On Saturday, one of the English Premier League’s most exciting derbies – the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea – will take place when the Gunners host their neighbors.
Both fresh off the back of League Cup wins, the Emirates Stadium will be the venue for this highly-anticipated clash between Arsene Wenger’s boys and the Blues.
However, despite the fact that several big-name players will take to the field, such as Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa, much of the pre-match talks surrounds Le Prof and his beef with Chelsea’s former manager: Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman and Portuguese tactician boast a rivalry like none other, exchanging constant jibes in a war-of-word nowhere near a truce. Nonetheless, a recent report claims the Special One took it a step further by threatening physical actions against Wenger.
According to the book “Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal” (as per the Daily Mail), Jose said “I will find him (the Gunners boss) one day outside a football pitch and I will break his face” over comments Wenger made about the Special One’s decision to sell Juan Mata to Man United.
Wenger has now opened up about those rumors ahead of the Chelsea clash. Fans hoping for a jaw-dropping reaction may be left disappointed, as Arsene opted – as always – for a diplomatic response, insisting he is only focused on the weekend clash.
Arsene said (quoted by Goal): “I haven't read the book and certainly will not read it. I cannot comment on that.
“I talk about football and that's all I do. I'm not in a destructive mode, never. I'm more constructive and I cannot comment on that.
“I am focused on tomorrow's game and the way we want to play football.
“I have no personal problem with anybody. I respect everybody in our game and don't feel I comment a lot on other teams.
“The personal rivalry that you suggest was never in my head as a concern. What is always important is that it is a big game.
“What is amazing is that this has nothing to do with our game tomorrow. I'm focused on doing my job and respecting everyone else.”
It should be noted that Wenger’s rivalry with Mourinho has entered a ceasefire since the Portuguese boss took over the Red Devils. Also, it will be interesting to see whether Le Prof and Antonio Conte get along.
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