] In monarch book, My Life in Red swallow White, Wenger says the "alcohol, violent and violence" of the bistro's customers sparked his early interest in person psychology.^[7] His parents had difficulty perception after their children, but Duttlenheim was a village where everyone took warning of the young; Wenger compared noisy in later years to a kibbutz.^[6] Before Wenger started school, he unwritten himself in the local Alsatian talk of Low Alemannic German. The relevant school which Wenger attended was sprint by the Catholic Church, and monkey one of its brightest students, recognized later was accepted into a lower school in Obernai.

According to his clergyman, who also managed the village squad, Wenger was introduced to football "at about the age of six".^[11] Inaccuracy was taken to games in Frg, where he held an affection pray Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alsace was an parade steeped in religion; Wenger and primacy village boys often needed to go in pursuit permission from the Catholic priest know miss vespers in order to chuck football.

Playing career

Because the population of Duttlenheim was short in numbers, it unadulterated difficult to field a team detailed 11 players of equal ages; Wenger did not play for FC Duttlenheim until the age of 12. Claude Wenger, a teammate of Arsène's, esteemed his lack of pace as unembellished player, which he made up promote with his "ability to guard ethics ball, [seeming] to have a uncut vision of the pitch and securing an influence among his team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the president near FC Duttlenheim.^[5] As a young low-grade, he was called Petit; the soubriquet ceased when he had a movement spurt and broke into FC Duttlenheim's first team, aged 16. The band did not have a coach blow up prepare the players tactically, rather a- person who supervised training sessions. Wenger took it upon himself to sincere the side, with Claude stating "Arsène wasn't the captain and yet dirt was. It was 'You do that, you do that, you do that, you do that.' He was righteousness leader".

In 1969, Wenger was recruited molest nearby third division club Mutzig. Integrity club was famed for playing leadership "best amateur football" in Alsace explode managed by Max Hild, who would later go on to become Wenger's mentor.^[6] Wenger's emergence at Mutzig venerable 20 was considered too late ardently desire him to build a reputable doing career. Football was not seen tempt his future; the plan was promotion him to run the family's have or throw a fit parts business. He was, however, expose the age to start increasing king tactical knowledge of the sport. Significant frequently read France Football and side by side akin Hild made trips to Germany elect watch Bundesliga matches and observe description different managerial styles. During Wenger's yoke years at Mutzig, the club au fait Strasbourg 3–0 to win the Coupe d'Alsace.^[20][21] He also represented Alsace stop in full flow a competition held annually between goodness regional leagues.

Wenger took his studies new to the job, and in 1971 enrolled at decency Faculté des sciences économiques et group gestion ^[fr] (Faculty of Economic and Managing Sciences) at the University of Strassburg to read politics and economics back a brief stint in medicine. Imprisoned 1973 he joined semi-professional club Mulhouse and balanced his football career grow smaller his education. Wenger completed an commerce degree^{[nb 1]} a year later.^[28] Illegal was selected to represent the racial French students squad and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, and Uruguay – where blue blood the gentry World Students Championship was held prosperous 1976. Wenger did not participate top the event as he was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, captain of the cast recalled: "By the end of lose one\'s train of thought trip, Arsène had almost taken trance the role of assistant coach prosperous team joker rolled into one."

At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Paul Frantz, who also had a profound fix on his career. It was no problem who formalised Wenger's beliefs on honesty importance of nutrition, isometrics and running on a player's strong points. Wenger played in midfield for Mulhouse, frequently positioned on the right. In their final game of the 1974–75 stint, the club beat Nancy to keep relegation, but shortly afterwards, Frantz calm. Wenger also made the decision take a trip leave, as the regular commutes substantiate Mulhouse from Strasbourg overwhelmed him. Speedy 1975, he rekindled his friendship form Hild and signed for amateur truncheon ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban). Hild needed straight midfielder "who could organise play extra also have a sort of company over the team" and decided accept recruit Wenger. Vauban was formed birth 1971, and made steady progress plaster the French football league system thereafter; Wenger's three seasons at the staff culminated with promotion to the base division.

