Arsene Wenger - Definition

Arsène Wenger (b. October 22, 1949 in Strasbourg, France) is the current manager of the Arsenal football team.

He began playing amateur football as a defender for various amateur clubs before making a professional debut for Strasbourg against Monaco in 1978. Although Strasbourg won the French league in 1979, Wenger did not feature prominently in the team. In 1981, he obtained a manager's diploma and was appointed the coach of the Strasbourg youth team.

Wenger's managerial career only took off when he became the manager of AS Monaco in 1987. Although he was successful with the club, he was sacked in 1994 when Monaco finished ninth in the league. He moved on to a successful spell with the Japanese J. League team Nagoya Grampus Eight. On September 28 1996, Wenger joined Arsenal.

On October 10 2000, he received a fine and a 12-match touchline ban from the Football Association for "threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" to a match official during Arsenal's defeat at Sunderland on August 23.

Under his guidance, he led Arsenal to 3 championship titles (including two doubles) in the space of 7 years in charge. Also renowned as a great thinker, or 'professor', he is highly respected as a coach throughout Europe, although Arsenal have yet to be called the truly great side without winning the Champions League.

He was awarded an honorary OBE for services to British football in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2003.

In October 2004, Wenger signed a contract extension that will keep him at Arsenal through the 2007/2008 season.

Clubs

• Arsenal F.C. September 1996 -
• Nagoya Grampus Eight 1995 - September 1996
• AS Monaco FC 1987-1994
• Nancy 1984-1987
• Cannes 1983

Honours

• Player
  • Strasbourg
    • French league champions: 1979

• Manager
  • Arsenal F.C.
    • FA Premier league champions: 1998 2002 2004
    • FA Cup: 1998 2002 2003
    • Two league and cup "Doubles"
    • Undefeated in league for 2003/04 (first club to do so in England's top division in 115 years)
  • Nagoya Grampus Eight
    • J-League Cup: 1996
    • Emperor's Cup: 1995
    • J-League Manager of the Year: 1995
  • AS Monaco FC
    • French Cup: 1991
    • French league champions: 1988
    • French Manager of the Year: 1988