Ian Selley played 60 games for Arsenal between 1992-97 and now heads the club’s Soccer Schools in Dubai.
Sport360 caught up with him recently to talk about all things Arsenal and their prospects for this season.
The new season is already under way. What do you think will be considered a good campaign for the Gunners?
I think the target will have to be a top-three finish and doing well in the UEFA Champions League. We’ve had a few injuries in the last couple of seasons but to compete in the top two along the likes of the Chelsea, Man City and Manchester United, it’s going to be difficult.
We’ve had a slow start but there’s plenty of time to go. I think they’ll do well but a couple of signings will help them out considerably.
Speaking of signings, Arsene Wenger has come in for criticism for a lack of activity in the transfer market especially after their two results in the English Premier League. Do you think he’s left it too late?
When you leave it too late, it’s a tricky one. The price tags will go up because other clubs will know they’re desperate. Some managers start in the back end of the season in May and he can still try and bring in the players that he wants now, but it will cost him a lot more I would say.
It's very very difficult Piers. Ask your 'friend' Arsene to buy quality defenders! https://t.co/wVRca56EGI
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) August 24, 2016
Some people are putting pressure on him to spend money. It’s about trying to get the right player at the price. He’s done a lot for Arsenal, since he’s been at the club, it’s become established and has a new stadium with decent academy facilities and outstanding players.
He knows what he’s doing. It would be nice to bring in some big name players but he won’t be forced to. It’s about bringing in a player who can play the right system and that has the right character. It can be frustrating for the fans because they want these big boys in but it has to be the right player for the club.
Having missed out on the Premier League title last season, is that the priority?
In terms of trophies out there, the FA Cup is a nice one but for me the Premier League is the biggest one. You have to be consistent and have to go to places like Stoke and West Brom where it’s going to be difficult to get results.
And for me the Premiership is the top priority. Whether they can do that, it’ll be a tough call because the other clubs are also very strong.
You played under Arsene Wenger. What are your memories of playing under him?
It was fantastic for him to be my coach. He was one of the first guys to come to the Premier League and change the style of football back then.
When George Graham was there, the football was more technical involving a lot of drills. Wenger educated the boys by telling us to look after their bodies. Back in the 1990s, the players were not as physique as they are now with the game changing a lot.
Overall it was good to spend a lot of time with him as a player. I would like to think that I’ve taken that on board from what I learnt from him and now using that knowledge as my head coach role at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai.
One for the Arsenal fans. pic.twitter.com/fjKvDWXJs5
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) August 24, 2016
You can look back at your time with the Gunners with Cup Winners Cup, FA Cup and League Cup medals, but were there any other highlights?
Playing in pretty much every round in the Cup Winners Cup and beating teams like PSG and Parma on the way was excellent.
We had an average team but we played very well together. I’ve been lucky to play in the San Siro against AC Milan which was awesome. All the big competitions stick out but I’ve been lucky enough to play against so many big clubs.
You also had an opportunity to play with David Seaman, Tony Adams… How do you look back at your time at the Gunners?
I was a young lad and the older players like Steve Bould, Tony Adams and David Seaman were still there and took me under their wing. It was quite daunting making your debut in the first team but I could do well. I wasn’t an amazing player but I worked hard and allowed me to play in the big games.
Now having retired after playing for numerous clubs in England, you’re now head coach at Arsenal Soccer Schools. How are you enjoying the role?
It’s been fantastic and I love what I do. I spend a bit of time in the office but after that it’s great to see the kids enjoy playing football. I’ll take care of the training sessions myself and any matches that we organised. I’m lucky enough to be still involved with Arsenal which is one of the best clubs in the world.
What impresses you the most of the kids in Dubai?
They have been really good, it’s quite tough to get the work ethic into them at first but it shows if they work hard and put the effort in, they will improve. It’s important to ensure they are getting something out of it.
Besides learning things on the field, we also teach them on the importance of diet, what foods are good enough as a footballer and to educate them.
