In a heated exchange of views, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has come to the defense of his old manager, Arsène Wenger, following scathing remarks from ex-Liverpool player Graeme Souness. Souness questioned Wenger’s credentials as a “football man” and suggested that the Frenchman was “very, very lucky” to manage a team with such talent during his time at Arsenal.
During an appearance on the *Three Up Front* podcast, Souness expressed skepticism about Wenger’s footballing acumen, citing his experiences while observing Wenger’s management style from the sidelines. “I’ve been on the bench listening to what he’s telling his players to do. I’ve been working for Sky in games where he’s made very strange decisions,” Souness stated. He claimed Wenger inherited a top-tier defense and had the advantage of coaching a generation of exceptional French talent, including Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright.
Keown, however, firmly disagreed with Souness’s assessment. While acknowledging the combative nature of Souness’s comments, he highlighted Wenger’s deep commitment to football. “I believe he’s a complete football man. The only thing in his life, really, is football,” Keown remarked, adding that Wenger’s ongoing work with FIFA is focused on enhancing the global game.
Furthermore, Keown defended Wenger’s tactical innovations and influence on his players. “Wenger got life out of us. I was still playing football at 38-39 years of age,” he noted, reflecting on how Wenger’s approach to diet, training, and creativity transformed Arsenal’s playing style.
Perry Groves, another former Arsenal player, joined the conversation by pointing out that the criticism regarding the team’s defensive setup is misplaced. He emphasized that Wenger’s famous unbeaten season, known as the “Invincibles,” was achieved with a completely different back five than the one Wenger inherited, featuring players like Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole.
The debate reignited discussions about Wenger’s legacy, showcasing the divide between those who recognize his contributions to football and others who diminish them. With passionate supporters like Keown and Groves advocating for Wenger, it’s clear that the former Arsenal manager remains a revered figure in the eyes of many, despite ongoing critiques from rivals.