Arsene Wenger: I could manage England if I leave Arsenal
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Updated 30/09/2016 at 22:41 GMT
Arsene Wenger has said he could "one day" manage England if he leaves Arsenal with his contract as the London club's manager expiring at the end of the season.
Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger
Image credit: AFP
Wenger's odds have shortened to 9/2 to succeed sacked Sam Allardyce as England's national coach with Gareth Southgate favourite after agreeing to take the job for four matches after the Big Sam debacle left the Football Association searching for a third manager in less than a year.
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Wenger open to England job only after Arsenal 'love affair' ends
"My priority is to do well here - this has always been my club - but one day if I am free, why not, but at the moment I am focused on my job," said Wenger, who is celebrating 20 years as Arsenal manager this weekend with his side visiting Burnley on Sunday.
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Arsene Wenger and Patrick Vieira hold the Premier League trophy
Image credit: Reuters
At the age of 66, Wenger - who has won three Premier Leagues, six FA Cups and reached the Champions League final - is at a stage of his career where he would be ripe for the less hectic nature of the club game.
But there appears to be every chance the Frenchman will extend his stay as Arsenal coach beyond the end of the season as he said: "What influences me the most is the fact that I feel I do well and I can move this team forward.”
Wenger spoke about his astonishing longevity as Arsenal manager and described being the Premier League's longest-serving manager as "unusual".
“It’s certainly unusual in the modern world," he said. “I think stability is very important as well in a company and the values, people who carry the values.
“For me a big club is first about values and its identity and the privilege I have to carry these values is very unusual in the modern game."
As he received a crystal vase from the club to honour his achievements, Wenger said: "20 years I think it shows a total commitment from the club and faith in me.
"Some good times, some less good times, but of course its a great privilege especially in my job to last for such a long time.
"I’m very honoured and thank you very much."
Is Wenger a realistic candidate to become England manager?
Arsene Wenger would be a fantastic choice as England manager: he instructs his teams to play brilliant football, is deeply invested in youth development and has the long-term vision which is badly needed with England, writes Tom Adams. The only problem is that the chances of him leaving Arsenal appear remote.
On Saturday he marks his 20th anniversary as Arsenal manager and although his contract expires at the end of the season it seems all but certain he will sign another. The club’s fortunes on the pitch are peaking, he has just spent £100m on new players and the board, in thrall to his ability to deliver Champions League football every season, are likely to want to extend his stay.
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Arsenal players and their manager Arsene Wenger pose for a picture outside Islington Town hall with the trophy during a victory parade after winning their FA Cup final soccer match yesterday, in north London, Britain, May 31, 2015. REUTERS/Neil
Image credit: Reuters
Arsenal are the job of his life and he has never broken his contract in north London despite past entreaties from France, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and, yes, England. The FA would be delighted to keep him but it seems as though Wenger is not ready to relinquish his position at Emirates Stadium just yet.
Reporting by Desmond Kane and Tom Adams
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