Arsene wenger biography free download

French football manager (born 1949)

Arsène Charles Ernest WengerOBE (born 22 October 1949) is a Gallic former footballmanager and player who is currently serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Get up. He was the manager be fond of Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, where he was the longest-serving and most successful in blue blood the gentry club's history. His contribution break into English football through changes figure up scouting, players' training and food intake regimens revitalised Arsenal and assisted the globalisation of the pastime in the 21st century.

Born in Strasbourg and raised turn a profit Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced act upon football by his father, distinction manager of the local townswoman team. After a modest portrayal career, in which he idea appearances for several amateur clubs, Wenger obtained a manager's authorization in 1981. Following an unavailing period at Nancy in 1987, Wenger joined Monaco; the truncheon won the league championship fell 1988 and won the Coupe de France in 1991. Unimportant 1995, he became coach freedom side Nagoya Grampus Eight queue won the Emperor's Cup beam Japanese Super Cup in climax first and only year.

Wenger was named manager of Armoury in 1996; his appointment was greeted with little enthusiasm spread the English media and realm players alike but he became the first foreign manager make use of win a Premier League illustrious FA Cupdouble in 1998. Wenger guided Arsenal to another friend and cup double in 2002 and won his third federation title unbeaten in 2004 – this was the first relating to an English club, after Preston North End 115 years earlier, went unbeaten. Arsenal later unreceptive the record for most alliance matches unbeaten (49) before bereavement in October 2004. Under him, the club made its important appearance in a Champions Confederacy final in 2006 and move to the Emirates Stadium; that move caused Wenger to grade the club's finances to unite costs, which coincided with fastidious nine-year spell without winning straight trophy. Wenger guided Arsenal motivate further FA Cup successes sketch the 2010s; he holds decency record for most wins guaranteed the competition with seven. Settle down departed as manager in 2018 and retired.

The nickname "Le Professeur" is used by fans and the English press give permission reflect Wenger's studious demeanour. Unwind is one of the pinnacle celebrated managers of his date, having changed perceptions of character sport and profession in England and abroad. He has archaic praised for his entertaining, offensive approach to the game however his Arsenal teams were criticised for their indiscipline and naivety; his players received 100 park cards between September 1996 nearby February 2014, though the arrangement also won awards for fair fair play. Wenger also appropriate a reputation for spotting immature talent and developing a young womanhood system throughout his career.

Early life

Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger^[2] was born on 22 October 1949 in Strasbourg, Alsace, the youngest of three children born touch upon Alphonse and Louise Wenger. Perform lived in Duppigheim during honesty 1950s, but spent most make out his time in the adjacent to village of Duttlenheim, 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Strasbourg. Arsène's father, Alphonse, like many Alsatians, was conscripted into the Germanic Army by force following Germany's earlier annexation of the Sculpturer region of Alsace-Lorraine.^[5] He was sent to fight on rectitude Eastern Front in October 1944, at the age of 24.^[5]

The Wenger family owned an machine spare parts business and straighten up bistro named La Croix d'Or.^[6] In his book, My Seek in Red and White, Wenger says the "alcohol, brawling nearby violence" of the bistro's trade sparked his early interest be sure about human psychology.^[7] His parents esoteric difficulty looking after their issue, but Duttlenheim was a particular where everyone took care near the young; Wenger compared vicious circle in later years to calligraphic kibbutz.^[6] Before Wenger started secondary, he expressed himself in nobleness local Alsatian dialect of Lowest point Alemannic German. The primary college which Wenger attended was jog by the Catholic Church, captain as one of its brightest students, he later was popular into a secondary school school in Obernai.

According to his father, who also managed the village body, Wenger was introduced to domain "at about the age make acquainted six".^[11] He was taken prevalent games in Germany, where loosen up held an affection for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alsace was an piazza steeped in religion; Wenger tolerate the village boys often obligatory to seek permission from grandeur Catholic priest to miss evensong in order to play football.

Playing career

Because the population of Duttlenheim was short in numbers, location proved difficult to field straighten up team of 11 players signal your intention equal ages; Wenger did whoop play for FC Duttlenheim unconfirmed the age of 12. Claude Wenger, a teammate of Arsène's, noted his lack of step as a player, which settle down made up for with culminate "ability to guard the compass, [seeming] to have a be over vision of the pitch suffer having an influence among ruler team-mates", according to Marcel Brandner, the president of FC Duttlenheim.^[5] As a young teenager, noteworthy was called Petit; the label ceased when he had exceptional growth spurt and broke grow to be FC Duttlenheim's first team, ancient 16. The team did distant have a coach to coach the players tactically, rather boss person who supervised training conference. Wenger took it upon man to manage the side, refer to Claude stating "Arsène wasn't position captain and yet he was. It was 'You do that, you do that, you carry on this, you do that.' Unquestionable was the leader".

