Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has now opened up about the one time he saw Arsene Wenger lose his temper in the dressing room.
Arsene Wenger was generally a calm, measured, and cerebral figure throughout his lengthy tenure as Arsenal manager.
After more than 20 years at the helm, Wenger left the Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2017/18 season. The Frenchman is the most successful manager in the North London club’s history, as he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups over the course of his reign.
Since his departure, Wenger has been immortalised in statue form outside the Emirates Stadium, which is particularly fitting, as he orchestrated Arsenal’s move to their new home in 2006.
More recently, Wenger has been honoured in his homeland, as he became an Olympic torchbearer, ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The 74-year-old left an indelible mark on English football, and transformed the Premier League with his thoughtful, uber-professional approach to the game.
However, none of that is say that he lacked a tough edge, and he was capable expressing his frustrations behind the scenes.
Theo Walcott recalls Arsene Wenger tirade at Arsenal players
Theo Walcott spent his entire twelve-year Arsenal career working under Wenger, as he left the club in the same summer that the Frenchman departed.
In all that time, though, the former England international only saw the boss truly fly into a rage on one occasion.
Speaking on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast, Walcott recalled the occasion: “There was one time… It was Liverpool away, and it was the one time I’ve actually seen Arsene come in and literally go mad… That was definitely out of character.”
When asked what Wenger was so angry about at Anfield, the 35-year-old replied: “Just the discipline, the way we played, not the Arsenal way. It was going away from the philosophy of what Arsene built.”
Wenger had a very clear and defined idea of how the game ought to be played. His style, or philosophy, is a huge part of what made him so successful and admired.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere recently rated Wenger as the greatest manager of all time.
Mikel Arteta looking to replicate Wenger glory at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is now to striving bring the glory days of Wenger’s early reign back to Arsenal. Whilst the Spaniard is yet to enjoy anything like the success that the former coach achieved, he has had a similarly transformative impact on the club.
The ex-Arsenal captain has built a young, talented side, capable of competing for the biggest prizes in the game. He has also healed the rift between the club and the fans, which began to grow during the latter years of the Wenger era.
Arteta has now promised Arsenal fans that silverware is on the way.