The French genius

On the 22nd October 1949 in the north-eastern French town, Strasbourg, a legend was born.

This man is Arsene Wenger, a managerial legend who has become the most successful ‘gaffer’ in Arsenal’s history.

Arsene was a footballer in his younger years, playing in the sweeper role for his local club ASPV Strasbourg and RC Strasbourg. All through his career he didn’t reach the peak of his playing career, unable to fulfil a dream playing for native country. His only major honour came, when he won the Ligue 1 in 1978-79.

He hung up his boots in 1981, to take an opportunity in education where he has a degree in engineering and a master degree in economics at Strasbourg University.

His legendary status came about when he took those steps into management; he took charge at Nancy, was successful at Monaco and then took charge at Japanese Nagoya Grampus Eight.

As the calendar turned to 30th September 1996, a man was being introduced as the Arsenal’s new manager. A lot of people in North London were asking the same question, who is he?

The board made the best decision in a very long time, although things didn’t get off to a great start but he was certainly set to turn the clubs fortunes around.

In 1997/98, Wenger’s first full season at Highbury, Arsenal achieved, for the second time in the Club’s history, the League and FA Cup ‘double’ enabling the Frenchman to pick up the Carling Manager of the Year Award.

One thing he definitely changed, a legacy of his was attractive football. Before he was appointed, Arsenal was often described by the away fans as “boring boring Arsenal”. Football fans soon started following the Gunners due to their football, which created euphoria around the club and area for the past 10 years.

The Emirates, the training facilities and the philosophy of the club all have a stamp of Arsene Wenger, as he was heavily involved in the making of this club and made one of the best in England and a threat in Europe.

A legend that has grafted and nurtured many legends over the past, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Freddy Ljungberg. All those players came to the club, unrecognisable and unknown but came away with bags of medals and achievements. Himself being an example of being mysterious when arrived, to be a living legend now.

The unbeatable season was Wengers great accomplishment; no other English side has achieved this before so turn the club around do it in a decade was very special. Finishing 11 points ahead of second-place Chelsea, Arsenal smashed several records on the way to their 13th league title win, showed Arsenal’s dominance.

Although he hasn’t dominated Europe he is still regarded as one of the best in the world and definitely the best in England, if it wasn’t for another great manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Hopefully the Emirates will be booming with trophies being held aloft the ‘professors’ head, for many years to come.