Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson
Wenger - Ferguson respect will survive Semi
- Bould and Banfield join first-team staff
- International Watch: Ryo makes Japan debut
- Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Three
- Vermaelen - I enjoy the responsibility here
- Campbell - I can offer a lot to Arsenal
- Top 20 Most Liked
By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger expects his new-improved relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson to survive the intensity of a Champions League Semi-Final.
The two elder statesmen of Premier League football have enjoyed a battle royal since Wenger arrived in North London 13 years ago. At times their rivalry has bordered on the hostile but in recent seasons a mutual respect has developed between the pair. Instead of mind games, we have witnessed a meeting of minds.
If anything could challenge Wenger and Ferguson's new-found friendship it is a last-four clash in Europe's premier club competition. Arsenal head to Old Trafford for the first leg of a mouthwatering Semi-Final on Wednesday and welcome Manchester United to Emirates Stadium six days later.
It is without doubt the biggest tie of the season for both clubs but, while Wenger expects an intense battle on the pitch, he is confident that cordial relations can be maintained off it.
"Our respect will survive the two games," said the Frenchman. "[Earning Ferguson's respect] is one of the privileges of getting older!
"I think these two games will be a fierce competiton. We’ll go completely for it and so will they.
"It will be a very interesting competition because we feel we have improved since the beginning of the season, they feel that they’ve come back into a stronger position than they were two or three weeks ago. So both teams can both be peaking at the right time.
"I believe really they will be very competitive games."
[Monday, April 27, 2009]
More Arsenal News
-
Thu, May 24, 2012
'I know I have some big boots to fill’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
‘Steve and I share same coaching philosophy’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Banfield - New role is a dream come true -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Bould and Banfield join first-team staff -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Bould - This shows strength of youth set-up -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Four -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Kitchee FC on the verge of historic treble -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Player of the Season - Last chance to vote! -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - FA Cup -
Wed, May 23, 2012
'Premier League is as good as it's ever been'
