Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been named World Coach of the
Decade by the International Federation of Football History &
Statistics.
The Frenchman held off competition from Manchester
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to
claim the award which is decided by combining the points from the
organisation's Coach of the Year polls. The result may be something of a surprise given Arsenal haven’t won a trophy in the past five years but their consistent performances in the Premier League and Champions League saw Wenger come first in the vote with 156 points, with Ferguson eight points behind on 148 and Mourinho a further 13 points back on 135.
“Although the Frenchman has until now never won the annual vote, he has been among the best-placed coaches every year,” a statement from the organisation read.
“It is admirable how he has repeatedly moulded young players into an attacking and technically brilliant way of play.”
Club captain Cesc Fabregas and midfielder Jack Wilshere both praised their manager for his success on their Twitter pages.
“Congratulations to Mr Arsene Wenger for being nominated best coach of the decade,” Fabregas tweeted.
“What an achievement that is. Proud to be one of his players.”
And young England star Wilshere added his praise at his managers achievement: "Congrats to my boss Mr Arsene Wenger, manager of the decade!! A pleasure to work with him."
Wenger will receive a certificate and golden trophy at the World Football Gala later this year.