With rumours surrounding the future of Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, much of the build up to Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City will involve talk about Manuel Pellegrini’s job security.
The Chilean won the Premier League in his first season at City, but has constantly been the victim of rumours that the club’s long-term plan is to have Guardiola as their manager.
Despite the rumours that City will target the former Barcelona manager once again, Arsène Wenger feels his Chilean counterpart is able to deal with the scrutiny, even if it – along with the rumours – is unfair on him.
“I don’t know if that’s down to City or media speculation, that’s very hard to master nowadays,” said the Arsenal manager. “It looks like it’s part of our job now. It can be destabilising, but I believe Pellegrini is experienced enough to deal with it.”
Asked if he thought the Manchester City boss deserved more appreciation, Wenger was highly complimentary.
“Personally I rate him highly on the football front and the human front as well. That (underrating Pellegrini) is down to you [the media], you should ask yourself the question.”
This is the Chilean’s third season in England, and clashes with Arsenal haven’t yet failed to excite. Much like Wenger, he favours attacking football and encourages his players to go forward and express themselves.
It all lends itself to a rather exciting game on Monday evening, where the goods on the line are much more than three points. The winner, should there be one, will be in a strong position to capitalise over the Christmas period.