Arsenal play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and a man who managed both side’s shared where he believes he failed during his managerial career.
Former Spurs and Arsenal boss George Graham sat down for an exclusive interview with the Times, and admitted that he failed to get the balance right of winning and entertaining throughout the duration of his managerial career.
Graham enjoyed a decorated spell in charge of Arsenal, leading his side to two league titles, two league cups, an FA Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
George Graham, Tottenham
He also won the league cup during his reign as manager at White Hart Lane, and he discussed his career in an interview with the Times, admitting he always struggled to achieve the correct balance between winning at all costs and entertaining:
“If you’re in a competition with somebody, in any sport, do you go into it to enjoy it or to win? You want to win. And if by winning, you can enjoy it and the people watching it can enjoy it, then, yes, you go to another level. But you’ve got to be careful to get the balance right between winning and entertaining. Probably I never got the balance right.”
Sunday’s game at the Emirates between the two north London rivals should, on paper at least, be a wonderful spectacle for the crowd, with some of the Premier League’s best players on display.
As is so often the case in derby games through, the fear of losing can sometimes supersede the desire to actually win the game, and a tight, cagey affair can ensue.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training
Arsene Wenger’s team have never been afraid to play with attacking intent, however, and with Tottenham highly proficient at hitting teams on the counter, it could be a game that plays into the visitors hands.
The outcome of the game could have a huge bearing for both sides psychologically, and Arsenal fans will be hoping that their side can show some of the defensive solidarity that was so prevalent under George Graham’s regime, to go along with their undoubted attacking flair.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and assistant Steve Bould
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