Wenger almost signed Guardiola, explains his ‘respect’

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola, who he believes “has done much better” as a manager than he has.

Wenger and Guardiola face one another in the Carabao Cup final next Sunday, in what will be their 13th meeting as opposition managers.

Guardiola has won six of those matches, with Wenger emerging the victor on three occasions.

But the Arsenal boss says that win, lose or draw, his admiration for Guardiola will remain.

“I think he has done much better than I have and he’s knowing very well what to do,” he told beIN Sports.

“He has exceptional teams and he is managing them very well.

“I think I respect what he does because he has a clear vision of the game, he has a positive attitude, a positive philosophy.

“Even if he doesn’t win I have as much respect as when he wins because I think people have an influence in the game. It’s very important to have a positive attitude towards the game.”

Wenger also added that he almost worked with Guardiola during the latter’s playing career.

“I spoke to him a few times,” said the Frenchman. “He came once to my home when he was a player, because he wanted to play for Arsenal.”