Morning all.
We all know that many things written in the media have to be taken with a huge pinch of salt but sometimes, somethings add up and as the old saying goes, there’s no smoke without fire. And this particular story doing the rounds would appear to more than just a few sticks of strategically placed kinder-wood on top of some screwed up pieces of newspaper, smouldering whilst waiting for the coal to burst into flames. No, this one is more like a fire which at any stage, might require a visit from Trumpton, because this is spreading like wildfire and even Arsene Wenger will struggle to extinguish this blaze….
A training ground bust up, one so big, it resulted in Alexis Sanchez being dumped on the bench for the Liverpool game and who’d bet against Mesut Ozil being involved too because his absence from the team is something which rarely happens. How can a player like Alexis be used against Sutton Utd, yet sit on the bench when facing one of the sides challenging for our customary top four spot? It just didn’t and still doesn’t make any sense regardless of what spin Arsene Wenger put on his omission.
Add to that, watching Giroud hobble around during the first half whilst clearly injured, to then see him require what’s believed to be pain killers, it was clear that the manager really didn’t want to bring on the Chilean, yet he had too and that must have cheesed him off big time.
With Perez on the bench, one might be tempted to suggest that if this were that serious between Alexis and Wenger, why not play the Spaniard but at 2-0 down and looking like a hefty defeat was looming, the sports journalists were probably already rubbing their hands with glee….
According to reports in the media, the row stems from Alexis ‘selfish’ performance against Bayern and having a go at his team-mates both on and off the pitch and for the sake of team harmony, bang, he was dropped. Apparently, the Chilean has made up his mind, he wants to leave and PSG are the favourites to land him because they can offer him the kind of wages he expects to be earning.
But as much as this story is plausible, why if things are so bad between the player and manager, was Alexis even on the bench? If he’s cheesed off his team-mates that much, surely he’d be as far away from them as possible as any strong minded manager would throw out the bad apple for the greater good wouldn’t they?
The way the team played on Saturday evening would suggest there’s a lot more going on within the club than just an Alexis ‘problem’, in fact not just Saturday as this group of players have looked all at sea for ages now and perhaps it’s no coincidence that once the Chilean did make an appearance, our football improved. Mind you, that also could be down to the removal of Francis Coquelin who to be quite honest, shouldn’t even be playing these days as his game has gone rapidly downhill. But he’s not alone though which is more evidence to suggest there are big issues to be resolved at Arsenal FC, big ones and my opinion is that at the very heart of the problem stands a tall Frenchman who these days looks rather unwell.
Alexis Sanchez may very well be departing in the summer and if he does, I’ll be really cheesed off, but should Arsene Wenger stay on for two more years, I don’t think he’ll be the only one asking for a move…
Finally, the official website have this from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Alexis:
You get to know someone over the years and play with them but he’s definitely one of those players who will tend to bring out the best in you because he’s very demanding on himself and on everyone.
Interesting I thought as while the media go overboard with the rift story, Arsenal have sneaked in with the above, which if you read AFC.Com each day, you’ll know has been printed before as Alex’s comments were made soon after the Crystal Palace game.
Clever eh, because clearly this is the clubs attempt to diffuse the situation, especially after it was the Ox and Alexis who appeared to clash during the loss to Bayern…
However, some of us can see it for what it really is…
I wonder who it was who leaked this ‘Alexis’ story to the press because as Wrighty says, if the Arsenal camp was a united one, reports of this incident wouldn’t have got out….
All I know is is that something ain’t right at all. there’s also been reports that Sanchez is quite the bully behind the scenes with the Ox, Iwobi etc. Bully or wants more from the players around him. this makes for a few problems. Do you get rid of the “OK” players around Sanchez and replace them with better ones or do you remove the “bad apple” and bring in more nice, but fragile players?
this actually reminds me of Henry’s departure. the season before he left he was breaking the balls of all the standard players around him and going the way Sanchez is. Both had the same body language and rumours flying around about them. Next season Henry left for Barcelona and the team looked more united, actually playing like a team rather than being sh*t scared to pass to anyone other than Henry because they’d feel his wraith.
