Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his sympathy for former rival Andre Villas-Boas following his sacking at Chelsea.
Gunners boss thinks axed Chelsea manager was not offered time
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his sympathy for former rival Andre Villas-Boas following his sacking at Chelsea.
It was on Sunday announced the Stamford Bridge club were parting company with the 34-year-old just a little more than eight months after he was appointed.
Chelsea announced the decision to sack Villas-Boas was their 'only option' after defeat by West Brom on Saturday extended a run of just one win in seven games in all competitions.
But Wenger, speaking ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg against AC Milan, does not think the Portuguese was offered enough time.
The Frenchman told a press conference which was broadcast on
Sky Sports News: "I feel sorry for Andre Villas-Boas, because I know him and I like him as a manager and a man.
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"It is sad every time a manager loses his job, because it is a job that demands full commitment. I think he did that.
"I'm sorry that he was not given enough time to do his job."
Villas-Boas was tasked with overhauling Chelsea's aging squad and seemingly failed to earn the respect of the likes of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
But Wenger thinks every manager faces pressures, as he said: "You cannot say it is an impossible job.
"Our job is difficult, because we face opinions every day and we need as well the strength to push our own opinion through.
"I am sure that Villas-Boas had the strength to do that. But when you are not given time, you have no chance."
