Arsene Wenger: The Biography

by Xavier Rivoire

Arsène Wenger has not only revolutionized Arsenal - bringing free-fl owing, attractive football to 'Boring Arsenal' - but has also changed forever the approach to the modern game. Rivoire has drawn on ten years of interviews with Wenger, and fifty new interviews with ex- and current players (including Adams, Pires, Petit, Ljungberg and Weah), family members, colleagues and observers, across Japan, France and England, to produce the most comprehensive portrait of the 'professeur' ever written. The result is a highly readable account of an astute and incisive coach, a shrewd talent scout and man-manager, as well as an intensely private and intriguing man.

Genres: Football, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

360 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jeremiah Demster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed reading this book because I am a big fan of Wenger as a coach, and Arsenal as a club, I do recognize that there are some short-comings to this book as a balanced picture of Wenger's life and career. It is extremely positive, even to the point of glossing over what could be explored as his weaknesses and/or flip sides to his outwardly presented persona. This book is less well-rounded view and more exploration of that public persona. Fans of the club get stories about their heroes who have worn the uniform and tales of how Wenger made them happen. I don't believe there is anything false here, but anyone looking for a thorough exploration of Wenger as a man will be left feeling a little half full. This book is about Wenger the icon.

[Jake Gutierrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine biography and a decent insight into the mind of the great Wenger, but direct quotes and interaction are limited, and I found myself just more eagerly anticipating the autobiography that Arsene will one day hopefully write.

[Eswar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book primarily serves as a factual biography that paints a picture on a mystical, yet reserved coach. As a fan, I believed I knew a substantial portion of Arsene Wenger's background - I was pleased to be elucidated with the facts.

I anticipated understanding Arsene's top coaching rituals - we learned more about his track record, mannerisms and work ethic.

Towards the end of the book, I did feel that the literary highlight reel of some of the matches ended up being mandane in totality, though there were brilliant flashes of writing where the author's passion for the sport appears.

I enjoyed learning that Arsene Wenger's strength was cross cultural communications in building diverse team in countries that was not his home. All quite frugally.

[Karen Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched but didn’t give much of an insight into the man outside football .I don’t know why but I expected it to be more humourous but it was a bit flat
Probably need to be an Arsenal fan .

[Shruti Buddhavarapu · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are of course, two things you're looking for in a biography. One - the story of the protagonist, and two, some goddamn literary merit to the writer. Rivoire is a prolific sports writer (having written too many of these biographies on everyone in the field) apparently, and that only makes me completely suspicious of him. I'd prefer my biography to be written by someone who has a personal story concerning why they chose their subject, etc.

In the absence of all that, I'd at least expect a little flair for writing, which, I'm extremely sorry to say, is extremely lacking in Rivoire. It's a book about a man I'm increasingly fascinated by, but also a book that hardly features any quotes or anecdotes by him. I'm new to football, so parts of the history seemed too hard for me to comprehend in one go, all these names being thrown around.

It's an okay read, I don't think anyone will be wowed by the book, I'd rather wait for Wenger's biography. At best, Arsene Wenger: The Biography is like an ill-researched private detective's sly, behind the scenes reportage; so you might just be better off reading his Wiki page.

[Hari Ramachandran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good read. It's main weakness is that it's not an autobiography, and that's a compliment of course. There are points in the book that left me wanting a bit more detail. Perhaps someone like Amy Lawrence could do more justice.
I guess Wenger's critics may not enjoy this book as much because the book talks more about the ups than the downs, and has a very positive vibe to it. Being a fan of Wenger this really didn't bother me too much but a little more probing of his 'failures' would've made it more complete.

[Fgunawan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found there were too much information on football match statistics which I already knew from newspaper or sports magazine. I believe there are some moments and events from which readers could get more interesting insights rather than general information, but were left disappointed, though it could be a reflection from Arsene distant personality. Perhaps when he retires, we can read another biography, one that exposes him more, not merely his achievements with clubs.

[Krishna Eluri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete portrayal of the man managing Arsenal Football Club. You will get a complete look into the life of Arsene Wenger, his childhood and adult life, entry into football management and his various stints in world football. Probably the most in-depth account of the man you can ever find. Must read.

[David Przybylinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of stats and history of Arsenal and Arsene's career. A really good read for Gooners and footy fans in general. It was a quick read for me because I couldn't put it down.

[Vekram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most inspiring man in football.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring man subject of boring biography. Not a single memorable anecdote.

[Sodhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Easy to read. Shows the professor like never before.
Then again like my other reviews on Arsenal books I am a bit biased.