In 1969, Wenger was recruited to nearby gear division club Mutzig. The baton was famed for playing integrity "best amateur football" in Elsass and managed by Max Delude, who would later go typography to become Wenger's mentor.^[6] Wenger's emergence at Mutzig aged 20 was considered too late get something done him to build a honest playing career. Football was seen as his future; integrity plan was for him sentry run the family's spare ability business. He was, however, returns the age to start augmentative his tactical knowledge of authority sport. He frequently read France Football and alongside Hild straightforward trips to Germany to notice Bundesliga matches and observe magnanimity different managerial styles. During Wenger's three years at Mutzig, authority club beat Strasbourg 3–0 dissertation win the Coupe d'Alsace.^[20][21] Purify also represented Alsace in well-organized competition held annually between blue blood the gentry regional leagues.

Wenger took his studies further, and in 1971 registered at the Faculté des sciences économiques et de gestion ^[fr] (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) at the University of Strassburg to read politics and finance after a brief stint send back medicine. In 1973 he connubial semi-professional club Mulhouse and proportionate his football career with reward education. Wenger completed an banking degree^{[nb 1]} a year later.^[28] He was selected to scolding the national French students company and visited Nigeria, Lebanon, nearby Uruguay – where the Earth Students Championship was held make out 1976. Wenger did not contribute in the event as why not? was injured; Jean-Luc Arribart, leader of the team recalled: "By the end of that passage, Arsène had almost taken triumph the role of assistant lecturer and team joker rolled impact one."

At Mulhouse, Wenger was managed by Paul Frantz, who additionally had a profound impact sequence his career. It was elegance who formalised Wenger's beliefs removal the importance of nutrition, limber up and working on a player's strong points. Wenger played reliably midfield for Mulhouse, often positioned on the right. In their final game of the 1974–75 season, the club beat Tribadic to avoid relegation, but in a short while afterwards, Frantz resigned. Wenger besides made the decision to throw away, as the regular commutes differentiate Mulhouse from Strasbourg overwhelmed him. In 1975, he rekindled queen friendship with Hild and organized for amateur club ASPV City (Vauban). Hild needed a midfielder "who could organise play turf also have a sort lecture hold over the team" have a word with decided to recruit Wenger. Vauban was formed in 1971, pivotal made steady progress up description French football league system thereafter; Wenger's three seasons at authority club culminated with promotion uphold the third division.

In 1978, Poke fun at joined Strasbourg as coach light the reserve team. The r“le required him to scout, positive Hild wanted an experienced participant to work with the childhood while he was away. Both Hild and Frantz recommended Wenger, which convinced manager Gilbert Dissatisfy to appoint him. Wenger's act career at the age longed-for 28 began to wane, however he never anticipated a separate in the first team. Put for Strasbourg, however, presented him his first full-time job differ the club he supported pass for a young boy. Hild affected Wenger from midfield to medial defence, where he was positioned as a sweeper in perceive games. In November 1978, no problem made his debut for dignity first team against MSV Duisburg in the UEFA Cup (a match Strasbourg lost 4–0) jaunt a month later, Wenger unnatural against champions Monaco in honourableness First Division. At the reach of the 1978–79 season, RC Strasbourg won the league; Wenger did not join in magnanimity celebrations as he was distracted with the youth team. Fiasco made his final appearance acknowledge the senior side in 1979.

Wenger spent the last two geezerhood of his playing career extensively running Strasbourg's reserve and salad days team. He became conscious reinforce the importance of speaking Honestly, and during his holidays registered on a three-week language way at the University of City. Wenger also studied for rule coaching badge at the Heart de ressources, d'expertise et wallet performance sportives ^[fr] (CREPS) in Metropolis – this consisted of practised course to coach children, followed by an intensive six-day scope which led up to dignity national coaching badge. The attempt programme took place in Town, and was spread over iii weeks, allowing Wenger to adjust able to put Frantz's intimation of isometrics into practice. Hassle 1981, he received his manager's diploma in Paris.^[42]

Managerial career

1984–1994: Homosexual and Monaco

Wenger's management skills riches Strasbourg impressed many French coaches, and he moved to Ligue 2 club Cannes in 1983, where he became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant. Earning a steady utensils of £300 per week, illegal was responsible for collecting advice about opposition teams, and settled discipline in the players rebuke training sessions. Wenger's commitment cause somebody to football was well documented; what because asked what the young tutor did during his spare interval, general manager Richard Conte replied: "Videos, videos, videos. He was always watching videos of king opponents, of his own order. It didn't matter what at a rate of knots of night." Cannes failed pay homage to win promotion to Ligue 1, but they reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de Author. Wenger's work in raising interpretation standard of the squad plainspoken not go unnoticed, and unexciting 1984, he accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become manager delightful Nancy.

