Would Arsene Wenger work with Robert Pires?

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has worked without a Sporting Director since David Dein left in 2007, but now one of Le Prof’s legends, Robert Pires, is keen to come and step into that role. Pires was asked by the Express if he wanted a sporting director job with the Gunners, he replied: “Yes, that is my objective.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I need to talk about it with the owners and Arsene Wenger. I’d love this job, I love to talk with the players.

“If I’m given this job one day, I can stay in contact with football, especially with Arsenal.

“I have a good relationship with the manager, that’s important. I can work with the players, I can give advice to the young players, so we can find a good relationship between me and the players.

“I’m lucky because I’m still training with the first team sometimes. I maintain a good relation with the players and manager Arsene Wenger.

“For the moment, management is not in my plans. Thierry [Henry], Patrick [Vieira] and Freddie Ljungberg have a very good future as managers. But it’s not for me, at least at the moment because I don’t have a (coaching) license.

“Maybe, one day. But at the moment I’m an ambassador for the club. This is a good job. There isn’t too much pressure. I’m enjoying my new life.”

It is very interesting that he would want that role, as Wenger has clearly stated in the past that he would never let a sporting Director interfere with his transfer decisions. “I would not work with a ­director of football because they buy the players and when it does not work you are guilty for not using them well,” said Wenger.

“I am not against having ­people to help me buy, sell and negotiate because I cannot do it all. But I think the final ­decision always has to belong to the manager to decide who comes in and who goes out because he is ­responsible for the style of play and ­results.”

So I wonder if Pires spoke to Wenger before talking in public about wanting this job. Or is he talking about working with the next manager?

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