Wolves boss calls truce with Wenger
Thursday 25th August 2011, 2:59PM BST.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today called a truce with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Wenger emerged from arguably his toughest spell in his 15 years as Gunners manager by beating Udinese last night to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.
McCarthy and Wenger clashed in December 2009, after the Arsenal boss accused his Molineux counterpart of making the Premier League campaign a “37-game season” because of McCarthy’s 10 changes to his team for the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman also claimed McCarthy’s actions had made it easier for Manchester United to win the title.
Asked about Wenger’s comments, McCarthy said at the time: “I’ve got more integrity in my little finger than some of the people criticising me.”
Wolves midfielder Karl Henry was sent off for a tackle against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in April 2010.
But when Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was late in a challenge on Stephen Ward in the 2-0 defeat at Molineux in November 2010, McCarthy refused to criticise the tackle.
And the Wolves boss was happy to bury the hatchet today after praising Wenger. who is emerging from a turbulent period which has seen key players Fabregas and Samir Nasri sold to Barcelona and Manchester City.
McCarthy said: “I’m delighted they won last night and are in the Champions League. I was pleased for Arsene.
“I’ve had my trucks with him over the last couple of seasons, but I was delighted for him because he doesn’t deserve the grief he’s been getting.
“He’s been a terrific manager. His teams have produced some of the best football anyone has seen at any club.
“I was really pleased for him as one of my peers, because he would have been getting it from pillar to post this morning if they hadn’t have qualified.
“So I’m delighted for him.”
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