Wenger's reputation dependent on Champions League gong success, says ex-Arsenal star

Wenger's reputation dependent on Champions League gong success, says ex-Arsenal star

Former Arsenal favourite Kanu is of the view that coach Arsene Wenger’s whole managerial reputation rests on whether he can guide his team to Champions League success this season.

The pressure is firmly on Wenger to beat Manchester United in Tuesday night’s semi-final return, and then go on to overcome either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final.

Kanu, who served under Wenger at Arsenal for four and a half years, is the proud owner of a Champions League winners’ medal from his days with Ajax.

Portsmouth veteran Kanu believes the Gunners can overturn the 1-0 deficit they suffered in the first leg at Old Trafford, but will have to be at their very best to achieve their goal.

“There is pressure on Arsene Wenger to win it this time, because I feel this is the best chance he has of doing it. He needs to win it and if he doesn’t, it is going to be difficult for him,” the Daily Express quoted Kanu, as saying.

“Whatever he might say, inside his mind, Wenger will want to win it. He has won the League and the FA Cup, and the Champions League is the ultimate. When you are in the Champions League you are playing against other countries, so if you win that, it is when you can say you are a great coach. He has won the trophies here, so now he has to win the Champions League,” he added.