No China move as Wenger eyes Bayern revenge
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 19, 2017
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Bayern Munich's newly-signed midfielder James Rodriguez attends a training session in Shanghai yesterday, on the eve of their International Champions Cup match against Arsenal. |
Arsene Wenger says he would not consider taking up a coaching job in China despite the presence of some high profile managers in the country's top-tier league, including Fabio Cannavaro (Tianjin), Luiz Felipe Scolari (Guangdong Evergrande), Fabio Capello (Jiangsu), Felix Magath (Shandong), Andre-Villas Boas (Shanghai SIPG), Manuel Pellegrini (Hebei) and Gustavo Poyet (Shanghai Shenhua).
The Arsenal boss was speaking at a press conference in Shanghai yesterday ahead of his team's International Champions Cup match against Bayern Munich at Shanghai Stadium tonight.
"It's not because I don't like China, but because I am always happy with where I work — Europe. I won't consider since I'm already under contract."
Wenger's team claimed two preseason victories against Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC before coming to Shanghai for the match against the German champion, a team that left Arsenal with bitter memories following their UEFA Champions League clashes last season.
"Our expectation for tomorrow is to deliver a quality game and show more confidence," said Wenger. "We focused a lot on attacking in the last two games. We will play in a different climate here."
In fact, the teams will play in scorching weather, as the mercury has hovered around 36-38 degrees Celsius lately.
Arsenal did not qualify for next season's UCL for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the English Premier League. Wenger said the team would focus on the domestic league next year.
Despite early coaching experiences in Asia, the Frenchman admitted that he has not watched China's football league, though he was aware that both Japan and China have invested a lot in the sport by signing big-name players and coaches.
"I think Japanese football is working in a very structural way, learning from European clubs which China should follow. But it's hard to comment as I'm not familiar with China's younger football generation."
In an earlier press conference, Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti said that the German powerhouse was ready to show more of itself to Shanghai fans. The Italian also unveiled Bayern's goals for the new season.
"We want to win the Bundesliga title, the Super Cup. We want to be more competitive and to go forward in the Champions League."
Attacking midfielder Thomas Muller also appeared alongside Ancelotti. "I could feel the enthusiasm of the fans on our arrival at the airport itself. They are even warmer than two years ago," the German international said.
Asked if he felt any pressure following the arrival of Bayern newcomer James Rodriguez, Muller said the club's decision to bring both of them to China says it all. "A good player like James is a good replacement for the team. I'm glad because we have more options in midfield, and he can help improve the team's performance."
Ancelotti also denied that the Colombian's place in the team will be at Muller's expense.
"If you think we bought James to replace Muller, then you can also say we bought him to replace Tiago (Alcantara), (Arjen) Robben, (Franck) Ribery... We didn't buy James to replace anyone. With James we have a team with better quality. And James also knows that if he doesn't deserve to play he will be on the bench. We have a lot of competition which would cost players, and his arrival is good for the team," the coach said
After the Shanghai match, Bayern will fly to Shenzhen, Guangzhou Province, to take on Italian giant AC Milan for the next ICC match on Saturday.
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