Kroenke hails Wenger, idol of Moneyball's Billy Beane
Frenchman has job for life at the Emirates says the Gunners' owner, who calls him 'one of the greats'
IN HIS first major interview since taking control of Arsenal earlier this year, American businessman 'Silent' Stan Kroenke, has heaped praise on under-fire manager Arsene Wenger, stating that he has a job for life at the Emirates and describing the Frenchman as "one of my favourite people".
As votes of confidence go, it was pretty emphatic one. Asked how long Wenger could go on at the Emirates, the billionaire businessman said: "It's his decision and only he will know that."
Talking to the Daily Telegraph, Kroenke gushed: "[Wenger] is a great person and I love the way he handles himself. I love his focus. He is a very intelligent guy. You can talk to him about anything and, when he starts talking to people, I really love to listen to him. He should hold seminars he is so good at it.
"I have tremendous confidence in him. He is one of the great managers in the world," said Kroenke. "Arsene's our man. As an owner, that's who we put our confidence in."
He also revealed that he wasn't the only influential fan of the Arsenal manager in the US. Kroenke said that Wenger was also admired by legendary American baseball coach Bill Beane, who is credited with revolutionising the sport and is played by Brad Pitt in the new film Moneyball about his enlightened management style.
"Billy Beane is a very famous guy in America," Kroenke told the Telegraph. "And do you know who his idol is? Arsene Wenger. No kidding. You know why? His ability to spend money and extract value. That is what it is all about to be successful in pro sports.
"If you can do that better than other people, you are always going to be pretty good. Billy Beane's idol is Arsene Wenger. Check it out."
Kroenke also sought to reassure Gunners fans that the club was in safe hands. He praised the "tradition" of the Gunners and said he did not see a need to change things. "Arsenal have done a pretty good job. Arsene Wenger has been the real reason for that and I like our future," he said.
However, he did tip his cap to the deeply unpopular Glazer family, which owns Manchester United and has loaded the club with debts. Acknowledging that they were "controversial" owners, he hinted that Arsenal would soon be embarking on a global marketing push. "[The Glazers] have built the commercial side," he said. "[United] was way under-marketed. The revenue of the club now is huge. That gives you lots of options." ·
