Arsene Wenger believes public debate over the vacant England manager’s job will continue until an appointment is made despite the Premier League’s demand for top-flight bosses to stop offering their choices.
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed on Thursday night he had effectively been gagged, having previously stated his belief that Harry Redknapp was the obvious choice.
It is an almost universal view across the game, which is probably why Tottenham, in the middle of their first significant dip in form this season, contacted the Premier League and asked for clubs to be reminded of the manager’s charter, which prevents public comment about rivals’ players or bosses.
This was issued on March 2 and has been seen by Ferguson and Blackburn counterpart Steve Kean amongst others.
Wenger was unaware of the reminder.
However, under the circumstances, he doesn’t see how the talking is going to stop until the Football Association confirm who Fabio Capello’s successor is going to be.
“I believe everybody is free to talk about the England job,” said Wenger.
“In fact I spoke many times about it, so I have done my sins.
“It is inevitable that if you have nobody in place, the press will be worried and ask questions about it.”
The FA have already indicated it could be May before they arrive at a conclusion and have made it clear how mindful they are of not disrupting domestic campaigns, which are now reaching a critical period of the season.
There are plenty who feel the governing body are being far too tentative and should merely make up their minds and go for it.
As the club with most to lose, Tottenham have a different viewpoint as they try and secure a place in next season’s Champions League and reach this year’s FA Cup Final.
It is why they contacted the Premier League, although, as yet, they are yet to make a formal complaint about the matter.
The Premier League are anxious to point out they are not stifling debate but are attempting to steer conversations over specific subjects.
To that end, the comments of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini about his liking for Arsenal’s Robin van Persie earlier in the week appeared to cross the line, although the Gunners, like Tottenham with Redknapp, have not made a formal complaint.
