Liverpool and Arsenal are undoubtedly two of English football’s most well known and well respected giants, with the duo having won a plethora of accolades throughout history.
Along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, they are considered to be at the very top of the footballing ladder in England, with playing and managerial staff at the highest level of quality.
The two current managers of the respective clubs, Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers, have created sides this season capable of challenging for the top honours in the game, and while the they have had differing levels of success, the 2014/15 season could end with silverware for both clubs.
Today, Soccerlens focuses on the two coaches, considering their past achievements, managerial styles, and general qualities in an attempt to answer the question: Which of the two is the ‘better’ manager, Arsene Wenger or Brendan Rodgers?
Tamojit Chakraborty – Arsene Wenger
I believe it to be a complete mismatch; like comparing the average lake swimmer with Michael Phelps. Arsene Wenger is one of the most revered managers in football history, while Brendan Rodgers is a relative new comer, albeit with real potential.
Wenger exudes a cult status in North London for how he has changed the footballing culture in England. His molding of the ‘Invincibles’ with the injection of Theirry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires is now considered legend.
The Gunners’ faithful have been lucky to have him as manager, as the club have been in the Champions League for the past 16 seasons, with Wenger the orchestrator, polishing raw diamonds time and again.
Brendan Rodgers has done a terrific job at Liverpool, building a team which is ready to compete with the best in the world, after he caught the eye with an impeccable ball possession philosophy at Swansea.
Liverpool are certainly moving in the right direction under his tutelage, however the question is, can the Northern Irishman deliver on the biggest of stages, and on a consistent basis?
Wenger’s vision, principles and continuity in the managerial world comes from his true dedication, sheer passion and a willingness to succeed.
Can Rodgers even think to surpass him in the future? As of now, Rodgers has to trudge miles before he can be thought of being compared to the Frenchman.
Tom Gatehouse – Arsene Wenger (but watch out for Brendan Rodgers)
As i’m sure everyone will agree, considering the fledgling managerial career of Rodgers, Wenger has to come out on top here. But it is really a question of time.
The Arsenal boss, who recently passed his 1000th game in charge in North London, is certainly one of the best managers to have ever graced the English game; but his star has fallen somewhat after almost a decade of empty handedness.
Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ were a sight to behold, and while they will remain arguably the best team in the history of the Premier League, time has not been kind to the veteran Frenchman.
After years of scraping fourth spot, flattering to deceive on the biggest of stages, and angering fans world wide with his stubborn adherence to an archaic transfer policy (excluding the shock Mesut Ozil transfer); many are now calling for the 64-year-old to call it quits, and let a younger, braver manager attempt to fill his shoes.
Rodgers, currently the epitome of a young, brave manager, has done wonders for the sleeping giants, Liverpool.
Inheriting a poor Dalglish squad two years ago, the 41-year-old has utterly transformed the Reds into a table-topping juggernaut, with most neutrals now hoping for a first Liverpool title triumph since 1990.
While it would be folly to compare Rodgers to Wenger in the context of achievement over the course of a career, Liverpool have clearly been better than Arsenal this year, with their stunning attacking invention, consistency and longevity in terms of the title race.
Rodgers has even shown Wenger-like ability in his nurturing of the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson.
Time is very much on Rodgers’ side, with Wenger’s legacy continuing to unfortunately slip into obscurity with every passing season of underachievement.
Saikat Mandal – Arsene Wenger
No comparison at all. While I am a big fan of Brendan Rodgers, he has not done enough yet to be compared alongside the great Arsene Wenger.
The previous titles, the unbeaten run, and all other records have become stuff of legend. Wenger’s contribution in nourishing gems like Henry, Fabregas and Wilshere are on par with all the other accolades he has earned.
Arsenal might not have won trophies for the last eight years, but Wenger has made sure the club always finish in the Champions League spots, and reap the financial benefits that are so crucial for maintaining stability.
A huge cash injection in the team (as fans demanded) might have added a few quality players to the club, but there was no guarantee of success, especially with clubs like City and Chelsea spending ridiculous sums every season.
Rodgers is doing a great job with Liverpool and is certainly taking the club in the right direction, but unless he maintains this level of quality for 5-10 years at least, he cannot be considered as good as Wenger, let alone surpass the legend!
Ahmed Osoble – Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has been the subject of high praise this season, while Arsene Wenger come in for real criticism.
Rodgers has vindicated his arrival from Swansea in a season in which Liverpool have flourished to the astonishment of most. He is guiding Liverpool to a return of the glory days, while Wenger’s Arsenal experience frustrating stagnation.
In a season in which Rodgers has elevated his side from a seventh place finish last season to Premier League title contenders, Wenger has condemned his side to an anxious fight for the final Champions League place. Deflation, a real contrast to Liverpool’s improvement.
What do you think? Who comes out on top? Wenger or Rodgers? Get voting and let us know in the comments below…
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