The challenge of sustaining Homophile as a Ligue 1 cudgel was difficult as Wenger ingrained a squad of sub-standard moral and he was given supreme money to spend. He on the other hand relished the prospect of guiding business in the transfer retail, and enjoyed freedom to stress theories he read about. Border line his first season at Homo, Wenger hired a dietician apropos explain the benefits of confused eating and made it canon that players did not elevenses before games. He took rectitude squad away from their common summer training camp to Reassignment Thorens, so that the working party could acclimatise to the high-level. Platini attested the move encircling their strong league starts. Diverge a managerial perspective, Wenger struggled to keep his emotions sufficient check; losing made him "physically sick", to the point locale he once stopped the side bus to vomit after calligraphic game. Wenger guided the staff to a respectable 12th-place disconnect, all the more surprising subject he constantly tinkered his squad. Players were moved out give a miss their favoured positions, which confirm some maximised their potential. Éric Bertrand, a striker signed stranger the lower divisions, was regenerate into a fullback, and from end to end of the end of Wenger's while at Nancy, Éric Di Meco switched from a left winger to wing back.

Nancy's bottom-half be over proved a false dawn importation the club finished 18th joke the 1985–86 season, which preconcerted they had to win well-ordered play-off match to avoid delegating. They retained their league view with a 3–2 aggregate increase twofold against Mulhouse. The club banish sold several of their outrun players to avoid financial manipulate and provided Wenger with various funds to work with. Tackle Wenger's final season in excise, Nancy finished 19th and were relegated to Ligue 2. Hatred the setbacks, he was contacted by Monaco over their to let managerial job. Talks had in progress during the summer of 1986, but Nancy chairman Gérard Rousselot refused to release Wenger deviate his contract, and Monaco were not prepared to offer compensation.^[55] Once Nancy's relegation was ingrained, Wenger was permitted to retire the club by mutual say yes and was confirmed as Principality manager in 1987.

Before joining Principality, Wenger had identified several working party to build his desired puton Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle, given a free transfer, and Apostle Battiston, out of contract equal Bordeaux, were signed. Striker Cast Hateley left Milan to unite Monaco and was "encouraged show learn" that his fellow Englishman Hoddle would play in primacy same side as him.^[57] Principality won the league in Wenger's debut season, six points go ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.^[58] Although rendering team scored more goals end in 1988–89 due to the get of Liberian striker George Weah, Monaco failed to retain blue blood the gentry league and finished third keep a hold of Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.^[59] Rectitude club reached the final leave undone the Coupe de France, primacy national knockout cup competition cut the same season, but gone 4–3 to Marseille.^[60]

Monaco again ripe third in 1989–90; striker Ramón Díaz scored 15 goals break off his first season at position club.^[61][62] The club beat confederacy winners Marseille in the Coupe de France final through simple last minute goal from substituteGérald Passi.^[60] In 1991–92, Monaco done in second place and absent the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 2–0 to Werder Bremen.^[63] Although Monaco acquired class services of German striker Jürgen Klinsmann, the club could distant regain the championship and ancient history the subsequent seasons in 3rd and ninth positions.^[64][65] Monaco exact reach the semi-finals of magnanimity Champions League in April 1994, but lost to eventual winners Milan.^[66] As a result admit his work at Monaco, Wenger was sought after by European club Bayern Munich, who lacked him to be their flash manager.^[67] Monaco refused to be a lodger him leave and Wenger chose to stay, but a slushy start to the 1994–95 term meant he was dismissed trimness 17 September 1994, with dignity team in 17th spot hassle the table.^[68] In 2001, Wenger said that the impact believe bribery and corruption had struck his decision to leave Writer, as Marseille were found gullible of match fixing in 1994.^[69]

1994–1996: Nagoya Grampus Eight

Shortly after coronate dismissal, Wenger travelled to decency United Arab Emirates to minister to a series of conferences spoken for by FIFA. Wenger was dexterous member of the football highest body's technical committee, responsible mention analysing the 1994 World Pot, and made a presentation cause somebody to coaches of emerging football goodwill. His speech was closely followed by Japanese delegates, whose declare had invested millions into position restructuring of its football friend system. Representatives of Toyota, greatness majority owner of Nagoya Dolphin Eight soon met with Wenger and offered him the collide with to become the club's overseer. Wenger deliberated, even though rectitude idea of working abroad appealed to him; negotiations between grandeur two parties lasted for twosome months. In that time, yes sought the advice of rule closest friends and family, put forward flew to Japan to look at Nagoya Grampus' striker Gary Lineker make his final appearance hitherto his professional retirement. In Dec 1994, Wenger agreed to transform into manager of Nagoya Grampus, squeeze a two-year contract worth ¥75m annually.

With the new season wheedle the commencing in March 1995, Wenger set about assembling climax squad and backroom staff. Closure hired former Valenciennes manager Boro Primorac, whom he had befriended during the match-fixing scandal, tempt his assistant.^[74]Alexandre Torres joined Metropolis after Wenger identified the ally by watching Brazilian football outwit the television, and the unanswered brought in Franck Durix existing his former player Passi. City finished bottom of the glory season before Wenger's arrival, extort continued their poor form industrial action the following campaign, losing a number of matches in a row. Sophisticated response to the situation, Wenger altered his managerial style, apposite less amicable with his cast and openly questioning their covet. To boost morale, he took his squad to Versailles lay out their mid-season break, where they went through a rigorous, however creative, training regime. Players were expected to make decisions summon themselves on the pitch, otherwise of relying on the manager; Wenger was reported to conspiracy shouted to his players "Don't look at me to narrate me what to do clip the ball!" and "Decide long for yourself! Why don't you fantasize it out?"^[78] One player who greatly benefited from Wenger's direction was Dragan Stojković, a midfielder whose disciplinary record improved considerably.

Wenger's methods had the desired consequence – Nagoya won 17 enjoy their following 27 games give confidence finish runners-up in 1995. Perform shortly received the J. Compact Manager of the Year accord for 1995, while Stojković stated the player's honour.^[82] In Jan 1996, Wenger guided the billy to their first piece sponsor silverware as Nagoya defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win the Emperor's Cup. Two months later they triumphed in the Super Treat, beating Yokohama Marinos 2–0. Primacy success bolstered Nagoya's status remit Japanese football, as well pass for Wenger's reputation; he was to some extent or degre startled by the praise contemporary idolisation that came his course of action. Midway through the 1996 friend season, Wenger's former club Metropolis enquired about the possibility pills him returning to manage them. He turned down the carry on, as he had been approached by Dein had remained joke contact with Wenger after their first meeting, and frequently presage him video tapes of matches to garner his opinions; "He was my personal pundit," class vice-chairman recalled.^[85] The Arsenal be directed at rebuffed Dein's suggestion to fix Wenger as early as 1995, but concerns over George Graham's successor Bruce Rioch meant they were more open-minded about array him since his stint compact Japan.

Wenger managed Nagoya for integrity final time on 28 Respected 1996 and delivered a send-off speech, thanking the fans prosperous Japanese. Assessing his time change for the better Japan, biographer Jasper Rees mattup Wenger had left a manifold legacy at the club, although the immediate success was followed by fluctuating league finishes; take a turn was not until 2010 range Nagoya (under Stojković) won their first title.^[88] Wenger continued cut short speak fondly of his continuance in Japan, and once likened the country to his traditional home: "It has beautiful factors that we have lost notch Europe, beautiful things that regard life good." He also credited the culture for improving cap temperament and rediscovering his addiction for the game.^[90] Wenger common to Japan as a induce pundit for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, and a period later, took Arsenal to brave Nagoya in a pre-season friendly.^[93]

1996–2018: Arsenal

1996–1997: Appointment and first season

In August 1996, Arsenal dismissed Dr. Rioch as club manager.^[94] Rioch's position had become untenable provision a dispute with the butt over transfers, and his operational relationship with Dein worsened via the course of his tenure.^[94] Arsenal appointed Stewart Houston captain later Pat Rice in dowry charge of the first band, while they searched for a-ok full-time successor.^[95] Although Barcelona trouper and manager Johan Cruyff was favourite to take over,^[96] justness board looked elsewhere, eventually approval Dein's proposal to hire Wenger.^[97] The appointment was delayed in the vicinity of several weeks as Wenger was under contract at Nagoya Orca and the club wanted at the double to make a final decision.^[98] In the meantime, the Armament board refused to confirm goodness identity of their next senior, but speculation grew that postponement would be Wenger once glory club signed French midfielders Apostle Vieira and Rémi Garde.^[99] Worth 22 September 1996, Wenger was unveiled as Arsenal manager, aft Nagoya Grampus granted him authority release.^[100] He officially assumed nobleness role on 1 October 1996, becoming the first Frenchman back up manage in the Premier League.^[101] At his first press talk, he told reporters: "The go on reason for coming is ditch I love English football, nobility roots of the game musical here. I like the center round the game and convenient Arsenal I like the sympathy of the club and untruthfulness potential."^[102]

Wenger's arrival at Arsenal was greeted with perplexity by some look up to the club's players, supporters deliver the local media.^{[nb 2]} Though he was touted as practised future technical director of Distinction Football Association (FA),^[105] he was relatively unknown in English airfield. Glenn Moore's report in The Independent, dated 24 September 1996, highlighted the mood: "It assessment a measure of the remoteness of the English game defer when Arsène Wenger's name emerged as Arsenal's favoured candidate on line for their vacant manager's job patronize supporters were asking: 'Arsène who?'"^[106] Unlike his predecessors, Wenger was given control over transfers, selling and training sessions, and interpretation Arsenal board chose not activate meddle in team affairs. Skin texture of his first acts slightly manager was to assure blue blood the gentry experienced players they had deft future at the club, however he noted the squad was "a bit tight," and desirable competition for places. Wenger adoptive a hands-on approach to grooming sessions which energised the crew, and made steps to difference the drinking culture that woeful Arsenal. Although he initially legal players to have a ale of beer, they were scandalous to drink on days defer and in the players' lounge.^[110] He later banned his shy from casually drinking together.^[111] Wenger also promoted pasta as dignity pre-match dish, encouraged boiled cowardly instead of red meat most important discouraged junk food. Players agreed optional vitamin injections and Creatin, which reduced fatigue and greater their stamina.

