Newcastle Manager, Steve McClaren has praised Arsenal and claimed he believes any manager would love to be in Arsene Wenger’s position.

The Magpies’ boss has spoken ahead of our clash with the Tyneside team on Saturday, revealing his immense respect for Wenger and admitting that he believes Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world.

“I bet any manager sat here now would say, ‘I wish I’d had the last 16 years he’s had,'” McClaren said. “To have what he has won and played the kind of football that he’s played while moving to the new stadium. He’s won the FA Cup in the last two years and I think he deserves a lot more credit than what he’s been given. 

“Anyone can criticise and we’re all there to be shot at, but will it bother Arsene Wenger? Would it bother me after 16 years and achieving all that? No.”

The manager continued, “I know him well enough to know he’s got his philosophy and he knows what he’s doing. Many people don’t think he does, but he does. 

“I find it difficult for anyone who’s not been in that seat to really criticise.”

McClaren added, “I’ve always said it’s one team where I would pay for a box to go and watch them. On their day, they’re up there with Barcelona in terms of how they play the game.”

Newcastle have only taken two points this season and will be looking to get at least another at St. James Park against us.

Arsenal haven’t exactly gotten off to a flying start either after losing our first match of the new season to West Ham at home and recently drawing with Liverpool. It’s a little disappointing to say the least considering, on paper, we should have won nine points out of nine.

After illness, Mertesacker will be back in the team so at least we’ll have a little more structure at the back, although I see Newcastle going for a slightly more defensive approach than Liverpool.