Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini join Sir Alex Ferguson, Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp at UEFA elite coaching event

  • Arsenal and Manchester City bosses represent Premier League at event
  • Real manager Rafael Benitez and Barca boss Luis Enrique both present
  • Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti among high-profile managers 
  • UEFA coaching ambassador and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also involved 

By Jonny Singer for MailOnline

Published: 14:28 EST, 2 September 2015 | Updated: 04:52 EST, 3 September 2015

Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson may once have been great rivals at the centre of English football, but the pair seem to be on better terms these days.

Wenger and Ferguson were both at UEFA's elite coaching forum in Nyon on Wednesday alongside another 16 of Europe's top managers.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was the Premier League's other representative, with neither Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal nor Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho present. 

Wenger and Ferguson, once great rivals in England football, now seem to be on rather better terms

Wenger and Ferguson, once great rivals in England football, now seem to be on rather better terms

Spain's La Liga had the most managers involved, with Real Madrid and Barcelona managers Rafa Benitez and Luis Enrique joined by Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone and Sevilla's Unai Emery.

And the managers of Europe's two highest-profile clubs, Benitez and Enrique, seemed on good terms as they chatted at the event.

Benitez was quick to praise his colleagues, telling the forum, 'you always see the best coaches here and we can learn from them.' 

Porto boss Julen Lotopegui tweeted his invitation from Ferguson, expressing his excitement at the change of learning from many great managers.  

Barcelona manager Enrique offers a hand to Juventus boss Allegri as PSG coach Blanc has a laugh

Barcelona manager Enrique offers a hand to Juventus boss Allegri as PSG coach Blanc has a laugh

The Arsenal boss listens as UEFA President Platini makes a point during the coaching forum

The Arsenal boss listens as UEFA President Platini makes a point during the coaching forum

Former Real Madrid manager Ancelotti looks on while sitting next to UEFA technical director Lupescu  

Former Real Madrid manager Ancelotti looks on while sitting next to UEFA technical director Lupescu  

His predecessor at Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti was one of two out of work managers at the forum, along with former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp.

Ancelotti tweeted: 'Great football day with my colleagues at the UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum. A pleasure to meet again.' 

Ferguson was there in his role as UEFA coaching ambassador, alongside the federation's President Michel Platini and competitions manager Giorgio Marchetti.

High-profile former referee, now chief refereeing officer, also talked to the coaches about respect for officials. 

The forum of elite coaches heard from former referee Collina, who emphasised the need for greater respect

The forum of elite coaches heard from former referee Collina, who emphasised the need for greater respect


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