Book Title: My Life in Red and White
ISBN: 9781474618267
Author: Arsène Wenger
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Publication Year: 13 October 2020
Price: RM52.18 (hardcover on Amazon)
Passing the ball is communicating with another person; it’s being in the service of another person. It’s crucial. For the pass to be a good one, the player has to put himself in the position of the person who’s going to receive it. It’s an act of intelligence and generosity, what I call technical empathy. – Arsène Wenger
For the first time in his life, the ever-popular football manager Arsène Wenger told us about his own story and journey in this book titled ‘My Life in Red and White,’ where he opened up about his life, his principles for the success he has tasted on and off the field, lessons on leadership, and his 22-year stint as manager of Arsenal, where he has achieved remarkable success.
Wenger won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups during his time at Highbury and later at Emirates Stadium.
He also guided the record-breaking Invincibles in the 2003/04 season, when the team went undefeated on their way to the league title.
The unbeaten streak lasted until the following season, when it was ended by a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
He is a manager known for his attacking game and believes that football should be entertaining.
He has also influenced British football fans’ attitudes toward the importance of players’ diet, fitness, and coaching methods, as well as their views toward foreign managers.
Wenger wrote about his stellar career in ‘My Life in Red and White,’ including his rise to prominence in France with Nancy and Monaco, and in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight, who also played in red-and-white jerseys back then, to his 22-year successful tenure at the helm of one of the most internationally renowned football clubs Arsenal from 1996 onwards.
He has also included in the book the unrest that led to his resignation in 2018, as well as his time as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
He also gave his scholar reflections on football and his innovative approach to motivation, mindset, fitness, and football, which were fascinating to watch, though not always for me as a Manchester United fan!
Although I am not an Arsenal fan or a ‘Gooner,’ I respect and admire Arsène Wenger and all of his football achievements.
I’m sure he had an interesting life as a manager who worked at the very top of the game, dealing with some of the biggest personalities and players throughout his career.
With that said, I was curious to learn more about his lesser-known stories that had never been told before, and unfortunately, this book does not tell us much more than what we already know or can find on the internet.
This book lacked in-depth details, making it a little disappointing to read to say the least.
When compared to Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, I would say that this book was less interesting.
Could his current role be keeping him from revealing too much?
I suppose we won’t know for sure until he completely walks out of football.
I would, however, strongly recommend this book to Arsenal fans or ‘Gooners.’
