Arsene Wenger has hinted that he’s ready to return to management imminently. The 68-year-old stepped down as Arsenal boss at the end of last season and has enjoyed a long summer break away from football after 22 years in charge of the Gunners.
Reports suggest Bayern Munich have placed Wenger alongside Zinedine Zidane on their shortlist of managerial targets, with Niko Kovac struggling to impress since taking over the reins at the Allianz Arena. And Wenger believes he is closing in on his return following a much-needed rest in the summer.
Asked about his potential return date, Wenger told German outlet BILD: ‘It’s complicated because it’s the first time I’ve stopped training for 35 years. ‘But two or three months of rest must be good for the body. I will do it again, soon.’
Wenger appeared to rule out a managerial position in international football when asked about succeeding Joachim Low as Germany boss. ‘Germany? I do not think so,’ the Frenchman replied. ‘The problem with international work is that I need my drug to train every weekend. When you’ve known that, you cannot live without it.’
Paul Merson urged Manchester United to consider hiring Wenger as Jose Mourinho’s replacement after a dismal start to the season at Old Trafford. ‘Seriously, that’s not the worst idea in the world. You’ve got to look at what Wenger did,’ Merson told Sky Sports earlier this month.
‘You don’t have to go out and buy £70m to £80m players with some of the gems he’s got over time. ‘It’s not a bad shout. Sometimes you just need a fresh start.’