Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce insists he is just as good as Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.
Gunners manager Wenger has been highly critical of Rovers’ style of play under Allardyce, but the former Bolton and Newcastle chief insists the only thing that stops him being ranked alongside the Frenchman is public perception.
Allardyce wrote in his News of the World column: “Arsene is seen as a sophisticated Frenchman while I’m just a rugged English centre-half from the Midlands with an accent to match, but is Arsene more advanced than me in terms of coaching? Not a chance.
“Does he use live fitness data on his players during games? Does he study sports psychology every day? Does he use sports science to the extent that I do? I doubt it.
“None of all this affects my view of Wenger. I have total respect for the way he changed his philosophy in recent years when the £400m move to the Emirates Stadium reduced his spending power in the transfer market.
“He hasn’t won trophies yet with his current crop but he has stuck to his guns by insisting that nothing will prevent the development of his young players.
“Arsenal play some wonderful football but what makes the Premier League interesting is the difference in styles between teams.”