Wenger makes frank admission about giving young players their first chance

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that managers have to be prepared to pay the price for trying to give young players a chance in the game.

The former Gunners boss has given his views about the future of football, among other things, at an FWA Live event alongside Gary Lineker, Paul Elliot, Les Ferdinand and Henry Winter.

And he has opened up on the conundrum that managers face when they are trying to give talented young players opportunities with the first team, particularly in the Premier League.

“When you are manager, you have to stand up and you pay the education of young players with points," he said.

“I know that I play a 20-year-old centre-back, I know he will cost me points in the season, and I have to stand up for that.

“If I play a 28-year-old, maybe less talented, he will cost me fewer points, but I will not give a chance to a young player.

“And at some stage, as a manager, I must say that sometimes, you feel lonely to stand up there and say that 'no, I want this boy to play, because he deserves it'.

“But just to deserve it, I know as well that he will make mistakes. But you learn your job at around 23, 24, and then you have a player. Until 23, they will be up and down.”

Wenger gave opportunities to many young players during his 22 years at Arsenal, with some of those going on to become regulars in the Gunners side, such as Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere.

During the event, Wenger also spoke of the importance of football fans , and how much respect he has for them, while he also talked about the future of football and the changes that have occurred in recent years, from the increased finances in the sport to the number of foreign owners involved in English football and how that changes the dynamic for managers.

He said: "It is very difficult and it is not what we are used to; I spent that, now what do I get back in financial terms? 

"It is more a question of rationality, but as well it is passion, ego, what will bring it back on publicity, and emotion. It has become more irrational."