Toni Kroos recently expressed his admiration for Arsene Wenger and his time at Arsenal. The German midfielder appreciated Wenger’s unique approach to football and acknowledged the manager’s significant achievements in North London.
Toni Kroos on Arsene Wenger’s Legacy
Wenger is celebrated as one of the Premier League’s greatest managers. His impressive track record includes three league titles with Arsenal. Notably, he led the team to an unbeaten season in 2003/04, earning them the title of “The Invincibles.”
Admiring Wenger’s Playing Style
Kroos highlighted Wenger’s emphasis on attractive football. He stated that this commitment to playing “good football” is a key reason for his admiration. Kroos recalled their encounters when he played for Bayern Munich, where he faced Wenger’s Arsenal four times in the Champions League.
- Kroos scored a crucial goal at the Emirates Stadium during the 2012/13 season, eliminating Arsenal from the tournament.
- Wenger’s ability to promote an exciting style of play left a lasting impression on Kroos.
Upcoming Meeting with Wenger
Kroos is looking forward to meeting Wenger on March 19th. He expressed that this meeting holds special significance for him, despite not being a grand event. He stated, “For me, it really is” a remarkable occasion.
Criticism and Challenges
While Wenger celebrated great successes, he also faced criticism. Mark Clattenburg pointed out that Wenger struggled to rebuild his team effectively in later years. Unlike managers like Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson, Wenger’s final years saw a decline in success.
Clattenburg noted that while Wenger’s “Invincibles” season is celebrated, the latter part of his tenure saw challenges that impacted the club’s standing.
As the football community reflects on Wenger’s career, Kroos’ insights contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the legendary coach’s impact at Arsenal. His legacy remains a topic of admiration and debate among fans and analysts alike.
