This appeared on BBC today. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15804105.stm It's neither a Ya or a Nay and while I had over the past month or so been looking at the prospect of a successor, when reality hits, it's still not a very comfortable or welcome feeling. If he does go I hope he goes on a high and we can remember and thank him for all the good times. I know we're discussed it before but that was indeed before any hint came from the direction of Arsene, assuming of course that this report bears some degree of accuracy. So who then for life after Arsene? Guus Hiddink anyone?
I agree pal. There could well be things that may yet break about matters behind the scenes. While I still think Arsene has not managed the team as well as he could between March and September, who knows what he may not have been allowed to do. The board and our majority shareholder are rotten IMHO and if either Arsene should he stay or any incoming manager is not given sufficient funds to get the job done properly then I hope we could collectively drum this board and our usually silent Mr Kroenke out of N5.
I agree too that the philosophy has not been an enduring one Jayram and this has all manner of implications in other players staying or coming to the Emirates. If that philosophy had incorporated a more flexible approach it may have had more mileage. That said, I wonder how much he is culpable in this and how much is down to his buying into that sustainable model so often bandied about by our clueless CEO since this has surely limited our scope.
There are times when he really annoys me, but it would be sad if he went. History will judge him as a top top manager. That 8-2 might have been the final straw for all those involved.
Yes he has certainly been that. No one can take that away from him but there are times when one has to move on. It would be good if he can lead the team to some silverware before he goes. While some of what he has done and most of it of late, has attracted much criticism I don't think anyone could say he had not hoped his efforts would have turned out for the best. Less ambitious though are our board, CEO and the silent one.
Arsene Wenger has just said he's commited to his contract.It looks like yet again the media try and squeeze a quote out of an interview
He's got 2 years left on his contract, he sees out his contracts no matter what, i wouldn't expect him to leave before that unless something happens which causes him to
You'll remember my friend that the CEO some weeks back when we were underperforming, began to make noises about our having sufficient funds and not need to be in the CL. I still think of course that this was just a ' safe option ' style of statement in the event that we didn't make the CL. Trouble with this man and the board is that as you say, a steady income stream would suit them fine. After all, speculating could mean losing out but they forget that to accumulate, one has to speculate. As far as I'm concerned they can take a hike. As for Arsene, I just wish he would get and use the money he needs to shore up the team and also play RvP a sum that would see him happy to stay. I think getting/keeping key players and keeping RvP is crucial for our success. Were it not for our captain, we may not have managed the 3 points today or indeed on several occasions thus far this season. If RvP leaves we have no one to blame but the men in suits.
I'm sure you're absolutely right. Too often especially in the recent past the prospect of promising signings have just ebbed away. I hope RvP will stay but if he doesn't because of the board's lack of ambition I hope we will them, that CEO and the silent one from our club.
If he were to go, it would make no difference to our financial clout in the transfer market. In fact we'd probably be at a further disadvantage as Wenger is the best there is at securing unknown talent at good prices. Why won't he be able to keep the young players that he has brought through?
I remember an interview Wenger did with BBC a while ago, and he said the thing he most enjoys about being a manager is getting his boots on and going to the training pitch everyday with his players. He loves to coach and his attacking coaching especially is second to none. So I really can't see him giving that up at Arsenal or refuse the chance to coach at another club if he is moved on by Arsenal for whatever reason.
I'm not sure that Cesc and Nasri represent the entire mindset of all footballers though. Cesc was a unique case, he wanted to go home to his boyhood club, and nowhere else. Nasri is a greedy ****, but that's not to say that all of our young players are at all. Look at Szczesny and Wilshere, there are Arsenal to the core.
I would paraphrase it slightly and say that they are Arsenal to the core, at the moment yes - and it's the challenge for our club to keep it that way.
So to précis my view: 1) Wenger will see out his contract - 2 years. 2) Probably accepts PL is NOT a level playing field, and money for many years has ruined it. 3) Knows the youngsters coming through have not matched the finished article other sides have bought in. 4) Dejected over losing key players who basically want more MONEY. 5) Injuries have played a very destructive part in his lack of success. 6) Now feels the strain of constant media criticism, while working to Board demands. 7) Possibly feels authorities (and referees) give him and Arsenal a hard time. 8) Might be disappointed that Emirates has turned out to be so emotionless. 9) Fears the club will be sold to an owner who will not support his ideas. 10) Knows health is always damaged by being in the spotlight for so long.