ARSÈNE WENGER and Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United
manager, are always depicted as the bitterest of enemies, but
Wenger has revealed that he will miss Ferguson when he finally
takes his leave of Old Trafford.
Wenger still regards their rivalry as the greatest in the English
game a possible swipe at José Mourinho, who arrived in the
Barclays Premiership a little over two seasons ago, while Ferguson
and Wenger have been sparring for ten years.
I will miss our rivalry if he would leave, Wenger told France
Football, the magazine. I dont believe there is another rivalry
comparable to ours in English football. Our mental duels keep me
awake. His only weakness is to believe he has no weakness.
Ferguson has already announced and postponed one retirement, and,
at 64, is closing in on the milestone of 20 years in charge of
United. That, to Wenger, counts as an addiction, although he
claims that he welcomes the Scots refusal to give up.
I believe it would be very difficult for him to quit football,
because it is an addiction when you stay in that sport so long,
Wenger said. I am happy he has decided to go on because I know
against whom I have to fight. I know I will face a Manchester
United team difficult to defeat.
It may also disappoint some to learn that the relationship between
the two is not as poisonous as has been made out, especially when
their meetings occur away from players tunnels and flying
pizza.
When we meet in an airport or Uefa meetings we dont fight,
Wenger said. Those meetings are even funny. When there is no
match, we have exciting talks about football. There is no
bitterness. I dont know the man, but I respect the
coach.
