Arsene Wenger is one of the most interesting, intelligent and, when addressing the media, polite of football managers. Being sent to one of his weekly, pre-match press briefings is always a delight. Stimulating, provocative and a real thinker on the game. As a London football reporter he provides a sharp and witty contrast to some others - not least the colourless Avram Grant and Alan Curbishley. Before anyone writes in to say "it's not the manager's job to entertain the media" then, yes, I couldn't agree more. But it's probably no coincidence that the downbeat demeanours of Grant and Curbishley do seem to be transmitted to their teams as well. The dour Tony Mowbray who has created such an attractive team at West Brom is a huge exception to this sweeping generalisation!
But Wenger is also stubborn. Pig-headed stubborn. And he's stubborn to such an extent that he appears hell-bent on going down in a blaze of glory, rather than face up to the facts. Having spent seasons telling us that he cannot compete financially because of the need to pay for the new stadium he has had that argument demolished time and again this year by Arsenal's directors who have pointed out that they could, if needed, find £70m plus to give to their manager.
Wenger was at it again last week, following the draw to Liverpool in the Premier League. He started off, when asked about spending this summer, talking about the need to pay for the stadium..before realising that argument doesn't hold and adding that he couldn't go out and spend millions on players because he would have to pay for their wages as well.
Wenger certainly acts as if he's spending his own cash at times which is no bad thing. But now he's got into such a mindset that he doesn't want to spend. It has almost became a crusade, a cause for him to be proven right.
Managing director Keith Edelman has said that Arsenal supporters are happy being entertained, for now, and will come back next season even if a trophy isn't won. Of course they will but the club shouldn't take them for granted. The frustration at the Emirates this season has been palpable - not least because it's so blindly obvious that if Wenger took off the blinkers and invested, albeit heavily, he would have the most formidable team in Europe. Some of his young players are crying out for experienced help.
That's easier said than done. It's a cliche that managers always say they are "two or three players" away from putting together their ideal team but, in the case of Arsenal, it really does appear to be the case not least because, unlike Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, they not only don't have the squad numbers but don't then have the flexibility to change formation and shake things up. But when you have a manager as brilliant but unbending as Wenger then what can we expect?
(Picture - Getty Images)
I find it hard to believe all the criticism Wenger has been getting this week. Arsenal have been on fire this season. They led from October through the big tests of Liverpool and Man Utd in November, Chelsea in December, the hectic Christmas fixture pile up, all the way through to February. Not only did they lead the Premiership for so long but they did so by playing the best most entertaining football, a joy to behold. All this without their best striker (Robin Van Persie) for 4 months. They beat a Milan team in the champions League with a master-class performance that will rightly go down as one of the most amazing games of football to be watched. The media praised and praised Wenger for this but now he looks set to finish the season trophy-less people jump on him like this season has been a complete failure and that he should change his whole philosophy and squad by buying big name stars. I have to disagree, the squad is fantastic, their reserves with 2 semis and one final in the Carling cup in the past 3 years are not close behind. Give credit where credit is due, Arsenal have carried this season and were it not for a few dubious refereeing decisions they'd still be top of the league and in the semis of the CL. No what we need is to praise Wenger for what he's brought us this season - quality football. Trophies will come and go but to be entertained every single week is priceless - I mean come on they even made a match involving Liverpool entertaining!
Posted by: Matthew Frackowiak | 13 April 2008 at 07:07 AM
Such geniouses with such comments. I wonder, IF Arsenal beat United today, and get a sniff of the title, what will this brilliant mind invent then? Did he share this piece of great advice and wisdom with us, when Arsenal were cruising in the league, telling us that actually Arsenal were heading for trouble? Did he call Wenger pig-headed for not spending then?!
Posted by: Alan Rad | 13 April 2008 at 09:24 AM
i recall wenger saying that his inerest in tevez effectively ended when man u came for the player. at this rate arsenal will forever be a second tier team. i cannot understand this as the whole idea of moving to emirates was to put the club in a position to challenge for the best players. i feel so sad that such a brilliant coach remain so obstinate in his belief that his ability to spot young talent alone will bring success. all succesful teams need a top keeper and a top centerbck. ferguson bought what he needed in van der sar and vidic.almunia is adaquate but not top class and senderos is a joke. that is why man u is winning titles and we are also rans and will continue to be also rans
Posted by: soo hoo | 13 April 2008 at 09:38 AM
I am a fan of football but not of any particular team. To me, football is entertainment and I look forward to an entertaining game no matter who wins. Trophy has no particular meaning to me. There can only be one final and one champion in whatever tournament but it is the exciting games from round one to the final that keeps the sport alive. I did not enjoy the Man U vs. Rome games as the two teams did not put their heart to it. Does it matter that Man U got through but the two lackluster games hardly worth the ticket or my time watching the broadcast?
