Arsene Wenger Softens Stance On Director Of Football: I Could Need Help

By The Editor
on 19th May 2017

Arsene Wenger hints at possible director of football appointment…

Arsene Wenger has seemingly softened his stance on working with a director of football after it was put to him that David Dein held a similar role at the club.

Speaking at his final pre-match Premier League press conference of the season, Wenger was asked if he may have misinterpreted the club’s intentions of seeking someone to fill that role.

The Frenchman claimed his understanding of such a figure is one who makes decisions on all football matters, apart from team selection and training methods.

However, Wenger did say that he’d be open to help, which is what Dein had done so efficiently alongside the boss for 11 years.

“Director of Football, when I say that it’s a guy who makes the decisions that normally down to the manager,” Wenger told the press.

“That means selection of players, buying, all the matters that concern the functioning of the team on a daily basis.

“Of course you can need help to become better, yes of course, and I am always open to that.”

While Wenger probably was hasty in dismissing the notion of a director of football, it would still shock many if he was open to change happening above him at this stage of his career.

Other top coaches function in such structures, but Wenger seems resistant in relinquishing any power at the club, despite the fact that his record doesn’t warrant such authority.

Check out his statement on a director of football as well as his full pre-match press conference in the video above.