Arsene Wenger was the last manager to lead Arsenal to the Champions League final and he wants to see this generation win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Here, Wenger, FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, spoke to UEFA about his memories of 2006, his pride in meeting Mikel Arteta, his passion for Arsenal and why the club will always be in his heart.
Complete Q&A:
Q: Arsene, let’s start by going back to the UCL semi-final and how you felt watching it. Keep us in your heart at that moment.
Arsene Wenger: Well, when you go to the semi-finals, there’s always the fear that you’ll be sent off right before you’re close to getting the trophy, and that’s terrible. However, I believe that in the semi-finals Arsenal controlled the two games well and outplayed Atletico Madrid. Basically, there are two competitions in the Champions League. One is the championship and the other is the knockout stage. Either team may have an advantage in the finals, but even if they make it to the semi-finals, they will have to knock out the team they are playing against.
It also helps that the away goals rule has now been abolished. Previously, teams playing the first leg at home always thought, “Let’s not concede any goals.” We saw how much of an impact it had on the way teams approached the game. Well, we’re going to see two good matches as the teams will be going for it from the get-go and trying to make a difference. It will greatly help improve the quality of the contest.
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Q: As you say, there were two semifinals. How do you think Arsenal performed, especially in the second leg?
Arsene Wenger: They controlled the game. I always felt that Arsenal would win in the end, if necessary, even if it went into extra time. But the quality was excellent. Both teams were well organized, compact, focused and committed, but Arsenal had a little more creative potential and a chance to score more goals.
Q: From a personal perspective, how happy were you to see them take that final step?
Arsene Wenger: I want them to give this trophy because they don’t have this trophy. We’ve done it before – we were 13 minutes away from winning – so we hope it happens again this time. I have always said that I should work at the club to make sure it is in a good position to continue moving forward. Overall, I think this is a stage we can grasp. I still believe the final is 50-50 and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal over Paris Saint-Germain.
Q: We’ll talk about that later, but I’d like to touch on your relationship with Mikel Arteta. He called you an inspiration who taught him the values of the club. How would you describe your relationship with Mikel?
Arsene Wenger: Like many Spanish players, he was a very focused, highly motivated, team-oriented player, very passionate about football. Cesc Fabregas has now joined the management team. Midfielders in particular often prefer this job as they are at the center of attacking and defensive issues. Overall, top-level players are smart and many have the talent to become managers.
Arteta had full commitment to him. I named him Captain because he was always very serious. He’s had some injuries, especially with his calf, but sometimes when players are away from the game they realize how much they love the game and want to stay in the game. He has a personality, strong beliefs, and authority, which is certainly helping him a lot now.
Arsene Wenger appoints Mikel Arteta as Arsenal captain (Image: Getty Images)
Q: He said you often talked about the possibility of becoming a coach after your playing career. What were those conversations like?
Arsene Wenger: They rather talked about how we should play and what he feels on the pitch. The players always know what the team’s problems are. They don’t always tell you, but they know. He decided to get his coaching license because he had the personality to talk about it. Many players fail because they don’t take the time to learn the job, but he did. He became Pep Guardiola’s assistant, which was a great experience for him. He is smart and learned many things quickly. He experienced football first as a player and then from the inside as an assistant manager without full responsibility, which helped him a lot.
Stan Kroenke also decided to invest heavily once he became 100% owner of Arsenal, and the club acquired the right players and top players. That’s why Arsenal currently have such a big team and are able to compete at the top level. And credit to Arteta for keeping everyone focused and motivated. That’s not easy with a team this big.
Q: Despite the changes in the Premier League, do you think there is still continuity between your team and Arteta’s Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger: Yes. There is continuity in spirit, a united spirit of the team. All players respect the club’s values of being disciplined, giving their best and playing together. Football has evolved and become more structured and disciplined, and Arsenal’s players have done it extremely well.
Q: How would you describe the difference between the 2006 Arsenal team that reached the Champions League final and this one?
