Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has confidently backed his old club to lift the Premier League title this season, declaring, “Arsenal will win the league this year,” while attending the Bridge Summit at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.
The long-serving coach, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, struck an unusually assertive tone as he reflected on success in modern football and the challenge of balancing long-term vision with the growing demand for instant results.
Depth, Balance and Resilience Key to Title Push
Wenger, who led Arsenal through their historic Invincibles season in 2003–04, highlighted the squad depth and balance built by Mikel Arteta as decisive factors in the title race.
I feel what I see. We have the best squad, we have the best team, we have the most balanced team compared to your competitors. The competitivity of the other teams looks less strong.
He noted that rivals such as Liverpool have “dropped off” and while Manchester City could still “come back”, Wenger believes Arsenal have developed the resilience required to go the distance, having finished runners-up in the past two seasons.
Ignoring the Noise and Trusting Philosophy
Wenger’s comments on Arsenal’s title credentials were framed within a broader discussion on philosophy, integrity and patience, values that defined his 22-year tenure in North London.
Recalling the scepticism that greeted his appointment in 1996, Wenger spoke of the importance of ignoring external “noise” and remaining faithful to one’s beliefs. He outlined the three pillars of his philosophy at Arsenal: serving the institution first, shaping a clear playing style, and prioritising individual player development.
I always felt that my job was first to try to make the club, as a structure, bigger as a brand.
Long-Term Planning Over Short-Term Spending
Addressing the pressures of modern management and the pursuit of instant success through heavy spending, Wenger stressed the indispensability of long-term planning.
I personally believe that every organisation, to reach its full potential, needs to have a long-term plan. If you are only concerned by what’s happening tomorrow, you don’t go far.
Talent Development at FIFA
This long-term perspective now underpins Wenger’s work at FIFA, where he has launched the Talent Development Scheme aimed at creating academies across the globe.
He revealed that the goal is to establish 60 academies in 60 different countries by the end of this year, providing pathways for young players who might otherwise miss out on professional opportunities. Wenger estimates that fewer than 25 percent of the world’s 211 countries regularly compete at the World Cup.
For those who have a talent for football, we have a responsibility to help them develop that.
Managing Pressure and Creating Lasting Values
On coping with the stress of elite management, Wenger shared a simple but powerful approach.
Always think, ‘Why am I doing this? What am I striving for?’ That gave me the strength to regroup and focus on what was important.
He also cited one of his proudest achievements at Arsenal: “In 22 years, I never lost three games in a row.” Wenger attributed that consistency to his focus on reducing “crisis time” and constantly looking ahead.
A Message for the Next Generation
Wenger concluded with a message to young coaches that neatly encapsulated his career philosophy.
“Of course, you want to win trophies, but try to generate values. The values will survive longer than the trophies you have won, and they are more important for everybody.”
