Arsene Wenger has spoken of the late great Dutch legend Johan Cruyff as being one of his early influences in management.
The Frenchman became Arsenal manager in September 1996 after a stint in Japan. The media response to his appointment at the time was negative due to Wenger being unknown to most Premier League fans.
He has managed to remain at the helm since then and unless he departs the Emirates Stadium in the next four months, he will mark 20 years in English football at the start of next season.
In an interview with the club’s official website, Wenger has revealed he looked up to the Cruyff among others when breaking into the management side of the sport.
“His positive attitude towards the game and his desire to be brave enough to play. We are of course in a job where the result dictates the beliefs and judgements of other people.
“People like Rinus Michels, who influenced his players too, because this is not an isolated way of thinking.
“Johan Cruyff had it too – that personality, the character to say ‘yes, I believe in this game, and I’m strong and brave enough to apply it on the pitch.’ That’s what I admired.”
Wenger’s tenure in north London has yielded three Premier League titles and six FA Cups, however this season saw the Gunners finish runners-up to Leicester City and as a result sections of the club’s supporters have suggested that it’s time for a fresh approach.
The penultimate home game against Norwich City brought about a bizarre attempt at a protest as there was a clash in opinions over the Frenchman as some what him to stay while others simply want change.
There will be pressure on Wenger to splash the cash this summer in order to make Arsenal serious contenders for major honours next terms, otherwise the backlash from fans might be too strong to ignore.
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