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'Ready to work again': Wenger all but confirms coaching return

Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the strongest indication yet that he’ll return to coaching at the start of next year.

The 68-year-old is plotting a January return to management, but is unsure if he will be taking charge of a club or national team.

The former Arsenal manager left the Emirates Stadium at the end of last season, with Unai Emery replacing the Frenchman.

Wenger spent a total of 22 years at the helm of the Gunners and many wondered if his departure from the club would signal his retirement from management.

Wenger looks set to return to football in January. Pic: Getty
Wenger looks set to return to football in January. Pic: Getty

However, he has now insisted that he will be back in the dugout come 2019, and has hinted that he has already received offers.

“Yes, it looks like it,” Wenger told Sport Bild when asked whether he will return to work.

“I believe that [I’ll] start again on Jan. 1. I don’t know yet [where I’m headed]. I am rested, and I am ready to work again.”

Wenger has, however, refused to confirm that he will be working in club management, with there potential for him to take charge of a national team.

“There are associations, national teams; it could be also be [in] Japan,” Wenger added.

“Thanks to my 22 years at Arsenal, I have big experience on different levels. There are enquiries from all over the world.”

Wenger has been linked with a potential move to PSG as a Director of Football, and he hailed the work of Thomas Tuchel earlier this week.

“I hold [Tuchel] in high regard. He has adapted very quickly to French football,” Wenger said. “He looks very smart and has a good connection with his players.

Could Wenger link up with Tuchel at PSG? Pic: Getty
Could Wenger link up with Tuchel at PSG? Pic: Getty

“His start at PSG has been great. The first impressions are very positive, and I think that’s very important when you come from abroad.

“You must have some luck to start well, but the quality is there. There will be some harder matches to come for PSG in the future and the expectations in Paris are very high.

“I hope that he can also be successful in the Champions League.”

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the season in the wake of Wenger’s departure and currently sit fourth, just two points behind Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who are separated by goal difference.

Emery’s side have lost just twice in 2018-19 and face Leicester City on Monday, before returning to Europa League action against Sporting Lisbon next Thursday.