Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his poor record against Jose Mourinho as he prepares to resume his rivalry with the Manchester United boss on Saturday.
Wenger has won just one fixture in 15 attempts against Mourinho – in the Community Shield in 2015 – and has never beaten the Portuguese in the Premier League.
The pair have barely concealed their animosity for each other with constant public jibes culminating in a touchline bust-up at Stamford Bridge in October 2014.
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Saturday knowing a win would move them nine points clear of United, but Wenger refused to be drawn into re-igniting his feud with Mourinho during his pre-match press conference.
Wenger said: “I don’t think I have to describe our relationship. He will fight for his team and I will fight for mine.
“We didn’t always lose. There were many draws as well. I won against every manager in the world in my 20 years here.
“I don’t make it a competition between two managers. I understand people want to make controversy but the game will make the audience.”
Asked whether he would shake Mourinho’s hand before and after kick-off, Wenger replied: “Of course. I respect the ritual that is so important in the Premier League.
“It’s Arsenal against Manchester United. We have won and lost games on both sides. You don’t consider the manager, you think about the team you are playing and that’s it.”
The Gunners are currently two places – and six points – above Manchester United in fourth, and have not been beaten in the Premier League since their opening day 4-3 defeat to Liverpool.
COMMENTS