Should we not applaud Wenger's bold attempt in fielding a young team and reviving tactical play as bringing in a breath of fresh air and a new direction of football rather than complaining about an empty shelf of no trophies? Show me one more team that has done more to cultivate young talents instead of paying inflating fees and salaries to so-called 'star players' who perform, putting it mildly, just above average. Tell me that and I shall admit my naiveness.
Posted by: Orientalism | 13 April 2008 at 10:35 AM
Wenger is one of the true outspoken men of football. I love the way he recently described himself as 'physically agitated'. His expression mules like Megson and Second Choice Steve to shame. Something here on thoughtful - of which Wenger should be one - footballers: http://gentrystyle.com/category/sport/
Posted by: P | 13 April 2008 at 06:09 PM
Matthew Frackowiak:
Yes Arsenal have played some great football and some great games this season, but medals aren't given out at the end of the season for the most beautiful football. They can play all the beautiful football in the world, but if they're not winning trophies at end of the season then where has it gotten them? Man Utd have also managed to play exciting and entertain football, but they are able to win ugly when its needed and are able to win when their opponents are playing better than they are.
As for the dubious refereeing decisions: Maybe in the CL yes but Arsenal have won 1 league game in 7. (draws against B'ham,Villa,Wigan, Boro,Liverpool, a defeat to Chelsea and a win against Bolton)You're telling me that is down to dubious refereeing decisions? That is utter nonsense. During the same period Man Utd won 6 and drew 1 (Boro) That is why Arsenal lost their 5 point lead, and not bad refereeing decisions. This is the time of the season when championship winning form is required, Arsenal simply didn't have it.
Another thing,on any given match day just look at Arsenal's bench and compare it with Man Utd's or Chelsea's. The difference in depth and quality is plainly obvious to most.
Posted by: Red Red Devil | 14 April 2008 at 08:51 AM
Arsenal have had a very good, but not great, season. Why? Not the strength in depth that is necessary to go the distance. Wenger does not have enough players to bring in when the injuries start piling up, or when players just need a rest. The mix of experience and youth must be better than that of just youth. The mix will help keep the team moving on. Arsenal have played some brilliant football this season, but against United they looked jaded in the second half. Arsenal just need three or four more top quality players, and they'll be in the trophies at the end of a season.
Posted by: Ken | 14 April 2008 at 08:52 AM
Orientalism:
Credit to Wenger for bringing some beautiful and entertaining football to Arsenal. But Fergie has been building entertaining teams at Old Trafford for over 20 years now. No, the football might not be as 'beautiful', but it is still extremely exciting, entertaining, good football. Yes it might be nice to go to the Emirates and watch Arsenal play 'beautiful' football every week but if, as a Man Utd fan, I can go to Old Trafford and still watch good, entertaining, exciting football (Utd have scored 9 more goals at OT than Arsenal have at the Emirates this season) as well celebrate winning a title at the end of the season, am I not happier than an Arsenal fan?
As for the youngsters, we all know what Fergie did with the the likes of Giggs and Scholes. But even today the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo were bought as raw talents but are now world class stars. The likes of Anderson, Nani and Pique are all quality youngsters bought as raw talents for the future. Anderson at 19, is already showing his immense quality.
Posted by: Red Red Devil | 14 April 2008 at 09:50 AM
Wenger has been too stuborn, the team is arrogant losing or drawing games they could have won. The draw at Birmingham was a case in point sheer arogance cost them the game. if they had someone like Torres they would hav e won the title, persisting with Adabeyor who cant beat a keeper one on one, and sticking with poor players like Eboue, and limited ones like Senderos. He should play Lehhmann and persist with Walcott and get some serious quality in midfield.Also any team that wears red shorts and white shirts won't win anything.
Posted by: John Forward | 14 April 2008 at 10:38 AM
Arsene Wenger may be all the things mentioned in the blog but give the man credit, he knows his football and he unearths footballing gems from absolutely nowhere. I am not an Arsenal fan, so I am not biased but from the games I have seen on tv this season and they have been 90 minute games, all that Arsenal need is a 20+ goals a season striker. They have the nucleus of a good squad and with 1 or 2 positional recruitments, they will be there or thereabouts yet again next season. The need to splash out record amounts of money is not Wenger's policy and let's face it, his record at the club is not a bad one, is it? Man. Utd were the winners yesterday but with that 20+ goal striker taking the chances that went begging, the result could have been so much different!
