Wenger calls for 'moral leadership' at Chelsea

Arsene Wenger has called on Roman Abramovich to provide “moral leadership” at Chelsea after Jose Mourinho’s controversy-filled season at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho and Chelsea have been charged by the Premier League with allegedly "tapping up" Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole.

The Chelsea boss has also been hit with a two-game Champions League touchline ban for his claims about Barcelona’s Frank Rijkaard meeting referee Anders Frisk at half-time in their last 16 tie.

And he has been fined by the Football Association for accusing Manchester United players of "cheating" in their Carling Cup semi-final tie.

However, Wenger believes Chelsea – and Abramovich in particular – should now clearly set out their values and, implicitly, whether they back Mourinho’s actions.

“I think it would be helpful [to hear from Abramovich]. He sets the tone at that club. Of course, he is very powerful and they have the advantage of having rules which only they have,” he declared.

“That’s why I think that the way he wants to lead the club is important for English football and the Premier League.

“I don’t want to take anything away from what Chelsea have achieved on the pitch as the players and the staff have done a tremendous job. They’ve been very efficient and hungry.

“But every club has its values and I would like to hear a voice at Chelsea come out and say what they really want to be in England and how they want to behave.

“I feel we are missing that voice but it’s important for English football as they will be leading club in the coming years.

“I’ve made mistakes and Ferguson has made mistakes as we’re all under pressure in the heat of the game.

“But voices come out from our clubs afterwards, showing our values and how we want to behave. I feel that has not come out from Chelsea.”

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has previously spoken of his “embarrassment” at the Old Trafford melee last season, with his traditional Old Etonian values often setting the tone for the club.

Abramovich, meanwhile, has given only one major interview – to the Financial Times – since buying Chelsea just over 18 months ago and has otherwise remained a somewhat private, reclusive figure.

While that is, in part, understandable due to his concerns over privacy and security, Wenger feels the Russian multi-millionaire has an obligation to the English game.

“We live in a society where it doesn’t matter any more as when you win, you’re right, but I feel that big clubs are all about values, both on and off the pitch,” he added.

“Sometimes we have to be reminded as managers what we are about and which way the club wants to go.”

When asked if Chelsea’s alleged "tapping up" of Cole showed a lack of respect for other clubs, he responded: “I don’t want to interfere too much in that before this whole story has been judged.

“It’s not down to me. You have to let the FA [Premier League] take care of this story and respect what kind of decision they make.

“Frankly I don’t know how they want to behave and the way they want to go. I feel it’s important that Chelsea say that. Whether they’re guilty or not, it’s down to the Premier League to judge.”

Mourinho has nevertheless already been judged by UEFA after the row which erupted over claims that Frisk spoke to Rijkaard in the Nou Camp.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said afterwards that the club would probably not be appealing as “we feel it is important to protect the image of the club”.

As for Frisk, who has since retired, Buck added: “The whole club respects his integrity and we are very sorry about the situation that has developed.”

That at least set the tone for what Wenger is calling for, although he believes the real message needs to be louder – and to come from the very top.