Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hailed Arsene Wenger as a pioneer of the English game.
Arsenal face the Toffees at the weekend after being dumped out of two trophies this week having lost to both Watford and Barcelona, seeing them eliminated from the FA Cup and Champions League.
Despite the recent failings Martinez has defended Wenger, following criticism from fans.
"It's the modern times there's almost a need to have an opinion and criticise the losing team," the Spaniard said.
"It seems it doesn't matter what you've done in a football club, how you've built it or if you've been the best manager in the last 20 years in European football - the modern game is ruthless.
"On the back of a defeat you are going to get criticised. Everyone has got an opinion, everyone knows better than you and that's disappointing."
Ex-Wigan midfielder Martinez had only been in England one year when Wenger first moved to Arsenal and transformed their culture with revolutionary methods that the current Toffees boss believes have influenced plenty.
"I know what Arsene Wenger has done as a manager - bringing a very clear way of working, a completely different, new approach into football," he added. "The management that he brought into the British game has changed British football.
"What he has achieved at Arsenal is a model that many, many football people have been inspired by. The short-term situation of one or two results sometimes overshadows the incredible work over the years.
"The style that Arsene Wenger represents shouldn't just be put aside. It's just a reflection of the modern times when we are easily led to criticise a manager who has done incredible things in the game."
Mind games?
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