Arsene Wenger 'surprised' by Tony Pulis's Crystal Palace exit

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 15 August 2014

Arsene Wenger admits that he was 'surprised' to hear that Tony Pulis had left his role as Crystal Palace manager just two days before the start of the season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described Tony Pulis's departure from Crystal Palace as a "complete surprise".

The former Stoke City boss walked away from his job as manager at Selhurst Park last night following showdown talks with co-chairman Steve Parish.

Wenger expected to face Pulis on the touchline in tomorrow's season opener at the Emirates.

"It was a complete surprise for me," Wenger said in this morning's press conference. "The only thing you can say is he's done a remarkable job there."

Rumours have emerged claiming that Pulis, who has previously stated the importance of a good relationship between manager and chairman, clashed with Parish over transfer policy.

"Normally the manager is in control of transfers because we are competent enough to chose the team," Wenger added.

In terms of Arsenal's transfer activity so far this summer, the Gunners have brought in Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers.