Frenchman Arsene Wenger and Scotsman Alex Ferguson are the first coaches inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame for their respective exploits with Arsenal and Manchester United. The two emblematic technicians, who spent countless years with the Gunners and the Red Devils, crossed swords for fifteen years marked as much by their strong rivalry as by their mutual respect.
Sir Alex, who arrived in the 1992-1993 season, stayed 26 years at the head of Man U, who, before him, had not been champions of England since 1967. The coach who has the most titles in Premier League history (13) retired in 2013.
“Such recognition is an honor,” said the former coach, now 81 years old. But it’s not just about me as a person. It is also the reward for the work done at Manchester United, the bond created throughout these years. I am proud for the club, the coaches and my players”.
“An opportunity to get together and drink good wine”
His rival arrived in London in 1996, as one of the first foreign technicians in England. He left Arsenal in 2018 having left his mark there and revolutionized the game by leveraging science and dietetics to implement a more professional approach.
In terms of play, the 73-year-old Frenchman, now responsible for development at FIFA, has promoted attractive and attacking football thanks to many unknown players whom he has picked up and who have revealed themselves thanks to him, including Thierry Henry or Patrick Vieira for example, already present in the Hall of Fame. In 1997-98, in his first full season, he won his first league title. In 2003-2004, his Gunners went unbeaten all season.
“Sharing all of this with Sir Alex is a great honor for me,” he said. We are like two boxers. We fought and we traveled together. In the end, there is respect. It will be an opportunity to get together, drink good wine and remember our old fights. »