Arsene Wenger has been as influential a figure on modern football as Johan Cruyff, according to his upcoming opponent Bob Bradley.
The newly appointed Swansea manager begins his reign at the Emirates soon after Wenger celebrates his 20th year in charge at Arsenal, a period that has seen the Frenchman revolutionize the North London side.
Wenger was a trailblazer for foreign managers, though the former USA and Le Havre coach appointment has still not been entirely welcomed by some pundits, and Bradley believes his impact is up there with the greatest names in football.
Over 35 years in management Bradley has faced off against several of those managerial greats but he still cannot wait to pit his wits against Wenger as he looks to preserve Swansea’s winning record against Arsenal.
In Pictures | Arsene Wenger's 22 years at Arsenal
“This is up there for me,” Bradley told reporters. “I don't usually look back on those things and I've had the chance to coach against some pretty big names - Fabio Capello, Vicente del Bosque - but Arsene is right up there with the top managers.
“To be at a club for 20 years where the football is such a reflection of the man is a fantastic thing.
“Pep Guardiola was speaking about Johan Cruyff last week and his influence about being more than trophies, and if you look at what has happened over 20 years at Arsenal it's the same kind of influence.”
Cruyff, who died in March of this year, won 10 domestic titles and three European Cups as a player at Ajax, Barcelona and Feyenoord and was the recipient of the Ballon d’Or on three occasions as well as guiding the Netherlands to the final of the 1974 World Cup.
Johan Cruyff: In pictures
As a manager Cruyff enjoyed similar success, winning league titles at Ajax before forging the ‘Dream Team’ at Barcelona that won four straight La Liga crowns and in 1992 ended the club’s long wait for the European Cup.
