Bavarians admit long-running interest in French coach.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have admitted that they have tried on several occasions in the past to lure head coach Arsene Wenger to Bavaria, says the Sun.
The Gunners boss is currently preparing the North London outfit for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, having lost the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates three weeks ago.
And, on the eve of the return leg, Bayern president Uli Hoeness has revealed in an exclusive interview to the Sun that the runaway German league leaders have tried to poach Wenger previously, only for the Frenchman to resists the Bavarians’ overtures each time.
The first occasion was in 1995 when Wenger was coach of Monaco, but he instead opted to move to the J-League, while Bayern also returned when Wenger was manager of Arsenal, but again he turned them down.
“We did try to get him at Bayern Munich a few times,” Hoeness said.
“Even before he went to Japan (in 1995), Franz Beckenbauer and I went to Nice and discussed with him and everything was clear, but then at the end of the day he decided to go to Japan.
“We were very surprised. From Japan he went to Arsenal and over the years, whenever we were looking for a new coach, Wenger was always one we considered.
“He’s a very serious person, very strong and has a very good idea about the game.
“There have been a few moments where we have discussed his name over the years.
“He has always remained loyal to Arsenal which is fantastic behaviour. But it is true we wanted him at Bayern a few times.”
Wenger will hope to receive the same loyalty from Arsenal fans whilst his team go through this difficult spell.
COMMENTS