Arsene Wenger shuddered as he contemplated the feeling he hates more than any other - losing.
Wenger admits being devastated when Arsenal lose but that also keeps him motivated
LONDON: Arsene Wenger shuddered as he contemplated the feeling he hates more than any other - losing.
Wenger’s philosophical persona hides a fierce desire for success that still burns as brightly now as it did the day he took charge at Arsenal 12 years ago. But the flipside of that passion is the emotional scars that come when his thirst for victory isn’t quenched.
Wenger, 58, admits to being destroyed when Arsenal lose and he made no attempt to hide his fear of those down days when asked what keeps him motivated. Inevitably such stress will take its toll but clearly not enough to make the Frenchman consider calling it a day.
He is determined to carry on pitting his wits against the likes of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for as long as his competitive juices continue to flow. After all, legendary Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni is still going strong at 68 after taking the Republic of Ireland job this week.
“I was asked when I want to retire and I said ‘I don’t know’. It could be tomorrow, it could be 10 years,” Wenger said. “I don’t think like that, I think about the next game, let’s do it. Trapattoni has just signed for Ireland at 68 and you want me out at 58!
“He has fantastic health and still has the drive. I personally believe that winning and losing matters to you until the last day of your life. It matters more to some and less to others.
Wenger knows even he will have to call it a day eventually but the success of his bright, young team this season has given him an even greater sense that his career is far from over.
“I cannot imagine being sat on the bench at 92 saying ‘come on my friend let’s do it’,” he said. “Of course, as long as winning means something to you, you go for it because you sacrifice nearly everything for the next game and you live a professional football player.
“That means if it’s not so important any more you are not ready to sacrifice, to not go out and prepare like a player. You only do that because it has massive meaning for you
to win.”
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