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Wenger - Controversy part of management

Arsene Wenger says being caught up in controversy is part and parcel of management in the modern game.

Roy Hodgson has found himself under the spotlight for a joke told at half-time during the England v Poland match on Tuesday.

Wenger has sympathy for his counterpart but says scrutiny is something you have to accept when you are in a high-profile position.

“First of all, I don't really know what happened,” he said.

“Secondly we can go sometimes a bit overboard at half-time, it is an emotional situation, there is a lot of desire and effort in there, but basically all [that is said] has to remain in the dressing room - it is an old phrase which you know well in England.

“Unfortunately these times have gone, so you have to be very careful today about what you say, wherever you are.

“To be in the middle of controversy, yes, it is part of [being a manager] but I don't really know what happened. What has he really said? What does it really mean? You have to be in the situation to know.”

Wenger was pleased to see England progress to the World Cup finals next summer, but says expectations should be kept in check.

"England dealt with the last two games in a very convincing way, and they have the basis of a very good team who can be ambitious at the World Cup"

“I was in France when I saw the result, and I was very happy because I checked the score for a long time and it was 1-0,” he said. “I thought with Lewandowski up front, that is always dangerous. When I saw it was 2-0, I was very happy.

“England dealt with the last two games in a very convincing way, and they have the basis of a very good team who can be ambitious at the World Cup.

“Let's be cautious as well, not like we usually are and think England will win the World Cup. But they have a team who can create a positive surprise.”

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