Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has revealed that he admires Arsenal’s continued faith in Arsene Wenger and the patience they have shown in him.
The French tactician has spent almost 20 years in charge of the Gunners, as he will celebrate the historic landmark in October later this year.
While Jose Mourinho has previously lambasted Wenger and Arsenal for sticking together despite going years without a trophy, Hiddink has taken the opposite stance and was complimentary towards his rival ahead of Sunday’s showdown between the two clubs.
“I think he might be one of the last to sit on the chair that long,” Hiddink said, as reported by ESPN FC. “Him being in charge regarding those nine years without a title means there is a lot of confidence from the board. And from both sides to see they can go into a future where they are stable, although not winning every year a title.
“But there are many clubs fighting in England, it’s very competitive.”
Arsenal ended their nine-year drought by winning the last two FA Cups, but Wenger and his squad will undoubtedly be targeting a Premier League title this season as they continue to challenge for top spot.
With Leicester City and Manchester City leapfrogging them on Saturday, a win would take the north London giants back to the top, but they will face a difficult task regardless of Chelsea’s current position in the standings.
The Premier League champions continue to languish in the bottom half of the table and flirt with the relegation zone, as although Hiddink has overseen an improvement since Mourinho’s sacking, the Blues have been unable to translate draws into wins.
A victory at the Emirates would certainly be a welcome boost for the club, while Hiddink will hope to outsmart his opposite number despite being an admirer of his philosophy, longevity and resolve after so many years in a top position in England.
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