Wenger would not have power share

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger has admitted he would not be prepared to operate within the management structure that local rivals Tottenham Hotspur have persisted with following Jacques Santini's resignation last week.

Martin Jol has replaced Santini as manager while Frank Arnesen has been made sporting director and Wenger admitted he is not envious of Jol's position before today's north London derby.

"Maybe it's because I have too much experience now," said the Arsenal manager. "There has to be a clear definition of responsibilities." Wenger said the system could work at Tottenham, though. "The success of that framework depends on complicity and shared vision. Jol and Arnesen look like they share the way they see the job."

The new Tottenham management team should have little trouble in getting the best out of Michael Carrick this afternoon as he comes up against Arsenal for the first time since they decided not to sign him in the summer.

Wenger later apologised to the player for dragging him into the Patrick Vieira transfer wrangle.

"He's now a Tottenham player and I understand he will be highly motivated against us," said Wenger. "Tottenham should thank me they got him. I like the boy. He's humble, intelligent and wants to do well. But now I have (Mathieu) Flamini and (Cesc) Fabregas."

Despite Fabregas's form, Wenger confirmed he intends to leave him out of the starting line-up soon and replace him with the former Marseille midfielder Flamini.

"Fabregas will play tomorrow," said Wenger. "But we must not forget he is 17. We need to rest him. Flamini is a serious candidate. You forget he is 20 when you see him play."

On the English League Cup draw, which has pitted Arsenal against Manchester United, Wenger was unflustered.

The game, scheduled for December 1st, takes place shortly after the FA rules on Wenger's comments labelling Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat.

"I don't need peace talks because I am not at war," said Wenger. "I don't understand what I've been charged with but I've been charged."

Wenger is also undaunted by Chelsea's overtaking of his team at the top of the league.

"We're not at a stage where we should worry about points," said Wenger.

"It's about the quality of performance. We had a hangover from the Manchester United game but the boys are back to their normal level now."