Wenger plans for exit
GARETH SOUTHGATE last night aimed a barb at previous regimes as he insisted England need to shake off an island mentality and up their game both on and off the field.
Southgate’s side face Germany here tonight in his fifth match in charge, and his first since being given the manager’s job permanently in November.
And Southgate, who lost defender Phil Jones to injury after he suffered a broken toe in a training-ground challenge with Manchester United team-mate Chris Smalling, said ARSENE WENGER has agreed to help build the structure to replace himself as Arsenal boss.
It will be a trade-off for being given two more years in which to go out on a high.
Recent results have underlined the need for change and, despite not being a fan of the role, Wenger will usher in a new sporting director to help build continuity when he does leave.
The board have come to the realisation there is no like-for-like replacement for Wenger and will move towards a two-tier system, although they remain adamant that when the Frenchman does step down there will be no move ‘upstairs’.
Nothing is likely to be finalised this week, although the board know how destabilising the uncertainty is.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will be sold as part of a “reinvention” but Hector Bellerin yesterday pledged his loyalty to Wenger in light of the speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona.
“The loyalty to this person is worth more than money,” he said.
“Any player would be flattered by interest from Barca, they’re the best club in the world.
“The fact that I grew up in the Barca academy also makes this a bit more special, although for now I’m focused on these games and on the season and the rest will come later.”