Arsene Wenger responds to José Mourinho "break face" threat
Arsenal's French manager was asked his views about comments made by ex-Chelsea manager Mourinho ahead of the London derby on Saturday.
The 'big' games in the Premier League just keep on coming and on Saturday two of the pre-season contenders for the top four - if not the league title - meet at the Emirates stadium. Chelsea are looking to bounce back from a home loss to Liverpool while Arsenal aim to keep up their recent improving form that has seen them win their last three league games, scoring nine goals in the process.
I want to "break Wenger's face"
But one of the questions put to Arsene Wenger in the pre-match press conference was only very loosely connected to the match itself and it concerned the Manchester United manager José Mourinho, who can't keep out of the headlines, and comments he made in his new book written by Rob Beasley.
As the story goes, Wenger criticised Mourinho when the then-Chelsea manager sold Juan Mata to Manchester United mid-season. The Portuguese coach reacted angrily to this and threatened to "break Arsene Wenger's face". So, how did he respond to these claims?
"Constructive, not destructive"
"I haven't read the book and I certainly will not read it. I cannot comment on that. I talk about football," said the Gunners' manager who also celebrates 20 years at the helm. "I have no personal problem with anyone, I respect everyone in the game.
"What is amazing is that he [Mourinho] has nothing to do with our game tomorrow and I’m just focusing on doing well in my job and respecting everyone else. I will maybe make a book one day but I’m not ready for that."
"I am not in destructive mode, never. I'm more constructive."
