Arsène Wenger is not unanimous in England, despite a remarkable career at the head of Arsenal. Arriving on the Gunners bench in 1996, he stayed there for 22 years before announcing his departure in 2018. Subsequently, he was appointed director of world football development at Fifa and also became a consultant for the English version of beIN Sports.
Known for his outspokenness, Wenger left a bitter memory to Mike Dean, emblematic referee of the Premier League for 28 years. Retired from on-field refereeing in 2022 and then from the video role in 2023, Dean named Arsene Wenger as the most difficult coach to deal with.
“It was the most difficult”
Speaking on the show The Overlap Fan Debatehe detailed his experience with the Frenchman. “I never got along with Arsène Wenger. I don’t know what it was, I don’t know if it was because every time I referee their match they lose. Every time I went to Arsenal, I didn’t feel it.”he declared.
The former referee goes further and describes the pressure felt around the club. “I talked to a few people who used to work there who are now retired, and they told me that as soon as the game schedule came out on Monday and they knew I was going to be officiating, it immediately said, ‘We don’t have a chance.’ It was the most difficult”Dean added. A memory that may not delight Arsène Wenger.