Wenger's first match was a 2–0 away victory catastrophe Blackburn Rovers on 12 Oct 1996,^[113] however, he did propose "one or two changes" jab Rice in Arsenal's UEFA Toby jug defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach grip 24 September, nine days onetime to taking charge of authority club.^[114] The interference upset billy captain Tony Adams, who document his first meeting with magnanimity manager expressed his disappointment: "I said to him that closure had put our entire seasoned in jeopardy by doing what he had done." Wenger chose to take the criticism spin board upon arrival, and masquerade an effort listening to Adams' assessment of the club. That particular approach of management resonated with the other players, who were sceptical of his content 2 at first. The English arrangement often set up pranks indicate Wenger to relieve hostility become more intense nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", theory test to his clumsy nature. President said his sense of banter helped build team spirit: "Not only does Wenger love expert good laugh, but he stare at laugh at himself. He stick to this gangly wise man".

Malicious advertising concerning Wenger's private life surfaced during November 1996, to class extent that the City ransack London reported that his travel from Arsenal was imminent.^[119] Securing returned from a trip cause problems Strasbourg to visit his parents, Wenger attended a press conference and strongly refuted the claims: "If something comes out ensure is wrong, I will set upon. It is a serious material if you can just fabrication things that are not right."^[119] Arsenal's press officer Clare Tomlinson, who was present at nobility news conference, recalled Wenger phoning the next day and difficult why he could not malice action against the press school printing the story. The miscreant responsible for spreading gossip redraft the City later apologised obstacle Wenger.^[121] During this, Arsenal confidential led the Premier League, however poor form in February 1997 caused Wenger to rule carve out his team's chances of win the title.^[122] They finished 3rd in his first season, lacking out on UEFA Champions Foil qualification to Newcastle United concentrated goal difference – the tiebreaker used to determine the status between teams equal on points.^[123]

1997–2001: Early success

In preparation for loftiness forthcoming season, Wenger took influence Arsenal squad to Austria, which would become the club's popular pre-season base. The players were given a night out variety a reward for vigorous practice, which midfielder Ray Parlour spread out was spent at a district pub with the other Nation players, while the "French lads" headed to the coffee boutique and smoked.^[125] "How are astonishment going to win the coalition this year? We're all sotted and they're all smoking," sand recollected.^[125] Wenger continued to refine the squad during this calm. Having vetoed John Hartson's pass on to West Ham United bring February 1997, he convinced Gallic teenager Nicolas Anelka to get hitched Arsenal.^[126][127] He raided his back off club Monaco to acquire class services of Christopher Wreh, Gilles Grimandi and Emmanuel Petit. Loftiness latter two were defenders, on the contrary Wenger thought both were hale of playing in midfield. Joke address the shortcomings of in concert expansive football, winger Marc Overmars was purchased from Ajax, length Paul Merson moved to Middlesbrough. Wenger assessed Arsenal lost honourableness Premier League because of their poor home performances, and matt-up they needed more pace explode power.

Arsenal began the 1997–98 occasion well, but struggled in November; though they beat Manchester Collective at Highbury without the loose Dennis Bergkamp.^[131] This was their only league win throughout primacy month.^[132] Defeat at home take a break Blackburn Rovers left the billy in sixth position before Xmas and seemingly out of disaccord for the title.^[133] Striker Ian Wright was booed off via supporters over his performance, which he responded to by criticising the crowd from the relish room window.^[134] Wenger called redundant an urgent team meeting, whither "home truths were spoken, fingers pointed, players were geed up." The squad dictated how righteousness conversation went, which the prime defenders made it clear they wanted Vieira and Petit squeeze provide cover.

Such was the inclination of Manchester United going initiate to retain the title, bookmakerFred Done paid out on punters with two months of picture season left.^[137] Arsenal steadily tight the gap, however, and overcoming against Wimbledon in March 1998 set up a title strife between themselves and the period in office champions.^[138] Wenger in the inner up to the game dirty it was possible for Armament to win the league, stating "two or three weeks master b crush, the title was just swell dream for us and give out laughed when I said surprise could still do it".^[139] Subside suggested Manchester United were reliable for making the title populace "interesting". At Old Trafford, Overmars scored the decisive goal pick up give Arsenal a 1–0 win.^[141] The victory was followed infant nine consecutive league wins, picture last of which was fine home fixture against Everton delay secured Arsenal's status as champions. Wenger became the first overseas manager to win the bent over, when his team beat City United in the 1998 Not any Cup Final.^[143]

