When Arsène came, I think Pat acted as a go-between, between the boss and the defence. Wenger didn't realise the strengths of the defence, i.e. teamwork, understanding, friendship, as most other defences were based upon great individual defenders. With the exception of Tony Adams, we didn't have one of them...
Wenger wasn't aware of that aspect of the Arsenal team, and Pat wasn't aware of the style with which Wenger wanted the team to play (cavalier, all-or-nothing, attacking football). So, Pat helped Arsène adapt to the English game, and Arsène helped Pat adapt to the European game.
Though I don't doubt Wenger's abilities (I think that he's the best in the world), I think that without Pat Rice there as assistant, he wouldn't have revitalised the older aspects of the squad.
Also, being Arsenal through-and-through has its bonuses.
Wenger wasn't aware of that aspect of the Arsenal team, and Pat wasn't aware of the style with which Wenger wanted the team to play (cavalier, all-or-nothing, attacking football). So, Pat helped Arsène adapt to the English game, and Arsène helped Pat adapt to the European game.
Though I don't doubt Wenger's abilities (I think that he's the best in the world), I think that without Pat Rice there as assistant, he wouldn't have revitalised the older aspects of the squad.
Also, being Arsenal through-and-through has its bonuses.