Posted by: James Rees | 14 April 2008 at 11:12 AM
Give the man a break. And your propriety a balance! What Wenger has done for Arsenal and world fotolball, is nothing short of the historical great. And when all things are consigned to the dustbines of history, and all trophies fingered and cheered, what remains? The beauty that is 'football' will not bear greater testimony and have stronger supporter and investor than Arsene Wenger. When fat cats corporate giants prostitute clubs with obscene finances, Arsene Wenger preserves footballing integrity and virtue in beautiful clean unadulterated football built on youth, belief, teamwork, sustained commitment, a balanced lifestyle, sheer silky skill, and passion.. Football is best enjoyed when it is beautiful.
Posted by: Omar Alattas | 14 April 2008 at 11:49 AM
John Forward:
Everyone talks about Arsenal dominating and all the chances they missed, but Utd had a host of chances too and Rooney could have had a hat-trick in the first half. Now imagine if Utd had, in addition to the 38 goal Ronaldo, a 20+ goals a season striker to put away the kind chances Rooney missed yesterday?
Posted by: Red Red Devil | 14 April 2008 at 12:26 PM
John Forward:
Everyone talks about Arsenal dominating and all the chances they missed, but Utd had a host of chances too and Rooney could have had a hat-trick in the first half. Now imagine if Utd had, in addition to the 38 goal Ronaldo, a 20+ goals a season striker to put away the kind chances Rooney missed yesterday?
Posted by: Red Red Devil | 14 April 2008 at 12:28 PM
Bill Shankly, talking of West Ham used to say something like 'lovely teams, lovely patterns across the park - two easy wins every season'
That's where Arsenal are heading ...
Posted by: Ashley Grimes | 14 April 2008 at 02:09 PM
Red Red Devil:
Question is: how much did fergie pay for his young talent and how proven were they? Most would agree the answer to both questions is "a lot".
It's one thing to pay obscene amounts for proven talent, it's another to discover them at little expense.
Posted by: Rash | 15 April 2008 at 01:13 AM
Red Red Devil
Re: Rooney hat trick
Spoken like a true fan. If we're arguing about potential hat tricks then Ade could have scored more than a hat trick with his chances. Hell Utd's defense could have had a hat tricks of own goals!!! ;-)
Posted by: Rash | 15 April 2008 at 01:20 AM
Rash
And it's one thing to win the title. And another to win nothing.
And Ade could also have had the one goal he did manage struck off for cheating.
There's only one measure of success and it's not index-linked to expenditure.
Posted by: Ashley Grimes | 15 April 2008 at 12:16 PM
Asene Wenger is the best ever manager Arsenal can get; give him another year or two and he can transform his young gunners conquer Europe. currently he might be trophyless but week in week out> i reckon all the Arsenal suporters will continue to watch the wonder game of football that he have prepare...
Keep it up Asene.
Posted by: JamesKim | 15 April 2008 at 04:21 PM
Red Red Devil on comments to Matthew Frackowiak :
As for the dubious refereeing decisions: Maybe in the CL yes but Arsenal have won 1 league game in 7. (draws against B'ham,Villa,Wigan, Boro,Liverpool, a defeat to Chelsea and a win against Bolton)You're telling me that is down to dubious refereeing decisions?
First Draw :
1. Birmingham : Decision , last minute penalty, which was not even a penalty because Clichy took the ball cleanly. This was the time when Arsenal could have extended the lead to 8 points. Score is 2-2 instead of 2-1, Arsenal drops 2 points.
2. Liverpool : Do we care ? Liverpool cannot play soccer. They say, If you put an art gallery in rome even when its average it will still be appreciated. This is the same case for anfield, Liverpool plays ugly terrible soccer and so if you put that at anfield, it will still be the worlds best soccer for them. So we can forget liverpool and chelsea.
3.Boro : Shouldnt the goal that Aliadiare scored been adjudged as an offside run by Tuncay ?
There are you 3 dubios decision here itself which could have given Arsenal 6 points.
Secondly, teams like Bolton, B'gham have now given the world a solution to beat Arsenal. Just break them, tackle them, break their legs, injure them is the only way you can break Arsenal.
That is why the beautiful soccer is dying and in football 'not the best team always wins'.
