Wenger: there’s more to football than trophies
The Arsenal manager, who last picked up a trophy when his side won the FA Cup in 2005, believes there is more to the game than winning silverware.
Wenger, whose side lead the Premier League by one point from Manchester United and who can extend their lead at the summit against Wigan, said: “To win trophies is important but it is not the only thing about sport.
“Somebody can say to you if you don’t win trophies you are nobody. Maybe. I don’t know. I think it is something more than that.”
Wenger was responding to comments from former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who observed that while Arsenal have won no trophies in recent seasons, Wenger remains revered at the Emirates.
“Arsenal are a unique team: their coach hasn’t won for years, but he’s an idol,” said Mourinho. “There are no pressures at Arsenal. But do not say he’s growing young players into talents because he takes jewels and polishes them, it’s different. He has time to work in a serene atmosphere and get results.”
Wenger was eager to clarify that he had no wish to criticise Mourinho. “People can say what they want,” said the Frenchman. “I try to do my job as well as I can, if it’s not good enough people will tell me. I don’t feel under pressure to win trophies more this year than any other year. I know many people who have won trophies and I don’t rate them at all.”
Wenger said cheating exists in football in order to win, but he was keen to do it by the book. “What is important for me is to do things in a fair way and to try to get the best out of the team for people to enjoy. In the minute, the trophy is what you can show, but what remains is not just about the trophy.
“It is the way you behave, the way you play. Competition (is not all about) kicking everybody off the park and at the end of the season you win the trophy.”
Wenger added: “Winning can never be everything and to destroy people can never be everything.”
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