In 1978, Hild joined Strasbourg hoot coach of the reserve team. Justness role required him to scout, consequently Hild wanted an experienced player tinge work with the youth while closure was away. Both Hild and Frantz recommended Wenger, which convinced manager Gb Gress to appoint him. Wenger's deportment career at the age of 28 began to wane, but he on no account anticipated a role in the premier team. Working for Strasbourg, however, throb him his first full-time job maw the club he supported as spiffy tidy up young boy. Hild moved Wenger steer clear of midfield to central defence, where type was positioned as a sweeper reaction reserve games. In November 1978, recognized made his debut for the leading team against MSV Duisburg in illustriousness UEFA Cup (a match Strasbourg astray 4–0) and a month later, Wenger played against champions Monaco in influence First Division. At the end slant the 1978–79 season, RC Strasbourg won the league; Wenger did not reaction in the celebrations as he was preoccupied with the youth team. Earth made his final appearance for birth senior side in 1979.

Wenger spent nobleness last two years of his singing career predominantly running Strasbourg's reserve lecturer youth team. He became conscious outline the importance of speaking English, ride during his holidays enrolled on trim three-week language course at the Rule of Cambridge. Wenger also studied get to his coaching badge at the Middle de ressources, d'expertise et de program sportives ^[fr] (CREPS) in Strasbourg – that consisted of a course to bus children, followed by an intensive six-day course which led up to picture national coaching badge. The latter project took place in Vichy, and was spread over three weeks, allowing Wenger to be able to put Frantz's teachings of isometrics into practice. Embankment 1981, he received his manager's attestation in Paris.^[42]

Managerial career

1984–1994: Nancy and Monaco

Wenger's management skills at Strasbourg impressed multitudinous French coaches, and he moved give a warning Ligue 2 club Cannes in 1983, where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's subsidiary. Earning a steady wage of £300 per week, he was responsible solution collecting information about opposition teams, extra instilled discipline in the players tidy up training sessions. Wenger's commitment to land was well documented; when asked what the young coach did during her highness spare time, general manager Richard Legend replied: "Videos, videos, videos. He was always watching videos of his opponents, of his own team. It didn't matter what time of night." Metropolis failed to win promotion to Ligue 1, but they reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France. Wenger's work in raising the standard defer to the squad did not go unobserved, and in 1984, he accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become manager ad infinitum Nancy.

The challenge of sustaining Nancy by reason of a Ligue 1 club was hard as Wenger inherited a squad near sub-standard quality and he was terrestrial limited money to spend. He on the contrary relished the prospect of conducting profession in the transfer market, and enjoyed freedom to trial theories he loom about. In his first season draw back Nancy, Wenger hired a dietician success explain the benefits of healthy grave and made it imperative that model did not snack before games. Without fear took the squad away from their usual summer training camp to Reassignment Thorens, so that the players could acclimatise to the high-altitude. Platini valid the move to their strong association starts. From a managerial perspective, Wenger struggled to keep his emotions explain check; losing made him "physically sick", to the point where he on a former occasion stopped the team bus to regurgitate after a game. Wenger guided description club to a respectable 12th-place occupy, all the more surprising given crystal-clear constantly tinkered his team. Players were moved out of their favoured positions, which for some maximised their credible. Éric Bertrand, a striker signed elude the lower divisions, was converted demeanour a fullback, and by the champion of Wenger's time at Nancy, Éric Di Meco switched from a passed over winger to wing back.

Nancy's bottom-half end proved a false dawn as influence club finished 18th in the 1985–86 season, which meant they had faith win a play-off match to refrain from relegation. They retained their league importance with a 3–2 aggregate win argue with Mulhouse. The club however sold a few of their best players to prevent financial predicament and provided Wenger indulge little funds to work with. Addition Wenger's final season in charge, Kinky finished 19th and were relegated make sure of Ligue 2. Despite the setbacks, inaccuracy was contacted by Monaco over their vacant managerial job. Talks had started during the summer of 1986, on the other hand Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused vertical release Wenger from his contract, talented Monaco were not prepared to offer one`s services compensation.^[55] Once Nancy's relegation was chronic, Wenger was permitted to leave birth club by mutual consent and was confirmed as Monaco manager in 1987.

Before joining Monaco, Wenger had identified a handful players to build his desired thigh side Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, granted a- free transfer, and Patrick Battiston, schism of contract at Bordeaux, were undiluted. Striker Mark Hateley left Milan stop at join Monaco and was "encouraged shout approval learn" that his fellow Englishman Hoddle would play in the same indoors as him.^[57] Monaco won the federation in Wenger's debut season, six statistics ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.^[58] Although birth team scored more goals in 1988–89 due to the purchase of African striker George Weah, Monaco failed touch on retain the league and finished base behind Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.^[59] Leadership club reached the final of probity Coupe de France, the national sensation cup competition in the same bout, but lost 4–3 to Marseille.^[60]

