Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid: The former Arsenal manager has spoken about a return to football.
Arsene Wenger retired as manager at the end of the last season after both the parties decided to part ways mutually. The Frenchman was at the helm at the English club for 22 years, and was succeeded by Unai Emery, who has had a fairly impressive season so far.
There have been rumors surrounding the return of Arsene Wenger to management, with the former Arsenal boss himself stating that he could return next year.
Wenger is now touted for the Real Madrid job, with many outlets reporting that the former Arsenal boss could succeed Santiago Solari as the permanent boss at the club. Real Madrid sacked Julen Lopetegui after merely 14 games, as the side performed poorly in La Liga and the Champions League.
Lopetegui’s final game as Real Madrid manager ended in a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona. Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, addressed the rumors surrounding the Real Madrid job.
Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid:
Arsene Wenger’s stature and his availability make him a significant candidate in the eyes of Florentino Perez, who has admitted in the past that he tried to bring the French manager at the club.
However, Wenger has effectively denied the rumors linking him with the top job at Santiago Bernabeu.
Cesc Fabregas on Arsene Wenger Coaching ⚽️
“Personally for the young players, I think he is the best manager anyone could work with. He has an attribute that nowadays is nearly impossible to have which is patience.” pic.twitter.com/pbn1vdY67e
— Soccer Coaching Pro (@SoccerCoaching2) October 27, 2018
While speaking at the launch of ‘Twinning Project’, headed by Arsenal’s former vice-chairman David Dein, Wenger said, “Look, I am not the Real Madrid manager, I am here today to support David Dein.”
The former Arsenal boss, however, reassured that he will return to football.
“Overall I don’t know what I will do next year, but I will be back in football and back in sport.
“I said many times maybe the best way is not to be in England because I spent so much time at the same club it would seem odd to go somewhere else.”
Arsene Wenger doubts he will work in English football again when he returns in 2019.
Full story 👉 https://t.co/qmrjnkG4Op pic.twitter.com/dgRS90YcsQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 31, 2018
“I have huge experience and a huge desire to share what I know about the game and what is important in the game with people who need it.
“Where? I don’t know, but only in the New Year.”
Arsène Wenger #SiSParis2018: “What has changed in football is that fans now follow their player, not the clubs anymore. So if the player change club, he takes all his fans with him. Fan engagement has to be redefined accordingly.” pic.twitter.com/zvGY99tZT8
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) October 30, 2018
As Wenger is determined to be a free man until the end of the year, Real Madrid’s search for a new manager has effectively lost a candidate. The club announced Santiago Solari as the interim manager, but would need to announce a new permanent manager soon.