'I only saw Arsene Wenger lose his head once - he showed his true character'

This former Arsenal midfielder has opened up about his time working under Arsene Wenger and recalls the one time the legendary manager lost his temper

Former Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury has revealed that Arsene Wenger only ever lost his temper with one player during his time at the Emirates. The 35-year-old also provided insight into what the legendary Frenchman was really like behind the scenes.

Lansbury started his professional journey in north London, where Wenger tipped him as a future star, though he ultimately failed to establish himself in the senior squad. Following multiple loan moves, he departed permanently for Nottingham Forest in 2012.

The midfielder went on to represent Aston Villa, Bristol City and Luton Town before hanging up his boots in 2023. He reflects positively on his time progressing through Arsenal's academy system and on his experiences around the first-team setup.

However, when discussing what it was like under Wenger's stewardship, Lansbury recalled a particular incident involving a specific Gunners player and offered a glimpse into the character of the iconic manager.

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Speaking on In The Mixer brought to you by Sky Bet, Lansbury said: "He was brilliant with me. Every time I wanted to go on loan or go and play games, he was like, 'Go out.'

"Then at the end of the season, I'd come back and obviously the Championship finishes a bit earlier. And he'd put me straight back in the first team and put me on the bench and then give me a few minutes here and there.

"When I did decide to leave. I had a chat with him. He was like, 'I want you to stay about but I can't guarantee you game time.' I was like, 'I just want game time.' He was like, 'All right, well go, all the best and I'll see you in the future.'

"It was just his whole aura. When he comes out on the training pitch and he's doing his little kick-ups. Honestly, it's brilliant. And then when you're young and you go in the first team dressing room, you see him, you're like... It wasn't fear."

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However, Lansbury does recall one occasion when the typically calm Wenger lost his composure with former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. He said: "I think I only saw him lose his s**t one time.

"That was Burnley away. It was with Nicklas Bendtner. I think we were just like, not really longing it off, but just weren't doing stuff. He went mad. I was like, 'Oh my God, he can actually lose it as well.'"

When it comes to ranking Wenger amongst the Premier League's greatest managers, Lansbury believes one man has eclipsed his legacy since his retirement.

When asked who the greatest Premier League manager of all time is, Lansbury responded: "That's a tough one," adding: "I think he [Wenger] is up there. But for me, now I think Pep has blown everyone out of the water."

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