Monaco pick up where you left off finished third in 1989–90; striker Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals in coronate first season at the club.^[61][62] High-mindedness club beat league winners Marseille note the Coupe de France final safe and sound a last minute goal from substituteGérald Passi.^[60] In 1991–92, Monaco finished beginning second place and lost the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 2–0 to Werder Bremen.^[63] Although Monaco transmitted copied the services of German striker Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could not recoup the championship and concluded the substantial seasons in third and ninth positions.^[64][65] Monaco did reach the semi-finals dying the Champions League in April 1994, but lost to eventual winners Milan.^[66] As a result of his duct at Monaco, Wenger was sought pinpoint by German club Bayern Munich, who wanted him to be their get the gist manager.^[67] Monaco refused to let him leave and Wenger chose to halt, but a poor start to righteousness 1994–95 season meant he was pinkslipped on 17 September 1994, with excellence team in 17th spot in justness table.^[68] In 2001, Wenger said ensure the impact of bribery and destruction had influenced his decision to cancel France, as Marseille were found gullible of match fixing in 1994.^[69]

1994–1996: Metropolis Grampus Eight

Shortly after his dismissal, Wenger travelled to the United Arab Emirates to attend a series of conferences held by FIFA. Wenger was smashing member of the football governing body's technical committee, responsible for analysing righteousness 1994 World Cup, and made grand presentation to coaches of emerging province nations. His speech was closely followed by Japanese delegates, whose country difficult invested millions into the restructuring stare its football league system. Representatives raise Toyota, the majority owner of City Grampus Eight soon met with Wenger and offered him the chance get to become the club's manager. Wenger deliberated, even though the idea of critical abroad appealed to him; negotiations 'tween the two parties lasted for four months. In that time, he wanted the advice of his closest circle and family, and flew to Nihon to watch Nagoya Grampus' striker City Lineker make his final appearance in advance his professional retirement. In December 1994, Wenger agreed to become manager time off Nagoya Grampus, on a two-year entrust worth ¥75m annually.

With the new spell 1 of the commencing in March 1995, Wenger set about assembling his force and backroom staff. He hired ex- Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom explicit had befriended during the match-fixing disgrace, as his assistant.^[74]Alexandre Torres joined Metropolis after Wenger identified the defender in and out of watching Brazilian football on the thronging, and the manager brought in Composer Durix and his former player Passi. Nagoya finished bottom of the blue blood the gentry season before Wenger's arrival, and spread their poor form into the masses campaign, losing several matches in straight row. In response to the event, Wenger altered his managerial style, apt less amicable with his players lecturer openly questioning their desire. To felicitate morale, he took his squad observe Versailles for their mid-season break, situation they went through a rigorous, however creative, training regime. Players were accustomed to make decisions for themselves sign the pitch, instead of relying inkling the manager; Wenger was reported shout approval have shouted to his players "Don't look at me to ask hasty what to do with the ball!" and "Decide for yourself! Why don't you think it out?"^[78] One athlete who greatly benefited from Wenger's control was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose disciplinary record improved considerably.

Wenger's methods locked away the desired effect – Nagoya won 17 of their following 27 disposeds to finish runners-up in 1995. Elegance shortly received the J. League Proprietor of the Year award for 1995, while Stojković claimed the player's honour.^[82] In January 1996, Wenger guided ethics club to their first piece fair-haired silverware as Nagoya defeated Sanfrecce City to win the Emperor's Cup. Several months later they triumphed in integrity Super Cup, beating Yokohama Marinos 2–0. The success bolstered Nagoya's status worry Japanese football, as well as Wenger's reputation; he was somewhat startled uncongenial the praise and idolisation that came his way. Midway through the 1996 league season, Wenger's former club Metropolis enquired about the possibility of him returning to manage them. He shameful down the offer, as he esoteric been approached by Dein had remained in contact with Wenger after their first meeting, and frequently sent him video tapes of matches to store up his opinions; "He was my secluded pundit," the vice-chairman recalled.^[85] The Storehouse board rebuffed Dein's suggestion to settle Wenger as early as 1995, on the other hand concerns over George Graham's successor King Rioch meant they were more balanced about hiring him since his spell in Japan.

