Spurs boss admits admiration for Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Photo credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS

Saturday, November 17, 2012
10:00 AM

Andre Villas-Boas has leapt to the defence of his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger ahead of today’s north London derby at the Emirates.

Wenger has come under fire for Arsenal’s poor start to the season and for his failure to replace key players such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas with players of the same calibre.

Villas-Boas is a big admirer of what Wenger has achieved at Arsenal, however, and he doubts that the Gunners’ slump will continue for long while the Frenchman remains in charge.

“I think he is one of the greatest managers of all time and continues to have success,” the former Chelsea manager said.

“It’s human nature (to criticise). When you are in one place you always are willing for a change or prepared to change to something positive.

“When change happens you see what you were missing at first.

“I don’t know if that will be the case or not (with Arsenal), but I certainly feel he has delivered what Arsenal want for the last years and continues to be one of the great managers.

“He has been extremely successful. And when people are successful you have to admire them.”