Wright ‘mystified’ with Mourinho’s Wenger ‘obsession’

Matthew Stead
Jose Mourinho (r): Is 'obsessed' with managerial rival Arsene Wenger, says Ian Wright

Jose Mourinho (r): Is 'obsessed' with managerial rival Arsene Wenger

Arsenal legend Ian Wright admitted he finds Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho’s “obsession” with managerial rival Arsene Wenger “mystifying”.

Mourinho and Wenger have a storied history on the touchline, with the Portuguese calling the Frenchman a “voyeur” during his first spell at Chelsea, while Wenger pushed Mourinho in the technical area during a match in 2014.

Diego Costa’s controversial three-match ban for his actions during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over the Gunners earlier this month has reignited the feud once more, with Mourinho questioning both the decision and Wenger’s perceived preferential treatment.

Wright, who played for Arsenal for seven years from 1991 to 1998, believes Mourinho is ‘obsessed’ with his rival, and he “can’t understand” Mourinho’s behaviour.

“His obsession with Wenger is mystifying. I just can’t understand it,” Wright told The Sun.

“There’s something that happens with him whenever he talks or thinks about Arsene. He gets antagonised all the time.

“I think the big problem is that Jose looks at Arsene and his treatment from the media.

“Jose rightly feels Arsene hasn’t achieved as much as he has. I think his issue is that Arsene has not won as much or achieved as much as he has – yet still gets as many plaudits. It just irks him that Arsene doesn’t get more criticism.

“What I can’t understand is why it irks him so much when he’s got the medals to show everybody what he’s about. He just can’t be happy with himself, for some reason, even though what he does is brilliant.”