Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had a heated rivalry with Jose Mourinho during their time as Premier League opponents, though now that Mourinho has been ousted as manager of Chelsea, the Frenchman has insisted that he doesn’t like to see “anyone” lose their job.
Wenger made the comments prior to Arsenal’s match against Southampton on Boxing Day, with him also referencing Manchester United fans’ calls for Mourinho to replace their beleaguered manager Louis van Gaal, who continues to struggle under the weight of their expectations.
When asked about Mourinho during the conference, Wenger replied: “There’s no need to add anything. I don’t want anyone to lose their job. I think it’s always sad when people lose their job.” However, the manager opened up when he was questioned about the calls for Mourinho to take over the managerial position at Man U, adding: “I personally have huge respect for Louis van Gaal and I think what is going on there is disrespectful.
“This guy has worked in football for 30 years and has delivered an unbelievable quality of work.”
Van Gaal was taunted with chants of “Jose Mourinho, he’s taking your job” from Norwich fans, after Man U lost to the underdogs 2-1 at Old Trafford. There has now been mounting speculation that Van Gaal’s position at the club is under threat, and that the former Chelsea manager could step up to the plate despite having been sacked by Chelsea due to a run of horrendous form.
