Wenger - I pass on philosophy to my players

Arsène Wenger believes that he can act as a managerial “guide” for his players.

Saturday’s encounter with Sunderland sees the Frenchman go head-to-head with Roy Keane, a man mentored by Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United supremo signed him from Nottingham Forest in 1993.

Wenger has seen former players like Jurgen Klinsmann and Glenn Hoddle forge successful managerial careers of their own and the 58-year-old believes that his philosophies can be passed down to his players.

“The manager is a strong guide inside the club for the players,” said Wenger, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wearside.

“From generation to generation, you want your philosophy to survive. Of course every player with his own character and personality brings a little bit of something that you feel is important to the game to the next generation.

“Now that I have been long enough in the job I have had many players that have become managers. You feel that at least you didn’t disgust them from the job. The fact that you had players and gave them a taste to be a manager is always a big satisfaction."