Arsène Wenger: In 2004 we were unbeatable and by 2006 the team was a bit younger, but we still had a very strong team. We beat Real Madrid and Juventus Galacticos, who were very strong financially at the time. In the final tournament, they advanced to the final against Barcelona undefeated. My one regret was that I couldn’t arrive at the stadium on time. We arrived just 45 minutes before kick-off as we were not allowed to use the motorway to get to the Stade de France. The most disappointing thing was that we played for 70 minutes with 10 players. We were leading 1-0 and had a chance to make it 2-0, but we missed it and ended up losing 2-1 against Barcelona’s top team. I still feel some regrets, but I will definitely come back and win this time.
Q: From your perspective, what is it like to coach a team in the Champions League final?
Coach Arsene Wenger: The final is the final. The most important thing is that the team doesn’t get inhibited or moved by the opportunity and stays focused on what they do best. The main strength of this Arsenal team is their ability to keep clean sheets, and that will be very important in the final. Then you have to be efficient. You have to be ruthless because those moments always come in the game. I’ve played a lot of finals and every cup final is similar. You need to express your qualities without being distracted by the situation.
Paris Saint-Germain has great attacking power, but Arsenal also have high individual quality and are very strong at set pieces, which could have a big impact in the final. When you lead 1-0, everything starts to play to its strengths as long as the defense is strong. Arsenal can be dangerous at any time.
Arsenal lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final in 2006 (Image: Getty Images)
Q: Did you feel the 2006 team was mentally prepared for the finals?
Arsene Wenger: Yes. We played the game as expected, but with 10 participants. With 20 minutes remaining, the injured player lost his strength and we ended up losing the game. You live constantly wondering what you could have done differently, but also knowing that if you played it again in 20 years, it would probably happen again. You value what you haven’t done more than what you have done. I hope we can make it happen soon. I have always tried to leave the club in a strong position for those who come after me. When I left, we were in a good financial position and had the resources to continue building the club.
Q: Looking back at your legacy, how would you rate the work of Mikel Arteta, who has effectively carried on your legacy?
Arsene Wenger: He did well. He created discipline and great spirit in the team. I also have to commend the club for being patient and investing so much money. The club had great faith in him and gave him the funds to achieve his ambitions. Arteta has never shown any doubt or weakness about what he is doing. A leader must show consistency and strength in his beliefs, and he did that.
Q: Are you proud of your role in building the club for him?
Coach Arsène Wenger: I have always worked with three big ambitions. The first was to take the club to a higher level, create value and ensure the club is loved and recognized around the world. The second thing was to develop a philosophy for play and results. The third is to have a positive impact on people’s lives. But the club itself always came first. That’s why I accepted working with fewer resources while building the stadium.
Q: The club built a statue for you. What was that perception?
Arsène Wenger: The value we create at the club is very important. People identify with a club because of the values it represents. I’m grateful to the people and the club for recognizing that. That’s why I always tell young coaches: Focus on the values you want to create and how you want your club to be perceived.
Q: Do you watch Arsenal as a fan now?
Arsene Wenger: Yes. You support them emotionally, but you also analyze the game technically. Of course, the connection with the club is very strong. I wrote a book called “My Life in Red and White.” I gave my all to Arsenal and I can’t separate myself from it. It’s a club in my heart and that will never change.
Arsene Wenger gives advice to Mikel Arteta (Image: Getty Images)
Q: How proud would you be to see Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy?
Arsene Wenger: I think the club deserves it, this season deserves it and the stability of the team deserves it. When I came to Arsenal, the club had very little Champions League history. After that, they qualified for 20 years in a row, and the pinnacle of their history is becoming champions. I think Arsenal have been slowly building their history and now they can win championships. He also feels that the time has come for Arsenal to consistently win the Premier League.
Q: Please give a message to Mikel Arteta before the match.
Coach Arsène Wenger: Do what you always do and try to relax, even if you know it’s impossible. Instill strong beliefs in your team. he knows how. He knows the players better than I do. If the team maintains the togetherness it has shown all season, that will be enough.
Q: Lastly, can you relax and watch the game?
Arsene Wenger: I may not be relaxed, but I’m really looking forward to seeing Arsenal play in the final and I’m sure it’ll be a great game.
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