Lyon manager Remi Garde has backed former boss Arsene Wenger following recent criticism directed at him.
The Frenchman's future at Arsenal is being heavily questioned after his side were eliminated from the FA Cup at the hands of Blackburn Rovers on the weekend and it come under even more query when the Gunners were beaten 3-1 at home by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night.
But Garde, who played under Wenger in North London, has leapt to the defence of his fellow countryman who he feels should be treated with more respect.
"I think that Arsene Wenger is still a top-class manager," Garde said prior to Lyon's meeting with Tottenham in the Europa League tomorrow night.
"He has spent so many years at this club, he has brought so much to this club.
"I can testify because I used to be one of his players. He brought so much to the club, even if he didn't win so many trophies.
"I think he deserves more respect than what he is getting at the moment. Of course we know football is a business that is judged on results, but I think he deserves more respect and he is still a world-class manager."
