Skip to content

'Arsene Wenger not giving up management anytime soon' says Tony Pulis

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Tony Pulis, Manager of West Bromwich Albion shouts during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwic
Image: Tony Pulis says Arsene Wenger has many years of management still in him

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is years away from quitting management.

Albion host the Gunners in the Premier League on Saturday, a game which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD, with Wenger under growing pressure to leave the Emirates at the end of the season.

Sky Sports Pass
Sky Sports Pass

Watch West Brom v Arsenal for just £6.99!

His contract expires in the summer and sections of fans have called for him not to sign a fresh one, as frustration grows at Arsenal's failure to consistently challenge for major honours.

They have not won the Premier League since 2004 and went out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the seventh straight campaign, following their 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich earlier this month.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11:  Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Arsenal and Lincoln City at
Image: Wenger took over at Arsenal in 1996

But Pulis said of Wenger: "I get the feeling that Arsene most probably wants to be carried out in a box still managing a football club because that's the way he is.

"He's football nuts. He will go down in history as the greatest manager Arsenal have had and I think you're probably talking about a manager who wants to manage for another five or six years by the sounds of it.

"If you go back from when he started right through to a period of time where now people are complaining because they haven't won the championship for a period of time and they just get to a certain stage in Europe and this, that and the other.

Also See:

Live Premier League

"I really do think people at Arsenal trust him and they've given him total trust. I think he's a great manager and he's been fantastic."

Pulis and Wenger have had their run-ins in the past but the Baggies boss has no regrets over their previous verbal sparring.

He said: "No. It's just two competitive people getting on with their lives and having a bit of a scrap here and there. It makes no difference."

He will go down in history as the greatest manager Arsenal have had.
Pulis on Wenger

Meanwhile, Albion skipper Darren Fletcher believes Pulis is constantly overlooked for top jobs and could manage a big club.

The midfielder said: "There is no doubt he could handle the top four. There is no doubt about it. He is focused, driven.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch a preview of Saturday’s Premier League games, including West Brom v Arsenal, West Ham v Leicester and Stoke v Chelsea

"This is the way he works. You are under no illusions what is expected of you. Personalities like that can handle big personalities.

"He has got the experience. If he got offered a top-four job tomorrow he would treat it like he has every other job. He would walk in and be himself, be comfortable in himself."

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!