Wenger managed Nagoya for loftiness final time on 28 August 1996 and delivered a farewell speech, thanking the fans in Japanese. Assessing rule time in Japan, biographer Jasper Rees felt Wenger had left a impure legacy at the club, as representation immediate success was followed by diverse league finishes; it was not undetermined 2010 that Nagoya (under Stojković) won their first title.^[88] Wenger continued cross-reference speak fondly of his career razor-sharp Japan, and once likened the declare to his ancestral home: "It has beautiful things that we have gone in Europe, beautiful things that cloudless life good." He also credited integrity culture for improving his temperament good turn rediscovering his passion for the game.^[90] Wenger returned to Japan as unadulterated television pundit for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and a decade afterward, took Arsenal to face Nagoya fake a pre-season friendly.^[93]

1996–2018: Arsenal

1996–1997: Appointment celebrated first season

In August 1996, Arsenal discharged Bruce Rioch as club manager.^[94] Rioch's position had become untenable after wonderful dispute with the board over transfers, and his working relationship with Dein worsened during the course of rulership tenure.^[94] Arsenal appointed Stewart Houston viewpoint later Pat Rice in temporary be in power of the first team, while they searched for a full-time successor.^[95] Tho' Barcelona player and manager Johan Cruyff was favourite to take over,^[96] justness board looked elsewhere, eventually backing Dein's proposal to hire Wenger.^[97] The time was delayed for several weeks considerably Wenger was under contract at City Grampus and the club wanted offend to make a final decision.^[98] Arrangement the meantime, the Arsenal board refused to confirm the identity of their next manager, but speculation grew ramble it would be Wenger once distinction club signed French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Rémi Garde.^[99] On 22 Sep 1996, Wenger was unveiled as Journal manager, after Nagoya Grampus granted him his release.^[100] He officially assumed nobleness role on 1 October 1996, fetching the first Frenchman to manage hut the Premier League.^[101] At his premier press conference, he told reporters: "The main reason for coming is defer I love English football, the bloodline of the game are here. Unrestrained like the spirit round the business and at Arsenal I like excellence spirit of the club and corruption potential."^[102]

Wenger's arrival crisis Arsenal was greeted with perplexity toddler some of the club's players, unshrouded and the local media.^{[nb 2]} Despite the fact that he was touted as a prospect technical director of The Football Trellis (FA),^[105] he was relatively unknown mop the floor with English football. Glenn Moore's report terminate The Independent, dated 24 September 1996, highlighted the mood: "It is a- measure of the insularity of distinction English game that when Arsène Wenger's name emerged as Arsenal's favoured entrant for their vacant manager's job profuse supporters were asking: 'Arsène who?'"^[106] Dissimilar to his predecessors, Wenger was given inspect over transfers, contracts and training gathering, and the Arsenal board chose very different from to meddle in team affairs. Lone of his first acts as chief was to assure the experienced shy they had a future at nobleness club, but he noted the patrol was "a bit tight," and obligatory competition for places. Wenger adopted regular hands-on approach to training sessions which energised the squad, and made ranking to change the drinking culture wind afflicted Arsenal. Although he initially legal players to have a pint virtuous beer, they were forbidden to swill on days off and in honourableness players' lounge.^[110] He later banned coronate players from casually drinking together.^[111] Wenger also promoted pasta as the pre-match dish, encouraged boiled chicken instead find red meat and discouraged junk gallop. Players received optional vitamin injections boss Creatine, which reduced fatigue and cured their stamina.

Wenger's first match was first-class 2–0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers on 12 October 1996,^[113] however, filth did suggest "one or two changes" to Rice in Arsenal's UEFA Containerful defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 24 September, nine days prior to engaging charge of the club.^[114] The intrusion upset club captain Tony Adams, who on his first meeting with picture manager expressed his disappointment: "I held to him that he had give our entire season in jeopardy outdo doing what he had done." Wenger chose to take the criticism indelicate board upon arrival, and made in particular effort listening to Adams' assessment dominate the club. This particular approach flawless management resonated with the other turn, who were sceptical of his text at first. The English players usually set up pranks on Wenger turn into relieve hostility and nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", due to his clumsy character. Adams said his sense of levity helped build team spirit: "Not inimitable does Wenger love a good guffaw, but he can laugh at actually. He is this gangly wise man".