It’s all understandable but a massive problem at the same time. Big changes are needed.
Labelling Alexis a bully is harsh Austmanic, I think he just wants every player and manager to put in the effort he does. He and Henry winners, they are driven to succeed from within and to be honest, I’d be similar if when playing sport, some of the players around me were just putting in half a shift…
Hector Bellerin:
‘We are very frustrated with how the game went. After the tough weeks we have had, the team should have gone onto the pitch, motivated and ready from the start.
We need to realise that it is just not the way to go. We need to push harder, to start the games with a better attitude and just go for it because we showed that when we go for it and want something, we can do it.
Dear old Arsene won’t like that….
Morning all.
Oh to be a fly on the wall before and after a game.
Of course, what we see during a game-both on and off the pitch-tells us plenty, but plenty of gaps are left to be filled in by us.
Seems next season, we will have either Arsene or Alexis, or perhaps neither.
Good morning Rico
Definetly the problem is/was at the hand of Le prof and fail badly.
If Ozil and Sanchez are considered top ends how did he think this winners will be happy to play among completely below mediocre players and stay quite.Given his own experience of V.Persie Cesc and all that he should have anticipated better and deal accordingly.
If both players where showing naughty attutude or behaviour again his authority was not strong enough to show them who is the boss around and whic ever way i see it looks Wenger lost it.
Having said that as much as i admire Sanchez his attitude is clearly questionsble.One minute throwing gloves the other minute doing faces.No…after all he was a bench warmer at Barca but this days …..hey ….Oligarch are there to pay whatever amount they want.
Simply is agitating a move and we all know how it ends.
As Wath suggested Scott. It’s all a ploy to deflect the blame from the manager and the men above him. Whoever leaked this story is a fruitcake…
The regurgitated article from AOC beggars belief really. Talk about clutching at straws…
Morning Alex.
Alexis has been Alexis since the day he started playing football, but up until now, there’s not been a problem. To me, this smacks of desperate measures by the club to keep Wenger’s name out of the headlines…
Rico, nobody can deny that he’s been damn petulant of late, surely, and the laughing and joking from the bench when we were losing was hardly something fans want to see.
It’s ok to blame Wenger for what’s happening at the club-it’s deserved-but from what I’m reading around the traps, people are wanting more from Alexis when it comes to representing the club.
Scott, but who knows what he was laughing about. Why should he sit on the bench looking miserable. What has Alexis really done wrong other than to hate losing?
Depends on ones point of view, I guess, Rico.
We all have opinions, and that’s all they really are.
What’s important is somehow managing to finish the season strongly so next season, our new manager has a decent platform to build on.
Sell Sanchez in the summer if he thinks he’s to big for us and acting like a prick. Don’t care how good he is if you act like that the whole system goes to shit and no one plays well. If he doesn’t sort his attitiude out he’s more of a problem than he’s worth. Just make sure we sell him abroad and not to a rival this time.
Gabriel looked miserable enough for both of them Scott….
Can’t see it happening though, my own opinion is it’s going to nose dive from here onward. There’s too much nasty stuff going on and it seems like there are some serious issues which need to be resolved but no-one to resolve them…
The solution (purpose):
1 – AW out. no more conditions for staying in his place. Another coach our a inside promotion.
2 – A simple an easy question to Arsenal players: those who want to stay and play with pride and passion by the jersey and the emblem, stay;the others go to the team B
Rico, this is the problem the club finds itself in.
No leadership…..on and off the pitch.
It’s their own doing.
JM, I don’t see many playing for the badge, the club and fans.
Very, very few, in fact.
You’re direct approach is brilliant-is love to see them answer, and those who do so in the affirmative ought to be shown video footage of a few games 🙂
Scott, I think if we finish strongly and end up with the fourth place trophy, again, we won’t be applauding the advent of a new manager! Just saying.