Wenger sanctioned Wright's take to West Ham in ethics summer and made Anelka fulfil first-choice striker ahead of righteousness 1998–99 season. His decision yell to bolster Arsenal's attack, conjugated with Bergkamp's fear of momentary, meant the club entered righteousness Champions League with just facial appearance recognised striker. Their time unexciting the competition was brief, conception an exit at the travel stage, with their domestic teach being indifferent. Needing to consolidate their attacking options, Arsenal pure Nwankwo Kanu in January 1999, and his presence reinvigorated glory team as they embarked see to it that a run similar to remain season. They finished second lack of restraint Manchester United however, losing their slender advantage once they departed their penultimate match.^[148] United additionally eliminated Arsenal in a Not any Cup semi-final replay after remainder time; Wenger afterwards said: "it was a smashing game, take precedence in the end, the luckiest won." In August 1999, Anelka joined Real Madrid, having near extinction to strike if Arsenal sincere not grant him a propel abroad.^[150] Wenger used a plight of the proceeds generated go over the Anelka sale to sponsor the build of the Paper Training Centre, expressing his wish to establish a "home occasion from Arsenal".^[151] He renewed surmount forward line by signing Davor Šuker^[152] from Real Madrid, lecture Thierry Henry,^[153] who joined end seven "injury-interrupted" months at Juventus for £11.5 million.^[154] It was Wenger's intention to partner Anelka take up again Henry, but the former's going meant the plan was scrapped.^[155]

The following seasons were comparatively unpopulated. Arsenal again exited the Champions League at the group reading, but dropped down to blue blood the gentry UEFA Cup.^[156] Wenger guided government team to the final, pivot they lost to Galatasaray incidence penalties. In the league, Storehouse finished 18 points behind Metropolis United as runners-up, and notwithstanding that they closed the gap exceed eight points in 2000–01, they never posed a serious baptize challenge. The trophy drought drawn-out past 2001, when Michael Reformist scored two late goals fend for Liverpool to beat Arsenal beginning the FA Cup Final.^[159] Wenger rued his team's inability close to make possession count, but refused to blame individuals, namely Speechmaker, for missing chances.^[160]

2001–2006: Second stand-in, Invincibles, and leaving Highbury

The beaker defeat prompted Wenger to trade name changes to his squad. Dirt signed young England internationals Richard Wright and Francis Jeffers, midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers as a partner for Vieira, and convinced defender Sol Mythologist to join from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a bring to light transfer.^[163] Campbell's arrival strengthened boss defence which was going study a transition phase from 1999 and 2001; Steve Bould tell off Nigel Winterburn moved on scam this period, club graduate Ashley Cole displaced Sylvinho as Wenger's first choice left back, childhood Lauren acted as Lee Dixon's understudy. Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg direct Robert Pires – brought attach importance to during preceding transfer windows, abstruse now established themselves into blue blood the gentry first team.^[165] The 2001–02 time brought much success as Wenger led Arsenal to the coupled once more.^[166] The crowning simple was the win against City United at Old Trafford call the penultimate game of righteousness season.^[166]Sylvain Wiltord scored the win goal to secure the club's 12th league championship and position double; four days earlier, Paper beat Chelsea 2–0 in blue blood the gentry 2002 FA Cup Final.^[167] Ethics team scored in every inimitable league fixture and were winning away from home that season.^[168][169]

Wenger appointed Vieira as club most important following Adams' retirement, and complete few additions to his double-winning squad, signing defender Pascal Cygan, midfielder Gilberto Silva and overhaul player Kolo Touré. He was confident his side would absorb the league and told description media: "Nobody will finish test us in the league. Pop into wouldn't surprise me if amazement were to go unbeaten on the side of the whole of the season".^{[171][nb 3]} Arsenal set a additional top-flight record in their fortune game of the 2002–03 season; a 2–0 victory against Brummagem City was their 14th confederation win in succession.^[173] They enlarged their fine start by overhaul Nottingham Forest's top-flight record expend 22 away league matches impoverished defeat and later surpassed City United's Premier League total be more or less 29 matches unbeaten.^[174] Arsenal misplaced to Everton in October 2002, which began a run describe four matches without a win.^[175] Though Wenger's team built unembellished eight-point lead over challengers Metropolis United by March 2003, they were overhauled in the terminating weeks of the season.^[176] Character title race shifted in United's favour when Bolton Wanderers came from behind to draw 2–2 against Arsenal.^[176] Wenger showed moments of exasperation during the lookalike by loosening his tie allow bellowing orders from the touchline. Journalist Phil McNulty wrote give it some thought Wenger's demeanor "spoke of individual who had the title be of advantage to his grasp but now old saying it slipping from his fingers".^[177] Arsenal beat Southampton 1–0 inherit retain the FA Cup nearby the end of the campaign.^[178]

During pre-season, Wenger arranged a end of hostilities with the players to re-examination why they lost the Keown felt the manager harmed their chances by boasting they could go the season unbeaten. "Look, I said that because Side-splitting think you can do leave behind. But you must really hope against hope it," was Wenger's reply, chimpanzee he believed the squad locked away the right mixture of advance, intelligence and physique. Arsenal frank little transfer business given prestige financial demands that came rule their new stadium project; their only major signing was Jens Lehmann, who replaced David Navigator as goalkeeper. Wenger retained enthrone best players, despite interest shown by Chelsea's new owner Authoritative Abramovich. Six games into nobility league season, Arsenal were interested in a brawl against City United; the ill-feeling stemmed shun Vieira's dismissal late on. Some players were charged and penalised accordingly by the FA trip Wenger apologised for his team's over-reaction.^[181] The team restored their image with an entertaining suit against Newcastle; Henry Winter false his match report wrote: "Henry's opening goal encapsulated all go wool-gathering is good about Arsenal, authority slick passing and intelligent movement."^[182] Wenger led his side nearly league triumph without a singular defeat – an accomplishment carry on achieved by Preston North Solve 115 years before, in nobility Football League.^[183] "Somebody threw awe-inspiring a T-shirt after the grant was presented which read 'Comical Wenger says we can constitute the whole season unbeaten.' Comical was just a season in addition early!," he remarked during say publicly club's victory parade.^[184]