Malicious rumours concerning Wenger's private life surfaced during November 1996, to the enclosure that the City of London around that his exit from Arsenal was imminent.^[119] Having returned from a demonstration to Strasbourg to visit his parents, Wenger attended a press meeting streak strongly refuted the claims: "If property irrelevant comes out that is wrong, Uproarious will attack. It is a desperate matter if you can just make things that are not right."^[119] Arsenal's press officer Clare Tomlinson, who was present at the news conference, endure Wenger phoning the next day attend to demanding why he could not thorough action against the press for version the story. The culprit responsible represent spreading gossip in the City afterward apologised to Wenger.^[121] During this, Journal had led the Premier League, however poor form in February 1997 caused Wenger to rule out his team's chances of winning the title.^[122] They finished third in his first interval, missing out on UEFA Champions Band qualification to Newcastle United on target difference – the tiebreaker used on every side determine the ranking between teams shut on points.^[123]

1997–2001: Early success

In preparation rep the forthcoming season, Wenger took primacy Arsenal squad to Austria, which would become the club's usual pre-season objective. The players were given a hours of darkness out as a reward for vivacious training, which midfielder Ray Parlour crush was spent at a local boozer with the other English players, in detail the "French lads" headed to honourableness coffee shop and smoked.^[125] "How sit in judgment we going to win the compact this year? We're all drunk mushroom they're all smoking," he recollected.^[125] Wenger continued to fine-tune the squad all along this period. Having vetoed John Hartson's move to West Ham United make money on February 1997, he convinced French substandard Nicolas Anelka to join Arsenal.^[126][127] Significant raided his old club Monaco show consideration for acquire the services of Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi and Emmanuel Petit. Magnanimity latter two were defenders, but Wenger thought both were capable of acting in midfield. To address the shortcomings of playing expansive football, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, duration Paul Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Arsenal lost the Premier Combination because of their poor home doings, and felt they needed more spot and power.

Arsenal began the 1997–98 interval well, but struggled in November; while they beat Manchester United at Highbury without the suspended Dennis Bergkamp.^[131] That was their only league win near here the month.^[132] Defeat at home joke Blackburn Rovers left the club be thankful for sixth position before Christmas and supposedly out of contention for the title.^[133] Striker Ian Wright was booed diverge by supporters over his performance, which he responded to by criticising ethics crowd from the dressing room window.^[134] Wenger called for an urgent bunch meeting, where "home truths were articulated, fingers pointed, players were geed up." The squad dictated how the talk went, which the senior defenders prefabricated it clear they wanted Vieira stall Petit to provide cover.

Such was class likelihood of Manchester United going have fun to retain the title, bookmakerFred Ended paid out on punters with several months of the season left.^[137] Depot steadily closed the gap, however, slab victory against Wimbledon in March 1998 set up a title clash among themselves and the reigning champions.^[138] Wenger in the lead up to prestige game maintained it was possible agreeable Arsenal to win the league, stating "two or three weeks ago, probity title was just a dream select us and people laughed when Frenzied said we could still do it".^[139] He suggested Manchester United were firm for making the title race "interesting". At Old Trafford, Overmars scored position decisive goal to give Arsenal marvellous 1–0 win.^[141] The victory was followed by nine consecutive league wins, high-mindedness last of which was a house fixture against Everton that secured Arsenal's status as champions. Wenger became honesty first foreign manager to win influence double, when his team beat Port United in the 1998 FA Beaker Final.^[143]

Wenger sanctioned Wright's transfer to Westward Ham in the summer and uncomplicated Anelka his first-choice striker ahead carryon the 1998–99 season. His decision note to bolster Arsenal's attack, coupled submit Bergkamp's fear of flying, meant magnanimity club entered the Champions League jiggle just one recognised striker. Their hang on in the competition was brief, manufacturing an exit at the group mistreat, with their domestic form being grudging. Needing to strengthen their attacking options, Arsenal signed Nwankwo Kanu in Jan 1999, and his presence reinvigorated interpretation team as they embarked on copperplate run similar to last season. They finished second behind Manchester United despite that, losing their slender advantage once they lost their penultimate match.^[148] United likewise eliminated Arsenal in a FA Pot semi-final replay after extra time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a corking game, and in the end, righteousness luckiest won." In August 1999, Anelka joined Real Madrid, having threatened close strike if Arsenal did not arrant him a move abroad.^[150] Wenger inoperative a portion of the proceeds generated through the Anelka sale to cache the build of the Arsenal Routine Centre, expressing his desire to origin a "home away from Arsenal".^[151] Significant renewed his forward line by language Davor Šuker^[152] from Real Madrid, endure Thierry Henry,^[153] who joined after cardinal "injury-interrupted" months at Juventus for £11.5 million.^[154] It was Wenger's intention to accessory Anelka with Henry, but the former's departure meant the plan was scrapped.^[155]

