Arsene Wenger believes Garry Monk’s success at Swansea City proves that more players with managerial aspirations should be given an opportunity at the top level.

The 36-year-old has impressed during his first full season in charge, last weekend’s 3-2 win at Newcastle United securing the South Wales club’s highest ever Premier League points total.

Monk made more than 250 appearances during a decade as a player at Swansea before he was appointed as manager, and Wenger feels that more clubs should follow chairman Huw Jenkins’ lead.

"Pressure on people to make spectacular decisions is much bigger than before so maybe it is more difficult"

“Yes, of course,” the manager said. “How is that done? By just identifying people who have the potential to be managers and giving them a chance to be a coach at the club.

“Prepare them after to cope with all the responsibilities you have as a manager.

“The world has changed a little bit because the media pressure today is massive and when I speak media it is not only the newspapers, the radio or the television but the overall pressure of the environment of the football club.

“Pressure on people to make spectacular decisions is much bigger than before so maybe it is more difficult."

Wenger says he is not surprised at Monk’s achievements this season.

“It is impressive what he has done because he is going to achieve certainly their highest total of points in the Premier League, but Swansea are a club who have had a lot of success,” he said.

ADVERT

“Rodgers, Martinez, Laudrup and now Monk [have all been in charge] so they look to make the right decisions at this club. As well I must say he inherited a team that plays good football.

“Swansea in the last four or five years has played a quality game, they have done very well in the continuity of that. I think he is a bit more focused on defending well and that defensive efficiency maybe gave him a few more points.”