Wenger’s Interview Highlights

Wenger’s Interview Highlights

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out about his sides performance against Chelsea and believes his players overcame a big hurdle by beating the Blues in the Community Shield.

Wenger has endured 13 tough clashes with Jose Mourinho, failing to win a single game until his 14th time of asking in yesterday’s match. Here’s what the Frenchman had to say on the game:


“It was important for the team to get that hurdle out of the way.” said Wenger.

“For me? No, because it is Arsenal versus Chelsea, it is not the two managers. It is two teams who play against each other.”

“The best team lost. And the defensive team won.” he said.

“If you want to be pragmatic, like I normally am, I say in a simple way, they score, they didn’t concede. Well done. Congratulations.”

“Other clubs, other managers you say are boring, that they park the bus, I don’t agree with that. I say they were very well organised and because of that I give total credit.”

Wenger has been criticised for appearing to snub Jose Mourinho’s handshake attempt after the game, but he played down a potential spat:

“I shook a few hands after the game, but there’s nothing special there. I believe in a job where you have to respect people and respect everybody.”

Jose Mourinho also explained his side of events about the handshake on BBC Radio 5 Live, but also refused to confirm any wrong doing on Wenger’s part.

“It is not true, It is not true [when asked about Wenger’s handshake snub]. You have to look at it and it’s not true.”

“You saw me wait for them and shake the hands of everyone who left the stairs just in my direction, so you are not right.”

Goalkeeper Petr Cech made his Arsenal debut against his former club, and the Czech left Wenger impressed:

“Cech did well and maybe he had an influence on the Chelsea players as well.”

“They feel to score against him they have to score the perfect goal.”

Arsenal stars Per Mertesacker and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had this to say on the Gunner’s new shot-stopper:

Mertesacker: “It’s a start and it keeps our confidence high.”

“Petr Cech has so much experience and gives us a huge boost before the start of the season.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain: “This squad’s been together for a good number of years now and with the signing of Petr we’ve been lifted.”

“He’s such an amazing player and has already shown what a good signing he is.”

[All quotes are sourced directly from BBC Sport]