The Arsenal board have stuck by him through thick and thin. In return, he’s delivered the money-spinning Champions League in every season. But have the board ever considered that they may have the wrong manager at the helm?
Wenger loves the club. He’s just as desperate to win as the most ardent Arsenal fan. It’s etched in his face every time his bubble is burst and his team’s weaknesses are once more exposed.
So why won’t Arsene buy the players that everyone – except, ostensibly, him – knows that Arsenal require?
PRIDE
We all know what comes after that. Even if the Arsenal manager ignores the newspapers it would be impossible for him not to know that the football public pretty much unanimously agree what the team needs – a better spine and, most urgently, a midfield general.
So is Arsene stubbornly trying to prove us all wrong by not replacing Patrick Vieira? Does he really believe he can win the top prizes without one or is he just too proud to admit that everyone else might be right about this one?
We are desperate for a journalist to ask him directly ‘Arsene, why haven’t you signed a midfield anchor man for so long?’
He’ll probably bang on about Arteta and Flamini….
MONEY
This could be why Arsenal haven’t signed a midfield general. Perhaps they don’t have enough cash. But, judging by the price it costs to get a ticket into Arsenal’s 60,000 seater stadium, you would imagine that cash flow is no longer a problem. The signings of Sanchez and Ozil for £80m – and the huge oversight in not bringing Cesc back – also suggest that this is a case of mis-spent money rather than a paucity of it.
PLAYERS DON’T WANT TO COME
The Arsenal manager may argue that the players he wants won’t come to Arsenal. But if Manchester United can sign Di Maria and Falcao when they aren’t even in Europe then surely Arsenal can attract players like Schneiderlin, Carvalho, Khedira et al to what is arguably Europe’s capital city?
INDECISION
We think that this, along with pride, is Wenger’s foible. He doesn’t have that ruthless streak of Mourinho or Ferguson and that’s why they have taken turns to dominate him.
The Arsenal manager rarely buys early in a window. There doesn’t always appear to be a clear plan – a strict wishlist. Instead, Wenger seems happy to wait to see what becomes available – Ozil and Welbeck are classic examples.
It must be frustrating for managers to see how onlookers simplify the issue of buying star players. It’s clearly not that easy.
But imagine the frustration, if you will Mr. Wenger, of the Arsenal fans who have had to watch the club fail to sign the right players for nearly a decade.
Now that really is frustrating.
Love him as we do, we can’t help thinking that someone like Roberto Martinez could take Arsenal on with a fresh approach.
Arsenal fans: are you still with Arsene?
damzy
Oct 20, 2014 at 7:45 pm
No, i am not with ArSene. That man is just to sturborn
NobleKing
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:11 pm
My support with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal has diminished 4 his lack of focus. Mourinho knew d areas he needed to reinforce,he did that even quite early,same with LVG. Arsenal have no sharp striker,no DM,no cover at d RB,CB and keeper bt he was able to bring in an injured keeper and CB leaving other areas void which helps our enemies to deal with us. He has d option to sign Cavalho or Schneiderlin bt he refused it. He has d option to sign Manzukic bt he refused it and d guy is doing well @ ATM. Wenger is suffering from senility coupled with conservatism. WENGER MUST GO!
STEVE
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:11 pm
“WENGER OUT, THE GUY HASN’T GOT A CLUE.”
Jim
Oct 20, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Nobody can hurt Arsenal , but Arsen Wenger can .
okey ozowalu
Oct 21, 2014 at 7:28 am
Really beautiful piece! I lost my patience with Wenger last season. The Gunners won the FA cup by sheer luck and not through any tactical masterstroke of Wenger’s. Our scandalous losses to the top four and Wenger’s inability to compete tactically with loudmouthed Mourinho has eroded our bragging rights. Wenger lost the plot some six seasons ago. As much as i admire him, he should just go. I agree Roberto Martinez would do an excellent job in his place.