Since arriving in England, Wenger had faced isolation and criticism from both the media and his peers. Many perceived his elegance as a form of eccentricity, making him stand out even among Premier League managers. Outsiders interpreted his uniqueness as a declaration of individuality, which naturally attracted scrutiny and disdain.
At Maine Road Stadium, Wenger met O'Neill before the two shook hands.
"Life in London is harder than I imagined," Wenger sighed, a hint of sadness in his voice.
O'Neill smiled and replied, "Yeah, there are many enemies for a head coach here, and the media and public are a big part of that."
Wenger furrowed his brow. "Why does it seem like everyone is against me? It's quite strange."
"It is what it is. In this environment, there are deep-rooted forces that want outsiders to conform to their traditions. If you don't play along, you become the target."
