The Performance Center, 1988, George Weah… Unpublished interview with Arsène Wenger

Present on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of AS Monaco, the former coach of the Rouge et Blanc, French champion in 1988, took the time to share his best memories in the Principality.

He is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the Club. He is also the one who gave a European dimension to AS Monaco, participating in the first epics on the continental scene. Present on the occasion of the Centenary celebrations against Montpellier in September, Arsène Wenger agreed to talk about his finest moments in the Principality. Interview ????️

Hello Arsène. To begin with, how does it feel to come back here, with a brand new Performance Center?

I'm glad it's changed so much, for the better! I recognize the place, because the Rock is still there (smile)! But everything else has evolved considerably, and today AS Monaco is at the level of the biggest clubs in terms of the quality of its infrastructure and the training center. This is important to be able to attract the best players and keep them if possible.

I want to remember that everyone has always been happy to be at AS Monaco, that there is a family spirit there, a feeling of pride also in being part of the Club and representing the Principality. (…) I also keep this desire for class in behavior and this desire to play quality football, resolutely focused on the offensive.

It is absolutely necessary these days, whether for individual progress but also for that of the team, to have fields of such quality and recovery and preparation facilities as is the case. Congratulations, because you can often think short term in this profession, so you have to respect people who think more long term.

You were at the beginning of this professionalization of high-level football, especially at AS Monaco. What do you remember from your years at the Club?

The advantage of looking back on things is that we forget the bad memories, we only keep the good ones (smile)! I want to remember that everyone has always been happy to be at AS Monaco, that there is a family spirit there, a feeling of pride also in being part of the Club and representing the Principality.

I would say that we were even in the shoes of a national team, especially since at the time there were only two foreigners in the squad. French players have always been attracted to Monaco. I also keep this desire for class in behavior and this desire to play quality football, resolutely focused on the offensive.

Was President Jean-Louis Campora the guarantor of these values when you were in office?

Yes it's true, because he was ambitious, he wanted to win and therefore be equipped with the means to do so. He put us in the best position to be able to stay at the front of the stage.

It's remarkable, especially since when George Weah arrived here in Monaco, he was completely unknown at 23 years old. Nobody had heard of him, and he had never played at a high level before. This ultimately shows that at any age, you can learn very, very quickly, and that if you are really ambitious, you can progress.

A strategy that pays off, since you are crowned champions in your first season on the bench…

Yes of course, there is this title in 1988, but also two Coupe de France finals, one lost and the other won in 1991, as well as a Coupe des Coupes final and a Champions League semi-final.

We had a European adventure every year, and when I arrived, AS Monaco had never made it past the first round of a European Cup. Now it's another story, and I hope that this season the team will go far in this Champions League.

You managed some great players during your time. What does it mean to you in hindsight, to have coached a future Ballon d'Or?

But in my era, it’s true that players like Glenn Hoddle and George Weah stand out a little. But it is also because the Principality is a place conducive to work, individual expression and player progression. There is a form of protection, sheltered from media noise and upheavals. I think it helped a lot with the development of certain players.

Is this also why AS Monaco has trained so many great players?

Exactly, because they can hatch quietly and benefit from a form of patience. When you have a bad time, you lose confidence very quickly and certainly here it is mitigated by the environment, unlike what happens in other places.

We are proud to have trained them here in Monaco! Especially for a player like Lilian Thuram, it wasn't easy, because he came here as a midfielder and ultimately made a career as a defender. While Emmanuel Petit became very famous by playing at the heart of the game.

You have personally launched players like Emmanuel Petit, Lilian Thuram and Thierry Henry. Do you have the impression of having worked at the beginnings of France 98?

Yes, a little! In the sense that we are proud to have trained them here in Monaco. Especially for a player like Lilian Thuram, it wasn't easy, because he came here as a midfielder and ultimately made a career as a defender. While Emmanuel Petit became very famous by playing at the heart of the game.

As is often the case, a change of position can be a trigger in a career, if you play the position that suits you best. Fabinho? Yes it's a good example, he made a very good run in the middle having started at the back.

What memory do you want to remember in particular from these years in the Principality?

Certainly my first match here against Marseille, where we won in front of a full stadium in August. That remains the trigger for me. Then I keep a memory of tenderness and gratitude towards this club, because it gave me my first chance at a very high level and allowed me to launch my career. I repeat, I only have good memories here!