Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has returned to English football, with a very impressive record against The Gunners – he hasn’t lost in 9 meetings.
Wenger will be keen to end this trend as Arsenal play Chelsea on Monday night at the Emirates, but insists the only major rivalry ivolved is between the players, not the managers.
“It’s not a personal battle [with Jose Mourinho],” said Wenger.
“Honestly, we had some big games in the past, but what is important for me is that I am completely focused on Arsenal Football Club and on my team and doing well in the team.
“Whether we play Monday night against Chelsea or anybody else, for me it’s exactly the same, because what is at stake for us is to get back to winning habits, whether it’s Chelsea or anyone else.”
Wenger then went on to explain the Portugese’s success in the encounters: “They [Chelsea] were fantastic teams and he is a good manager,” said the Arsenal boss. “That together makes it difficult.
“I think we were close many times. Let’s not forget that when we won the championship in 2004, Chelsea finished second and we had an unbeaten record. At the time, Ranieri was the manager and they finished second.
“Mourinho came in and they bought Drogba, Carvalho and they were even stronger. He is as well a very good manager. They had a fantastic period.
“Our relationship is respectful,” added Wenger. “We spent time [together] at Geneva at the managers’ meeting.
“Once you are in competition it is different. Once you are out of competition, everybody is different. Here is competition time so everybody fights for his team and his club.”
By Phil Wellbrook