So give Wenger a break . Man utd fans are relishing this, infact they should be scared. Media and Managers predicted 10th spot for Arsenal (without henry ) and 1st group stage exit at the CL. And look where Wenger has got us, So without Henry and Van Persie + Rosicky (injured) if we are doing this well, my advice is to goto Church every Sunday for the rest of the season wearing Manchester Utd. jerseys and praying for half of the day.
Posted by: Rahul Buddhisagar | 15 April 2008 at 05:17 PM
Wenger's conviction is taken for stubborness - credit to him for sticking to his beliefs. I wonder how much money can influence matches when he puts a cheap young bunch against the likes of Chelsea & ManU.
He will reinforce his squad - while Rosicky & Van Persie were great misees - the likes of Denilson,Diaby & Song have been on the treatment table too long thisseason.
Posted by: Earvin | 15 April 2008 at 06:04 PM
I have been a Gooner since 1958 and there has never been, nor is there anyone now who I would prefer to be the manager of Arsenal. He is the best and has bought the club into the twenty first century with class and style. We have the basis of a wonderful team and we will win trophies again with him at the helm. Arsene knows.
Posted by: tony freeman | 16 April 2008 at 02:13 AM
Does anyone in here think calling Bentley back will be a good option ?
Posted by: Rahul | 16 April 2008 at 04:54 AM
If a big team is suppose to win titles it has to take corrections every week, The main striker in the team is Ade (who is not world class) and the two central defenders are not performing well comparing to the other big teams in the league. It is not about speding money, it is about come over our weaknesses. So we need to use this summer.
Posted by: Ahadu Erstu | 16 April 2008 at 09:08 AM
If a big team is suppose to win titles it has to take corrections every week, The main striker in the team is Ade (who is not world class) and the two central defenders are not performing well comparing to the other big teams in the league. It is not about speding money, it is about come over our weaknesses. So we need to use this summer.
Posted by: Ahadu Erstu | 16 April 2008 at 09:13 AM
Even after decades watching football, I am still amazed at how quick fans are in their desire to discount any comments made about their team. This piece contained a lot of good sense about the obvious need for Wenger to spend.Pretty is not enough. Winning pretty is great, but winning is vital. There is no other reason to be playing.
But there is also another and seldom mentioned reason for the need for squad depth. The winning ethos which goes right through a successful club is not something which can be turned on and off.
It cannot be tapped into as required. Giving your closest rivals a virtual walk over in a cup match, instead of hard fought game, does nothing for the feelings of confidence at the club, but it certainly did no harm to the Man U squad.
If Wenger has the reported amount available to spend, his comments about just one purchase make no sense. His fans deserve more.
Wenger seems to enjoy the image of being a football academic at the expense of being a more practical manager. He is a very good manager who is able to buy well. He needs to do it now.
Posted by: Les Corbett | 16 April 2008 at 09:56 AM
Despite losing in-form Eduardo (and the psycholgical blow to the team), Rosicky, Van Persie (and Sagna at a vital time) - Arsenal were only denied Premier League Championship and CL progess by lousy referee calls (or non call in the case of Hleb).
Its fine being a Monday Morning Quarterback but Wenger is well aware of team dynamics - if he had signed even a couple of players in January and the injuries had not occurred then he would have had a squad problem - who to leave out. Too big a squad leads to morale problems.
The fact is that Arsenal were great - but very unlucky. Next season the cookie could crumble in the opposite direction.
Posted by: Grant | 16 April 2008 at 12:14 PM
Arsenal really need to start spending if they want to win something next year. Everybody keeps saying that its a young developing team but has been saying it for the last three years. Get your wallet out Arsenal and stop thinking business and start thinking trophies.
Posted by: Manchester United Credit Card | 14 May 2008 at 09:47 PM
some of us have pain in our hearts coz da so called wager makes same statemants yaer in an out,nothing iz changing,i jus do not know whether wager owns da club,i do not remember whether wager has ever been grilled to deliver on da pitch,fagi thouhgt he was untanchable what da board did an funs wanted him sucked he fought toothless an retained his job hes doing miracles couse he fells da heat.whos thes economics gay?,if u cant spend on the quality players da club is loosing lots of funs due to u polices,why cant we compete in da world market start to invest an transfers the u demand 4 results from u investiment,its along time an arsenal fun warcthed a big game an be asured of a win,wager i do not hate u but i jus cant bear da pain u put us into,demand 4 da cash an at list we get that its not u folt da club has failed to give u da cash
Posted by: isaaciru | 22 July 2008 at 08:38 AM