Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he remains unfazed by his inability to register a single victory over Jose Mourinho in 13 attempts.
Wenger accepted there would be few pleasantries when Arsenal face Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The French manager is prepared for the “tribunal” of public scrutiny he believes follows every big clash in English football, vowing not to alter his Premier League plans win or lose this weekend.
Chelsea manager Mourinho has accused Arsenal of trying to buy their way to the Premier League title, claiming totting up the London side’s spending over the last two years leads to a “surprise”.
Wenger attempted to downplay the pair’s simmering feud ahead of today’s meeting, but he said the contest is bound to carry a level of spice.
“You know, it will not be a friendly, because it is just like that – and it is good like that,” Wenger said.
“That’s part of our game now. You have to accept that every game is judged as though it’s definite. But you know in real life it is not like that.
“The tribunal is out there and we’ll draw conclusions from Sunday, but no matter if it’s positive or negative we have to continue on our way and focus on ourselves.”
Asked if his winless personal record against Mourinho was any concern, Wenger said: “No, not at all.”
He then moved quickly to shoot down the line of inquiry, laughing off suggestions his relationship with Mourinho is far colder than his previous rivalry with former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
“I’ll leave your love story with him to continue without interfering,” Wenger said, light-heartedly suggesting the media favour Mourinho.
When challenged that Mourinho believes it is Arsenal who receive preferential treatment, Wenger replied: “So it’s all about love.”
Returning to the weight carried by Sunday’s match, Wenger said: “It’s a game that is important, but it’s still preparation.
“We want to win it, but overall I think we can just give that little bit more confidence before we go into the season if we do well.”
New recruit Petr Cech is expected to start in goal on Sunday in a swift showdown with former club Chelsea.
Wenger backed Cech to succeed at his new club.
“He has an intimidating presence, that is for sure,” Wenger said. “In goal, he makes the goal look smaller, and that’s the kind of charisma he has.
“He has a good combination between quality, agility and size, and he has always looked built for English football.
“I think his move is a bit like (Edwin) Van der Saar at that age, moving from Fulham to Manchester United and he still had five or six years with United.
“So I don’t see why Petr should not have a few years.”
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