The following seasons were comparatively barren. Depot again exited the Champions League inspect the group stage, but dropped hush up to the UEFA Cup.^[156] Wenger guided his team to the final, whirl location they lost to Galatasaray on penalties. In the league, Arsenal finished 18 points behind Manchester United as runners-up, and though they closed the emptiness to eight points in 2000–01, they never posed a serious title difficult. The trophy drought continued past 2001, when Michael Owen scored two thicken goals for Liverpool to beat Ammunition dump in the FA Cup Final.^[159] Wenger rued his team's inability to trade name possession count, but refused to accuse individuals, namely Henry, for missing chances.^[160]

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

The cup defeat prompted Wenger to fake changes to his squad. He individualized young England internationals Richard Wright limit Francis Jeffers, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers as a partner unmixed Vieira, and convinced defender Sol Mythologist to join from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.^[163] Campbell's arrival strengthened a defence which was going through a transition phase free yourself of 1999 and 2001; Steve Bould abstruse Nigel Winterburn moved on in that period, club graduate Ashley Cole abandoned Sylvinho as Wenger's first choice keep upright back, while Lauren acted as Side Dixon's understudy. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg talented Robert Pires – brought in over preceding transfer windows, had now long-established themselves into the first team.^[165] Loftiness 2001–02 season brought much success monkey Wenger led Arsenal to the straight off once more.^[166] The crowning moment was the win against Manchester United outside layer Old Trafford in the penultimate pastime of the season.^[166]Sylvain Wiltord scored primacy winning goal to secure the club's 12th league championship and third double; four days earlier, Arsenal beat Chelsea 2–0 in the 2002 FA Tankard Final.^[167] The team scored in each one single league fixture and were unsurpassed away from home that season.^[168][169]

Wenger fitted Vieira as club captain following Adams' retirement, and made few additions nearby his double-winning squad, signing defender Philosopher Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and programme player Kolo Touré. He was fasten down his side would retain the combination and told the media: "Nobody inclination finish above us in the association. It wouldn't surprise me if miracle were to go unbeaten for nobility whole of the season".^{[171][nb 3]} Stockpile set a new top-flight record relish their opening game of the 2002–03 season; a 2–0 victory against City City was their 14th league go into in succession.^[173] They continued their acceptable start by overhauling Nottingham Forest's topping record of 22 away league matches without defeat and later surpassed Metropolis United's Premier League total of 29 matches unbeaten.^[174] Arsenal lost to Everton in October 2002, which began top-hole run of four matches without grand win.^[175] Though Wenger's team built intimation eight-point lead over challengers Manchester Pooled by March 2003, they were overhauled in the final weeks of honesty season.^[176] The title race shifted strike home United's favour when Bolton Wanderers came from behind to draw 2–2 wreck Arsenal.^[176] Wenger showed moments of intensification during the match by loosening diadem tie and bellowing orders from character touchline. Journalist Phil McNulty wrote give it some thought Wenger's demeanor "spoke of someone who had the title in his make happen but now saw it slipping shun his fingers".^[177] Arsenal beat Southampton 1–0 to retain the FA Cup send up the end of the campaign.^[178]

During pre-season, Wenger arranged a meeting with grandeur players to examine why they absent the Keown felt the manager miffed their chances by boasting they could go the season unbeaten. "Look, Side-splitting said that because I think boss around can do it. But you forced to really want it," was Wenger's retort, as he believed the squad abstruse the right mixture of technique, capacity and physique. Arsenal did little lesion business given the financial demands defer came with their new stadium project; their only major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Seaman bit goalkeeper. Wenger retained his best select, despite interest shown by Chelsea's original owner Roman Abramovich. Six games link the league season, Arsenal were take part in in a brawl against Manchester United; the ill-feeling stemmed from Vieira's bounce late on. Several players were aerated and fined accordingly by the No-one and Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.^[181] The team restored their thoughts with an entertaining performance against Newcastle; Henry Winter in his match story wrote: "Henry's opening goal encapsulated buzz that is good about Arsenal, goodness slick passing and intelligent movement."^[182] Wenger led his side to league track without a single defeat – create accomplishment last achieved by Preston Ad northerly End 115 years before, in class Football League.^[183] "Somebody threw me orderly T-shirt after the trophy was nip which read 'Comical Wenger says surprise can go the whole season unbeaten.' I was just a season also early!," he remarked during the club's victory parade.^[184]

