Ahead of Arsenal’s clash at Manchester United on Saturday,
Arsene Wenger feels Sir Alex Ferguson’s “real hunger” for success
will never die.
The Gunners boss takes his side to Old Trafford on Saturday for
what could well be a Premier League title party should United
secure a point.
It would be a record-equalling 18th championship for United, and
a an impressive 11th under the guidance of Ferguson.
Wenger’s once fiery relationship with his old adversary is now
much more civil than when their two sides went directly
head-to-head for the game’s top honours.
The Arsenal manager believes whenever the 67-year-old Scot
finally does decide to call it a day – with the end of next season
mooted as a possibility having originally announced his plan to
retire in 2002 – he will remain a winner.
“I believe until the last day of your life, the real hunger
never goes,” said Wenger, whose side have not won silverware since
the 2005 FA Cup.
“That is nothing to do with the number of trophies you have won
or the amount of money you have made.
“You either want to win in life, or you do not want to win in
life. It is as simple as that.
“It is only difficult to accept for people who do not have that
drive.
“People who do have that drive, understand that the only thing
which matters at the end of the day is how much you want to be
successful.”
Much like Arsenal, United went through a barren spell from 2003
to 2006 when they failed to land the domestic championship.
Now, United are on course for a third successive title, and last
season claimed the Champions League for a second time under
Ferguson, while also being crowned FIFA Club
World Cup winners in December 2008.
Wenger noted: “United bounced back very well, and credit to
them.
“They have bought very well and invested very well. Today, they
look the best team in England – and they are.
“That is credit to Ferguson as well, but it also shows that
nothing is definite, it can all turn very quickly.”
Things have certainly taken a different path over the past few
season for the once all-conquering Gunners, who claimed the league
title with victory at Old Trafford back in May 2002, as the trophy
cabinet at the impressive Emirates Stadium remains void of fresh
silverware.
Wenger said: “I believe we play now more for our future because
of the way we finish the season and for our pride as well because
we want to give them a top class game.”
Arsenal may have come up again short this season, but Wenger –
who remained defiant when grilled by shareholders at a forum last
night – insists there are plenty of reasons to be positive.
“I believe the group has come forward since November,” said
Wenger, his team now secure in fourth place.
“We have had a long unbeaten run in the Premier League, but not
mature enough to win the FA Cup or the Champions League.
“There are no regrets with my commitment, certainly not. I
worked harder than ever this year.
“We do with our resources as well as we can.
“If we add people, they will be with experience.”
Wenger added: “I am here to produce what I can. If it is not
good enough, it is not good enough.
“At the end of the day you can give as much as you can and it is
down to other people to assess the situation.”
Arsenal are now led by 22-year-old Cesc Fabregas.
The Spaniard spent some three months on the sidelines earlier
this season, but Wenger remains confident his best is yet to
come.
“He is a player who cares about results and nobody comes back
100%. You will see the real Cesc Fabregas next season,” the Arsenal
manager said.
“Cesc has been very strong mentally and resolute and determined,
has given as much as he can.
“At the start it [captaincy] is a burden, but can he absorb it
and do that job.”