EPL: Pepe Mel respects Wenger

West Brom manager Pepe Mel says his
Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger would
have been fired by now if he was managing
a top Spanish side.
But Mel is glad that the Gunners have kept
faith with Wenger, who he will be locking
horns with on Sunday afternoon.
Mel will take his Baggies side to the
Emirates knowing a good result will
virtually ensure Premier League survival.
And he is looking forward to pitting his
wits against Wenger, although he agrees
that Arsenal's nine-year trophy drought
would have been deemed unacceptable by
many La Liga sides.
"I don't think Arsene would have survived
in Spain," said Mel.
"Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is a good
example. Three months ago he was under
real pressure and now they are in the
Champions League final.
"In Spain, England and Germany it is
always the same, the head coach lives for
the results.
"But I'm not surprised Arsene is still in a
job, as I agree with Arsenal. He has a good
philosophy."
Mel endured a difficult start to life at The
Hawthorns after replacing Steve Clarke in
January, finding wins hard to come by
initially while also dealing with the
departure of Shane Long and the
investigation of Nicolas Anelka after his
controversial 'Quenelle' gesture.
But victory over West Ham last week put
West Brom within reach of safety and Mel
hopes next season will be more
successful.
"I enjoy being at West Brom," he said.
"But January and February were very, very
difficult for me, with Long leaving and the
Anelka situation and more.
"The most important thing is at the end,
though. If West Brom stay in the Premier
League, it is good work.
"But I want more than safety.
"I'm ambitious and want more. The next
season, 17th is not enough, I want more.
We want next season to be even better."