Fire & Ice: A Study of Contrasting Approaches to Football Management

Abstract

Arsene Wenger stands today as one of the most respected figures in world football for a wide variety of factors. Standing for consistency and quality, his purpose was found in football management rather than an eight-year playing career in France included a league title with Strasbourg in 1978–79. His stature and credentials in the game is second to none reflected by the fact that he has been serving as FIFA’s chief of global football development following his retirement from management. His principles aided in building a persona and a brand which few could challenge, much less surpass. Born in France, in 1949, he is famous for having managed Arsenal F.C for 22 years which made the second longest serving a club after Sir Alex Ferguson. As his autobiography titled, “My life in Red and White”, Arsene Wenger had immense loyalty to his club perhaps an evidence of divine intervention that his name should sound so close to the place he called home for 22 years. Appropriately called ‘Le professeur’ by the media, which indicates the love and affection which came his way from the British media, which is arguably one of the most challenging in the entire sport of football. Perhaps it was a Masters degree in economics which earned him the respect but followers of the English premier league would attest to the fact that there have been fewer classy and sophisticated managers to have graced one of the oldest leagues in the world. As his autobiography reveals, Wenger brought in an era of scientific management to British football. It extended to scout in, play as training, and diet meticulously planned to ensure maximum performance, thereby bringing forth globalisation to the sport which was played with celebrating bad boys from the decades gone by. Wenger‘s penchant for developing young talents, emphasising on attacking football, relying on philosophy when most managers resorted to downright pragmatism through defensive football and most importantly, the ability to operate on a tight budget despite losing his talents to richer clubs are to be immensely appreciated. Wenger was unceremoniously kicked out from management with one year remaining on his contract following quite a strong narrative calling for his ouster owing to lack of trophies one in the last decade office management at Arsenal. This chapter dives into what management principles Arsenal had put into place with Wenger at the helm (Wenger 78). As Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger was one of the longest serving managers in the EPL. He initially played football for amateur clubs and then went on to play for Strasbourg in the French league. In 1981, he completed his coaching qualifications and was appointed at Cannes, Nancy and later Monaco. Arsene Wengerwas recruited to Arsenal while coaching in Japan and arrived as a relatively unknown manager in 1996, bringing a scientific approach to training. During his time at Arsenal, the club won three EPL titles and seven Football Association (FA) Cups. In 2004, the team (nicknamed “The Invincibles”) was unbeaten throughout the season. Arsene Wengerleft Arsenal at the end of the 2017/2018 season (Berndt 34).