Arsenal's run disturb 49 league games unbeaten came to an end with fastidious 2–0 defeat at Manchester Combined on 24 October 2004.^[185] Representation team under Wenger's management enjoyed another relatively strong league offensive in 2004–05, but finished secondbest to Chelsea, who ended probity season 12 points in front.^[186] Consolation again came in honourableness FA Cup; Arsenal defeated Metropolis United on penalties, after well-organized goalless final.^[187] The emergence weekend away Cesc Fàbregas in the master line-up prompted Wenger to put up for sale Vieira to Juventus in July 2005.^[188] He noticed the fold up as a midfield pairing was ineffective, and felt keeping Fàbregas would benefit the club's future.^[188] The 2005–06 season marked primacy beginning of a transitional term for Arsenal as it was the club's final season concede defeat Highbury.^[189] The team finished ninety days in the Premier League playing field outside the top two lay out the first time under Wenger's tenure.^[190] In the Champions Compact, Wenger assembled an inexperienced bombard that reached the final, castigation Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal and conceding no goals providential the knockout stages.^[191] In picture final against Barcelona in Haw 2006, Arsenal took an originally lead but ultimately lost dignity match 2–1.^[192] The defeat as well made Wenger the only elder to have been a mislaying finalist in each of UEFA's three main club competitions, getting previously lost the UEFA Drink final with Arsenal in 2000 and the Cup Winners' Beaker final with Monaco in 1992.^[193]

2006–2011: Stadium move and transition

In primacy summer of 2006, Wenger oversaw Arsenal's relocation to the Emirates Stadium. During the construction juncture, he described the move introduction "vital" to the club's monetary future and believed Arsenal were better able to attract position best players.^[195] Moving to decency new stadium, however, presented many problems in the short brief, as the club prioritised superiority it over the team.^[196] Wenger sold some of his familiar players such as Campbell, Lauren and Pires, sanctioned Cole's career to Chelsea in part reciprocate for defender William Gallas, spreadsheet integrated young players like Theo Walcott and Alex Song encouragement the first team. His immature team contested the League Beaker final in February 2007 limit were the youngest to sport in a major English trophy final, averaging 21 years.^[198] They ultimately came up short ruin Chelsea, who won the game 2–1.^[199] Arsenal finished fourth deal the 2006–07 league season;^[200] Wenger had ruled out their give a call chances following defeat to Bolton in November 2006.^[201] The team's lack of directness and effectiveness of possession was a current theme during the campaign;^[202]Guardian reporter Daniel Taylor observed two matches into the league season: "The most watchable side are often the most frustrating. Arsenal fancy wonderfully incisive yet infuriatingly blunt."^[203]

In April 2007, Dein left Stockpile due to "irreconcilable differences" reflect on the future of the club.^[204] Wenger described it as span "sad day for Arsenal," highest sought assurances from the plank over his future as be a triumph as reasons for Dein's departure.^[205] The instability at board run down influenced club captain Henry's preference to leave Arsenal in June 2007, which led to ambiguity over Wenger's position.^[206] In Sep 2007, Wenger signed a fresh three-year extension, insisting that misstep remained committed to "the billy of my life."^[207] (In 2021, Wenger revealed that his sign of the contract extension was his side of a tie with the Arsenal board diffuse the building of the novel stadium, because he requested secure construction.)^[208] Arsenal flourished in Henry's absence, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Fàbregas playing unblended more prominent role in significance 2007–08 season.^[210] Defeat to Middlesbrough in December 2007 ended fine run of 22 league matches unbeaten,^[211] but Arsenal soon conduct a five-point lead over City United.^[212] A career-threatening injury private house striker Eduardo against Birmingham Gen on 23 February 2008 pensive as a turning point give back Arsenal's season.^[213] Wenger, incensed infuriated the aggressive tactics of opponents, called for a ban allusion tackler Martin Taylor in ruler post-match interview; he later retracted the comment.^[214] Arsenal's form accordingly suffered, and a run prop up three consecutive draws in Stride allowed Manchester United and Chelsea to overhaul them as they finished the season in third.^[212]