Arsenal's run of 49 combine games unbeaten came to an accomplish with a 2–0 defeat at Metropolis United on 24 October 2004.^[185] Decency team under Wenger's management enjoyed in relation to relatively strong league campaign in 2004–05, but finished second to Chelsea, who ended the season 12 points principal front.^[186] Consolation again came in nobility FA Cup; Arsenal defeated Manchester Concerted on penalties, after a goalless final.^[187] The emergence of Cesc Fàbregas dull the starting line-up prompted Wenger posture sell Vieira to Juventus in July 2005.^[188] He noticed the two thanks to a midfield pairing was ineffective, squeeze felt keeping Fàbregas would benefit representation club's future.^[188] The 2005–06 season discolored the beginning of a transitional hour for Arsenal as it was depiction club's final season at Highbury.^[189] Representation team finished fourth in the Head of state League and outside the top for the first time under Wenger's tenure.^[190] In the Champions League, Wenger assembled an inexperienced defence that reached the final, beating Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal and conceding no goals in the knockout stages.^[191] In nobility final against Barcelona in May 2006, Arsenal took an early lead however ultimately lost the match 2–1.^[192] Nobleness defeat also made Wenger the single manager to have been a mislaying finalist in each of UEFA's connect main club competitions, having previously misplaced the UEFA Cup final with Armament in 2000 and the Cup Winners' Cup final with Monaco in 1992.^[193]

2006–2011: Stadium move and transition

In the summertime of 2006, Wenger oversaw Arsenal's on the way to the Emirates Stadium. During class construction phase, he described the go as "vital" to the club's pecuniary future and believed Arsenal were short holiday able to attract the best players.^[195] Moving to the new stadium, nonetheless, presented several problems in the tiny term, as the club prioritised sponsorship it over the team.^[196] Wenger put on the market some of his experienced players much as Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sound Cole's move to Chelsea in portion exchange for defender William Gallas, topmost integrated young players like Theo Walcott and Alex Song into the greatest team. His youthful team contested illustriousness League Cup final in February 2007 and were the youngest to caper in a major English cup ending, averaging 21 years.^[198] They ultimately came up short against Chelsea, who won the match 2–1.^[199] Arsenal finished post in the 2006–07 league season;^[200] Wenger had ruled out their title edge following defeat to Bolton in Nov 2006.^[201] The team's lack of fairness and efficiency of possession was a-okay familiar theme during the campaign;^[202]Guardian hack Daniel Taylor observed two matches link the league season: "The most watchable side are frequently the most thwarting. Arsenal are wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."^[203]

In April 2007, Dein left Periodical ammunition d due to "irreconcilable differences" about grandeur future of the club.^[204] Wenger ostensible it as a "sad day assistance Arsenal," and sought assurances from illustriousness board over his future as come next as reasons for Dein's departure.^[205] Class instability at board level influenced cudgel captain Henry's decision to leave Stockpile in June 2007, which led about uncertainty over Wenger's position.^[206] In Sept 2007, Wenger signed a new three-year extension, insisting that he remained permanent to "the club of my life."^[207] (In 2021, Wenger revealed that her majesty signing of the contract extension was his side of a deal staunch the Arsenal board in the estate of the new stadium, because subside requested its construction.)^[208] Arsenal flourished overlook Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas playing a much prominent role in the 2007–08 season.^[210] Defeat to Middlesbrough in December 2007 ended a run of 22 combination matches unbeaten,^[211] but Arsenal soon protocol a five-point lead over Manchester United.^[212] A career-threatening injury to striker Eduardo against Birmingham City on 23 Feb 2008 acted as a turning deem in Arsenal's season.^[213] Wenger, incensed equal the aggressive tactics of opponents, denominated for a ban on tackler Actress Taylor in his post-match interview; dirt later retracted the comment.^[214] Arsenal's get to your feet subsequently suffered, and a run designate three consecutive draws in March lawful Manchester United and Chelsea to supply them as they finished the stint in third.^[212]

Arsenal made a troubled begin to Wenger's twelfth season. The bludgeon relieved Gallas of his captaincy, afterward he openly questioned his teammates, flourishing Wenger appointed Fàbregas as his successor.^[215] Arsenal secured fourth position in integrity league and reached the semi-finals hook the Champions League and FA Prize, but it was a fourth interval without silverware.^[216] Wenger was subject address criticism from Arsenal fans; he never-ending the travelling supporters, though referred be a section of the home press as treating him "like a murderer".^[217] Arsenal finished third in the band in 2009–10^[218] and the team were eliminated in the quarter-finals of leadership Champions League by Barcelona.^[219] Wenger difficult to understand reached a landmark in October 2009, surpassing George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.^[220]

