04 May 2005
Arsenal v Chelsea: FA Cup Final 2002 highlights

Highlights of the 2002 FA Cup Final including fantastic strikes from Ray Parlour and Freddie Ljungberg.

It is ten years to the day since Arsene Wenger took over as the manager of Arsenal and England Head Coach Steve McClaren has paid tribute to the changes in approach that the French tactician brought to the English game.

McClaren has been a keen observer of the work done by Wenger over the past decade since he joined the North London club from Grampus Eight, and feels that his influence cannot be underestimated.

"He's made a major impact, not just in terms of success and winning trophies but the manner in how has done it," McClaren explained. 

"His approach to the game and the way he plays the game has opened everybody's eyes. He is at a top club and has built not just one team but several that have all been successful."

McClaren admits that he has learned from Wenger and continues to do so.

"I was at the time, and I still am, all for learning from these coaches. I was very interested when the influx of foreign coaches into our country really began, because we needed to look ahead and have a different perspective.

"I think all young coaches have learned from the likes of Arsene Wenger."

In terms of the scientific and dietary side of coaching, McClaren is sure that Wenger played a huge role in bringing that to the English game.

"I think they have been major developments in our game and he has been at the forefront of that. I think a lot of people have followed suit."

It is just these aspects of his approach that helped Wenger to improve his players and extend a number of players' playing careers, something that has not gone unnoticed.

"I think every player has benefitted from playing under him, he has prolonged a lot of careers," McClaren commented.

"You can always gauge the success of a manager and how good he is, by the comments made by players that have played under him."