MX23RW : Saturday, April 20 03:43:26| >> :120:26309:26309:

Arsene Wenger: 'Staying at Arsenal for 22 years was a mistake'

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that staying at the club for 22 years is probably the biggest mistake that he has made.

Arsene Wenger has suggested that it was a mistake staying at Arsenal for more than two decades as he was made to feel like "a prisoner".

The Frenchman parted company with the Gunners at the end of last season following 22 years in charge amid growing pressure from the club's fanbase.

In a revealing interview with RTL, Wenger confessed that he possibly outstayed his welcome in North London, while also revealing that he rejected the chance to manage France on multiple occasions.

Asked what his biggest managerial mistake has been, Wenger replied: "Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years. I'm someone who likes to move around a lot, but I also like a challenge. I've been a prisoner of my own challenge at times."

On the topic of who he would ask for forgiveness, the Frenchman said: "All the people who I've made suffer. In my line of work, we are constantly making decisions that punish people, while making others happy.

"When you work with a 25-man squad, it's basically making 14 people unemployed every Saturday or Tuesday. Also, the players for whom I never managed to find the key to helping them reach their potential."

The long-ranging interview then turned to the subject of the France job, with Wenger revealing: "I've had the opportunity numerous times to be France manager.

"I'm not sure if it was before or after [Raymond] Domenech. Maybe both... I've always been more interested in the day-to-day aspect of management. I find it much more stimulating.

"It is a question I've been asking myself, if I should become a national team manager. A national team manager takes charge of ten games per year. In a club, you take charge of 60. My drug is the next match, so..."

Wenger, replaced at the Emirates Stadium by Unai Emery, won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups during his time in charge.

ID:330804: cacheID:330804:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2834:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Lucas Perez in action for Arsenal on January 31, 2017
Read Next:
Lucas Perez 'to fight for Arsenal future'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!