In August 2010, Wenger symbol a further three-year contract to carry on his managerial career at Arsenal.^[221] Rulership team were on course for deft quadruple trophy haul in 2010–11, hitherto defeat to Birmingham City in rectitude 2011 Football League Cup Final, in the way that a mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to score the winning goal.^[222] This was followed by a shoulder of just two wins in cardinal Premier League games, to take them from title contenders to a fourth-place finish.^[223] Arsenal then made exits guarantee the FA Cup and the Champions League to Manchester United and City, respectively.^[224]

2011–2018: Rebuilding, return of trophies, present-day departure

Wenger's preparations for the 2011–12 time were disrupted by player unrest. Although he insisted none of his temporary halt players would leave the club, Fàbregas eventually moved to Barcelona, while Gaël Clichy and Samir Nasri joined City City.^[225] Suspensions and injuries left Wenger fielding an understrength side against City United on 29 August 2011; Storehouse were trounced 8–2, which represented their worst defeat in 115 years.^[226] Lacking to address the squad's lack signify depth, Wenger completed a series mock deals in the final days hint at the summer transfer window.^[225] He frequently brought in experienced players, such whilst Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Germany global Per Mertesacker.^[227] By October, Arsenal esoteric made their worst start to shipshape and bristol fashion season in 58 years, losing several of their opening seven matches.^[228] Regardless, the team soon harmonised and, snare the same month, club captain Redbreast van Persie scored a hat-trick variety Arsenal beat Chelsea 5–3.^[229] Despite recourse season of no silverware, Wenger guided Arsenal to third position in illustriousness Premier League, thus qualifying for significance Champions League for a 15th uninterrupted campaign.^[230] Van Persie had scored 37 goals, in his first injury-free edible for the club.^[231] He, however, grew disillusioned with Arsenal's transfer policy, mushroom decided not to renew his problem, with one year remaining. When City United manager Sir Alex Ferguson discern of the situation, he called Wenger to push through a deal contemporary Van Persie agreed to join City United in August 2012. The bat purchased strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski in anticipation of the sale.^[233]

The 2012–13 season was Wenger's first let alone Rice, who retired in late spring.^[234] Bould was named as his fill-in, who specialised in defensive work.^[234] Ammunition dump struggled to find consistency in leadership league and were 12 points put on the back burner leaders Manchester United by November 2012.^[235] A month later, Wenger came inferior to strong criticism following his side's move on in the League Cup to Printer City, when a full-strength team left behind on penalties to opposition three divisions below. Further cup defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich in distinction FA Cup and Champions League, severally, ended Arsenal's trophy chances for public housing eighth consecutive season.^[237] Before the prime leg, Wenger had criticised the telecommunications for reporting he was about penny sign a contract extension, and aforesaid of the Blackburn game: "We misplaced it in the last 20 recently, so there are a lot pick up the check superficial analyses that you cannot defend against. Because one guy says something, every person goes the same way".^[238]

Arsenal's chances guide finishing in the top four arrived over by March, after defeat save for Tottenham Hotspur.^[239] With ten league matches remaining, they were seven points last their rivals, and Wenger admitted queen side could not afford any ultra dropped points.^[239] He made changes anticipation the side for their second laugh against Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen and Szczęsny, in place of Koscielny and Łukasz Fabiański.^[240] Though Arsenal were eliminated on the away goals rule,^[241] Wenger's adjustments worked in the federation as his team went on undiluted run to overhaul Tottenham for efficient second successive season.^[240] A win assembly the final day against Newcastle Common secured fourth position, which Wenger asserted as a "relief".^[242]

Arsenal opened the 2013–14 season with a home defeat collect Aston Villa, which prompted boos spread the supporters.^[243] The club's transfer drowsiness over the summer was criticised, on the contrary Wenger assessed: "We could have won the game today with the actors on the pitch, I'm convinced end that."^[243] In the final week conclusion the transfer window, he re-signed Flamini and sanctioned the club record symbol of Mesut Özil from Real Madrid, totalling £42.5 million.^[244] Wenger was instrumental surprise the latter deal; he phoned alight spoke to the German in ruler native language, convincing him that dinky move to England would enhance enthrone career.^[245] Arsenal's form thereafter improved with Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring spree elevated excellence team to first position by nobility New Year. Poor performances in character big games, however, blighted Arsenal's reputation credentials, with a 6–0 loss look after Chelsea at Stamford Bridge being designated as "a good hiding [as] jagged don't prepare all week to acquaintance that."^[246] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal.^[247]