That morning, in the quiet lounges for the Geneva hotel The Richmond, the machine back in time in full operation. On the sidelines of the International Exhibition of Fine Watchmaking, where the trio makes a pilgrimage each year under the auspices of the IWC house, these three superstars have accepted the invitation of Sport & Style . Attracted like a magnet by the flavors of this game madeleine, Laurent Blanc likes to mimic the Brazilian breeders. In two stages and three movements, it redials - smile - game strategy auriverde  : a goalkeeper, a defender and nine players in attack. Arsene Wenger laughs. And sets out to reconstruct illico the tactical scheme of the France team of punching balls. Arsenal manager then makes the choice of security: a goalkeeper, nine defensemen and one striker. General laughter.

“The guys up front alone, it’s Karim Benzema” , slides Laurent Blanc. “We’ll need him to score goals. At the same time, alone in front, it will not be cotton. This is what might be called the great loneliness of the modern striker. ” A little aside, as always, Zinedine Zidane said nothing, as if inwardly reliving the final of 1998. He observes and Arsene Laurent a watchful eye, almost remote. His hand rests gently on the table, as if to ascertain its reality, touch wood, this false stroke lawn returns to his childhood when he only played on grass stabilized earth neighborhoods north of Marseille. He then takes a small player in his hand and grabs the ball, no bigger than a ball. Kick for the Blues. Zizou is still silent. Everyone stopped talking. His eyes are fixed on the ball and the opposing goal. In front, the guard is still, as unperturbed as a tin soldier. In a flick, Zizou propels the little ball into the net with such force that the cage is dropped. Laurent Blanc and Arsene Wenger in a knowing look. A zero for the France team. Zizou laughs. Laughter, yet.

You know how the President ages in an exponential manner over four years? Well, we need not look further than Arsene Wenger (or José Mourinho) to see that the day-to-day pressure of being a football manager has a very similar effect. Having been in charge for over 15 years at Arsenal, it’s incredible that Le Professor is still sane. The highs, though seemingly a distant memory, provided some unforgettable moments. But this infographic of Wenger’s life focuses on all the ups and downs Arsene has experienced, before and after creating a dynasty at Arsenal. [Via PP]

The history of Manchester United vs. Arsenal. RUUUUUUD!

But at the end of the day, everyone and their mother (and their great-aunt and grandfather) knew this would happen. Barcelona are, as painful as it is to admit it, the best club side in the world, arguably in the history of football. Arsene knew they were too good to turn down.

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I am proud for Arsenal Football Club. Everyone urged us to play differently to our nature so it is good. I believe that it can strengthen the belief in our philosophy. We are 23 years old - our average - the average age is very, very young. It is very promising for the future. Our target is to keep these players together. - Arsene Wenger