Wenger: Managers not players will decide destination of the title

All of the talk on the terraces is about the millions of pounds being lavished on Premier League newboys but, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, next season is all about the “world championship of managers”.

The Premier League has never before had such a galaxy of world class bosses, with Wenger set to do battle with Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp.

All have huge expectations of lifting silverware and all approach the new season with confidence they can deliver when it matters most.

Wenger – unlike his rivals – has not yet splashed the cash this summer; with only midfielder Granit Xhaka, having arrived at the Emirates Stadium for big bucks.

And the Frenchman is convinced next season will be his toughest test yet as he locks horns with what many describe as the elite managers of world football.

“Everybody’s ambitious – never has the Premier League been gifted with so many ambitious people or clubs at the start of the season,” said Wenger.

(ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

“We have Mourinho at Manchester United, Conte at Chelsea, Guardiola at Man City, Klopp at Liverpool, so it’s a little bit a world championship of managers as well.

“Everybody will of course be highly focused on doing well and it will be interesting.

“One thing you know from the start: not everybody can win the championship and next year, more than ever, it will be tougher for everybody.

“But sometimes the media give too much importance to the managers and I believe that what is important is the quality of the players on the pitch.

“All English teams compete highly to be competitive and have a top squad.”