Arsene Wenger has significant intentions for the future of the offside law, and his former rival Jose Mourinho is not among those who are supporting him. The former Chelsea manager, who has had numerous heated encounters with the Arsenal legend, quipped that he was eager to avoid meeting him during TNT Sports’ live coverage from Wembley. He was responsible for analysis during the UEFA Champions League final, in which Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund.
On TNT Sports’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League final, Jose Mourinho joked that he was eager to avoid a meeting with Arsene Wenger, potentially due to the former Arsenal manager’s proposed alterations to the offside legislation.
The ‘Special One’ was a member of a touchline panel that included Rio Ferdinand and Steve McManaman, and was anchored by Laura Woods. The panel was broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+ as Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.
Wenger has been advocating for a significant change in the method by which offside is determined for the past four years, as the debate surrounding marginal decisions has only intensified in the VAR era.
Wenger prefers to observe “daylight” rather than the current requirement for any part of the attacker’s body that can be used to score to be behind the last defender.
Wenger expressed his support for the concept in 2020, stating that it would necessitate a visible gap between the defender and attacker for an offense to occur. He stated, “There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that.”
Wenger is currently engaged in the process of implementing the modification through trials in Sweden in his capacity as FIFA’s global chief of football development.
Nevertheless, his former adversary remains unconvinced. Ferdinand stated, “I would have to act as a buffer between him and Jose” when considering the possibility of the Frenchman joining the TNT Sports commentators.
Mourinho intervened, saying, “Inquire as to what he intends to do regarding offside… Oh my God.” Oh, my God. Please allow me to leave before you.
The Portuguese responded, “No, it is time for me to depart,” in response to Woods’ suggestion that it would be “great” to entice Wenger back.
The two were involved in an acrimonious rivalry during both of Mourinho’s tenures as Chelsea’s manager. The first of these tenures saw him reclaim the title from Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ in 2003/04.
The enmity was further roiled by Ashley Cole’s contentious transfer from Arsenal to the capital, which resulted in both the player and Chelsea being fined by the FA for an unlawful meeting while Cole was still under contract with his boyhood club.
The iconic duo were embroiled in a physical confrontation during Mourinho’s second tenure in west London, after he had taken command of Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Wenger pushed the younger man on the Stamford Bridge touchline.
The Premier League clubs have already voted in favor of the implementation of semi-automated offside next season, following its success in the World Cup and Champions League. In the final on Saturday, Niclas Fullkrug’s late header was certified as offside within seconds. This served as an example.
Mourinho may be participating in the Turkish Super Lig at the time if Wenger’s proposal is implemented. On TNT Sports, he made a strong suggestion that Fenerbahce would be his next managerial destination. He also confirmed that the chairman was in his phone contacts and that he would be traveling to Istanbul on Monday.
Dortmund’s first-half performance was subpar, and Mourinho was observing his former club fail to capitalize on their opportunity. However, the Spanish champions increased the intensity after the break.
The first goal was scored by Dani Carvajal, who headed in a corner kick. Vinicius Junior then extended the lead after being played in by Jude Bellingham. Through the triumph, Madrid achieved their fifteenth title as European champions.
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