Gunners manager reveals faith.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says religion was an important part of his upbringing but has admitted he is more ‘pragmatic’ nowadays.
The Frenchman, 63, was born in Strasbourg and had an undistinguished playing career in France before going into management in 1984.
Wenger has revealed he used to have to ask the local priest for permission to play football but says he is now more focussed on tactics than prayer.
“I prayed a lot when I was a kid because I was educated in a Catholic area,” Wenger told AP.
“Religion was very strong to us, to ask the priest if I can play on Sunday afternoon…now I am a bit less (religious) because when you are under pressure you only think of our game. How can I win the next game? And you try to be a bit more pragmatic.”
“Belief is important, and I am forever grateful for the values my religion has given,” he said. “And basically if you analyse it, all the religions spread good values and positive values, and that is important that you find that in our sport.”
COMMENTS