Arsenal: Ian Wright Arsene Wenger's Comments Rather Confusing
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has rather confusingly and unclearly stated that Arsene Wenger’s management style is like a soft parent. What could he mean?
Arsenal are a club defined by the management style of one man. His ideals, his beliefs and his philosophies infiltrate, influence and impact every aspect of the football club, on the pitch, in the dressing room and in the transfer market. However, very little is actually known about how he works.
Arsene Wenger is a divisive figure among Arsenal circles. Some see him as the saviour of the club, bringing a new lease of life, a rejuvenated, attacking style of play with a whole lot of trophies. Others see him as a past-it, stagnating figure. The truth probably lies somewhere between the two.
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However, when asked about his style, the way in which he interacts with his players, there are very few that can provide an insightful answer. That is why, then, is it so fascination when Ian Wright opens up about his former manager, depicting him as a ‘soft parent’:
It not unsurprising that Wenger does not rule with an iron fist. His soft approach in press conferences and interviews seem to suggest that he would not show the same gentle side to his players also. However, to be described as a ‘soft parent’ seems a tad, well, soft.
This is a man who has managed a whole host of characters, enjoyed great success and suffered great failure over a great number of years. Soft is not the adjective that would spring to mind then, when wanting to describe someone of such grandeur.
It is always interesting to read the insights of players about how their managers work. As a fan, we can – thanks to the advancements in technology, stats and general understanding – analyse the game as well as most professionals. We can, though, never have the same experience of the private workings of a football club. Soft is not what I would have expected to read, but that does not make it any less true.