Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 8y

Chelsea's Antonio Conte praises Arsene Wenger's 20 years at Arsenal

LONDON -- Antonio Conte says that Arsenal have benefited from judging manager Arsene Wenger on more than just results as the Frenchman marks 20 years in charge of the Gunners.

Wenger's reign is only surpassed by Sir Alex Ferguson's 27 years as manager of Manchester United in the Premier League era and has brought Arsenal three league titles and six FA Cup triumphs, as well as a smooth transition from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

In recent years Wenger has faced increasing opposition from a vocal section of Arsenal supporters for his failure to return the club to the pinnacle of English football, but Conte insists the value of some managers must be measured in more than simply points and trophies.

"Sometimes I think it's important, when you're a manager, not only to think about win, lose or draw," Conte said. "The manager must also coach and do work every day during the week.

"If you see a coach or manager works very well and, during the season, you can't win, you must view him for his job, for his work. Sometimes if you judge only on wins, you make a big mistake and pay for this in the future.

"When you win you must also understand which way you won. That's important. Sometimes the win is a situation that isn't from a solid base. When there's a good work behind you, and you can see that every day in training, I'm sure if I'm a director then I know a coach or manager is doing very well.

"If we don't win tomorrow or in the next game, I'm sure we will in the future. In the next game. But if I'm a director and I don't see that basis of work, you can win a game but not be sure it will go on.

"I think the club must value the work a coach puts in, in general. Arsene Wenger is doing a good job. It's normal that, when every single year you fight for the title, you want to win. But to stay up there every year is not easy. For this reason, I think Wenger is doing a good job with the young players. When you see Arsenal you see good football."

Asked if he would like to be allowed to stay at Chelsea for 20 years, Conte replied: "Yes, I like this. When you can organise and do your work, and there is great satisfaction on both sides, there is the possibility to do good work."

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