While some coaches rely on theatrical gestures on the touchline, Silva revealed that the architect of this historic season, Arsène Wenger, exercised his authority calmly but uncompromisingly. For his eighth season at the helm of the Gunners, Wenger won his third English championship title with the London club, the 13th in the club’s history. His ability to manage a squad of world-class egos was the “secret sauce” that allowed the Invincibles to flourish under immense pressure throughout their 26-game unbeaten campaign.
“He was Olympian calm. I have known coaches who were much more agitated when they demanded results. But he knew how to manage the group: he pressed the right button at the right time, whether for a player or for the whole team,” explains Silva.
Behind this displayed serenity, however, hid an unequivocal demand for results: “He transmitted his ideas in a clear and simple manner, easy to understand, but he had to fulfill his role. If you didn’t do the job, you left the group, it was as simple as that. He brought in another player and there was no discussion. »
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