Speaking ahead of his team’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday, Newcastle United coach Alan Pardew suggested that the Emirates Stadium should be named after Arsene Wenger–such is the legacy the Frenchman will leave behind when he finally steps down as head coach.
“The stadium should be named after Arsène,” Pardew said. “The job he did withthat move across from Highbury, when he had all that debt and had to be very careful with his transfer budget, was incredible. It was a miracle that he kept them in the [UEFA] ChampionsLeague.”
Pardew added that he was shocked by the Gunners fans that booed and heckled Wenger following the 3-2 loss at Stoke last Saturday: “The incident at the train station wastotally disrespectful,” he said. “I think 90% of Arsenal fans would have been ashamed of that and we could get the backlash of it. The crowd on Saturday will want to show how much theylove him. After Alex Ferguson he’s the best manager in Premier League history. José Mourinho hasn’t done enough yet.”