Happy Birthday Professor
On 22^nd October one of the living legends of modern managing football, Arsene Wenger was born. Wenger when appointed by Arsenal FC in 1996 as the first foreign manager got criticism from the British media and the Arsenal squad of “Where did this schoolteacher come from?” and “Arsene Who?” was so not surprising.
The first of many things that Wenger changed was the diet of footballers. Players, who previously had steak before match and a bar of Mars after the match was removed from the menu. The Frenchman emphasized on having boiled vegetables, fish and rice which he got to know was the healthiest diet after spending two years in Japan.
The changes in diet was followed by squad, Wenger brought in the likes of Patrick Viera, Petit, Overmars and more French players to join the team was a stroke of genius and something that would eventually lead the side away from the 'Boring, Boring, Arsenal' and '1-0 to the Arsenal' chants of old. Much success would follow.
The first season under Wenger had nothing in it except some changes in expectations for the fans for the next season to come. Arsenal finished third and had no trophy. The next season was a massive turn around. Arsenal were already crowned the champions without playing the last two matches and won the FA cup two weeks later. Wenger’s plane had taken off. Today after 16 years Arsene Wenger has won three titles with Arsenal including an unbeaten season of Invincibles, four FA cups and Champions League qualification every year. His records and hard work with Arsenal FC has made him one of the best managers in England and around the world. The most successful manager in the history of Arsenal Fc is no birthday man. But as fan of Arsenal and Wenger I dedicate my blog to the Frenchman who made me love football. Happy Birthday Sir. In Arsene We Trust !