Arsene Wenger claims he learned to win with dignity from watching sumo wrestling in Japan.
Wenger is famed for his own bust-ups from the Battle of the Buffet at Old Trafford to rows at West Ham when he clashed with Alan Pardew in 2006.
But while his players are quick to post celebratory dressing-room selfies, Wenger insists that it is equally important to behave respectfully in victory.
Arsenal boss Wenger, who had two years in Japan in charge of Grampus Eight before taking over at Arsenal in 1996, insists football can learn from sumo stars in the wake of the fall-out from the Manchester derby when City’s celebrations sparked a bust-up with United.
Wenger said: “It is difficult to take when you lose a big game, to see the 100 per cent celebration on the other side.
“That’s why when I was in Japan I had sumo, because in sumo you never can tell the guy who won. He doesn’t show his happiness because of respect for his opponents and that shows how deep the culture is there for the respect for each other.
“To become yokozuna, that means the top of the top, you have to win at least two tournaments out of the six, and what is very interesting is you go in front of a committee.
“To become yokozuna, master of the master, you have an ethical judgement as well — if you did not behave well, even if you won the tournament you cannot become the yokozuna.
“We can always learn. What is interesting about living all over the world is you can learn from every culture.
“You get the feeling it is not only your culture that is the right one. There are good things in different cultures.”
Wenger does have a remarkable recent history at West Ham - winning eight and drawing two of their last ten visits - but faces David Moyes’ side after they were buoyed by beating champions Chelsea on Saturday.
Arsenal, in contrast, were left flat by a draw at Southampton 24 hours later which has also left them facing a selection dilemma.
The manager admits he is ready to return to his preferred back four after recent defensive frailties and is also without midfielder Aaron Ramsey , who has a hamstring injury.
When asked if he was thinking of ditching the three-man defence, Wenger replied: “That is a question I have to answer. My favourite system is a four.”
Wenger has confirmed Arsenal are still in negotiations with Mesut Ozil and have not given up hope on keeping the Germany superstar.
We revealed yesterday that the Gunners are making one last push to keep the 29-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season and is a target for Manchester United and Barcelona.
He could sign a pre-contract with the latter on January 1.