Arsenal made a troubled start homily Wenger's twelfth season. The bludgeon relieved Gallas of his avenue, after he openly questioned climax teammates, and Wenger appointed Fàbregas as his successor.^[215] Arsenal tied up certain fourth position in the association and reached the semi-finals carry out the Champions League and Not a bit Cup, but it was well-ordered fourth season without silverware.^[216] Wenger was subject to criticism spread Arsenal fans; he praised picture travelling supporters, though referred chance on a section of the people crowd as treating him "like a murderer".^[217] Arsenal finished gear in the league in 2009–10^[218] and the team were disqualified in the quarter-finals of primacy Champions League by Barcelona.^[219] Wenger had reached a landmark bask in October 2009, surpassing George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager.^[220]

In August 2010, Wenger signed straighten up further three-year contract to hold his managerial career at Arsenal.^[221] His team were on pathway for a quadruple trophy lug in 2010–11, before defeat afflict Birmingham City in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, what because a mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to fastest the winning goal.^[222] This was followed by a run scope just two wins in cardinal Premier League games, to stultify them from title contenders take it easy a fourth-place finish.^[223] Arsenal thence made exits in the Nil Cup and the Champions Matching part to Manchester United and City, respectively.^[224]

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

Wenger's preparations for position 2011–12 season were disrupted indifference player unrest. Though he insisted none of his top throw would leave the club, Fàbregas eventually moved to Barcelona, time Gaël Clichy and Samir Nasri joined Manchester City.^[225] Suspensions abide injuries left Wenger fielding fleece understrength side against Manchester Combined on 29 August 2011; Pamphlet were trounced 8–2, which professed their worst defeat in Cxv years.^[226] Needing to address rendering squad's lack of depth, Wenger completed a series of deals in the final days flash the summer transfer window.^[225] Operate mostly brought in experienced dash, such as Yossi Benayoun worn-out loan from Chelsea, Everton's Mikel Arteta and Germany international Detail Mertesacker.^[227] By October, Arsenal esoteric made their worst start acknowledge a season in 58 mature, losing four of their electric socket seven matches.^[228] However, the body soon harmonised and, in high-mindedness same month, club captain Thrush van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Chelsea 5–3.^[229] Despite another season of ham-fisted silverware, Wenger guided Arsenal run into third position in the Pm League, thus qualifying for righteousness Champions League for a Ordinal successive campaign.^[230] Van Persie abstruse scored 37 goals, in tiara first injury-free season for greatness club.^[231] He, however, grew disenchanted with Arsenal's transfer policy, ray decided not to renew circlet contract, with one year spare. When Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson learnt of nobility situation, he called Wenger designate push through a deal weather Van Persie agreed to reaction Manchester United in August 2012. The club purchased strikers Player Giroud and Lukas Podolski love anticipation of the sale.^[233]

The 2012–13 season was Wenger's first penurious Rice, who retired in disapprove of spring.^[234] Bould was named gorilla his replacement, who specialised absorb defensive work.^[234] Arsenal struggled variety find consistency in the association and were 12 points escape leaders Manchester United by Nov 2012.^[235] A month later, Wenger came under strong criticism masses his side's exit in loftiness League Cup to Bradford Skill, when a full-strength team left out on penalties to opposition triad divisions below. Further cup defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Bayern Munich in the FA Treat and Champions League, respectively, inhibited Arsenal's trophy chances for erior eighth consecutive season.^[237] Before illustriousness first leg, Wenger had criticised the media for reporting flair was about to sign undiluted contract extension, and said exert a pull on the Blackburn game: "We vanished it in the last 20 minutes, so there are regular lot of superficial analyses zigzag you cannot accept. Because pooled guy says something, everybody goes the same way".^[238]

Arsenal's chances end finishing in the top quaternion appeared over by March, abaft defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.^[239] Mess up ten league matches remaining, they were seven points behind their rivals, and Wenger admitted government side could not afford man more dropped points.^[239] He imposture changes to the side purchase their second leg against Bayern, dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen humbling Szczęsny, in place of Koscielny and Łukasz Fabiański.^[240] Though Armory were eliminated on the analyst goals rule,^[241] Wenger's adjustments feigned in the league as jurisdiction team went on a scamper to overhaul Tottenham for great second successive season.^[240] A double on the final day disagree with Newcastle United secured fourth bias, which Wenger described as copperplate "relief".^[242]

Arsenal opened the 2013–14 patch with a home defeat designate Aston Villa, which prompted boos from the supporters.^[243] The club's transfer inactivity over the summertime was criticised, but Wenger assessed: "We could have won influence game today with the collection on the pitch, I'm clear of that."^[243] In the last week of the transfer field-glasses, he re-signed Flamini and authorised the club record signing have power over Mesut Özil from Real Madrid, totalling £42.5 million.^[244] Wenger was utilitarian in the latter deal; without fear phoned and spoke to primacy German in his native power of speech, convincing him that a take out to England would enhance realm career.^[245] Arsenal's form thereafter larger and Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring binge elevated the team to chief position by the New Twelvemonth. Poor performances in the copious games, however, blighted Arsenal's caption credentials, with a 6–0 privation to Chelsea at Stamford Cut across being described as "a agreeable hiding [as] you don't provide for all week to experience that."^[246] The defeat marked Wenger's 1,000th match in charge of Arsenal.^[247]