Arsene is playing some tricky games with Paddy...
24/03/2006 11:50
Telling Vieira Was Tough – Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits it was difficult telling Patrick Vieira he was no longer wanted at Highbury.
The Frenchman was sold to Juventus in July and will come face-to-face with the Gunners in the Champions League next week.
“It is always difficult to tell a player he is no longer wanted when you have been in battle together and given everything together,” Wenger told L’Equipe.
"It is warrior-like language but it is like that. Separating from a player, it is telling him he is no longer strong enough. He often feels it is a betrayal. No player understands when he is no longer strong enough. When I was a player-manager at the age of 32, I said to one of my directors: 'The day you think I am too old, come and tell me straight after the match'.
"One day, when I was 32 and a half, he said to me: 'Arsene you are too old'.
"I never played again because I trusted his judgement. You cannot fool yourself that you can judge yourself.
"I have learned to tell my players in the most frank way possible, even if they don't accept it.
"Some refuse to accept my judgement, but they accept the verdict because they know the level of honesty of their coach."