Morning all. Sunshine and showers here. A bit like my mood!
Wavy, a strong finish can be an FA cup win.
That’d do.
And Alexis is one who wants to play for the club and win JM. Many others don’t seem to care though so yes, offload them before selling our best player…
11.03 Scott. Spot on.
Have to disagree there D, a top club keeps it’s better players and Alexis is our best imo. Great players often have an edge to them, and it’s down to the manager to manage them.
Just look at Chelsea under Mourinho last season. He lost Hazard, Costa, Fabregas and a few others and was sacked because of it. Conte now has all three and a few others working so much harder for the team.
Who’s to say a new manager wouldn’t or couldn’t do that at Arsenal?
@Rico
Erm….I didn’t personally label him a bully.
Any word on whether or not Alexis has actually told the club he wants out, or is it just rumour at this point?
If he has, I wonder if there are any factors that, if changed, will see him happy to stay.
If not, would people still want him to remain?
Ok Austmanic, I must have imagined the word bully alongside Alexis name in your comment.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/06/arsenal-legend-thierry-henry-josh-kroenkes-preferred-candidate/
Thoughts?
And what does this mean now?
http://metro.co.uk/2017/03/06/alexis-sanchez-and-arsene-wenger-shake-hands-at-arsenal-training-session-after-bust-up-6490740/
@Rico
I said there were reports Rico. I didn’t say “In my opinion he’s a bully”. I suggest you read through properly before commenting and getting it wrong.
@ Rico
I also questioned whether or not that actually makes him a bully or does he want more from the players around him.
No idea Scott but I don’t want him gone, not one bit regardless of his personality.
Fair enough, Rico.
I’m not one for wanting to keep players who say they wish to leave but again, it’s all conjecture ATM.
austmanic – thank you for your kind advice.
Spanish papers said about 3 months ago that if Wenger stayed Sanchez would go.
No Scoot. The big problem it is the ego of AW. Aw out and then ask the question to the players. Then we will see.
It will be nice if the changes run before wednesday
It is Scott, seems to me it’s all being stirred up by the media right now and until we know for sure what his intentions are, then we are guessing.
I think it’s another RvP situation where their ideas of being ambitious are gulfs apart.
Funny how The Mirror are very quick to print photo’s of Alexis and Wenger shaking hands this morning…
It’s almost similar situation. Wenger shunning down a player who is not happy with the performance of the team and asks questions about it.
RvP had a sit down with the club and asked serious questions on how they’ll go forward and improve the team. From his open letter he didn’t get conclusive answers (as usual) and they were happy to sell the unsettling Dutchman.
Cristiano, Costa, Tevez and our Sanchez are winning personalities that Arsenal wouldn’t manage. Now they want to tell us how Sanchez is breaking the ‘cohesion’ of the team. fts!
Morning Rico and All.
Who is the biggest dressing room Bully in spain
Anyone know?
Who remember’s Wrighty
Who remember’s Henry
Who remember’s Van Persie
I do ……
The camera’s hardly ever picked up what
I see off the ball……with these three
Armchair supporter’s would not have seen
that much of this trio.
Great player’s the best player’s are hardwork
to play with…..Because they see thing’s before you do.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of our generation, but quotes published by Spanish site El Confidencial suggested that the four time Balon d’or winner is nothing but a cold-hearted vindictive bully who makes people feel like they’re nothing.
Messi is seen by many as the ideal role-model for young aspiring football players; with his never say die attitude and his shear emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. Well, if reports are to be believed, this couldn’t be more untrue.
Why would Sanchez be dropping all the way to left back to cover up and retrieve the ball while Iwobi should be the guy doing so. Yet the manager doesn’t seem to recognize and rectify that?
I hope he gets a team that deserves him.
We have a chairman that can’t answer a football/field related question, Wenger is the puppeteer left to pull all the strings. It’s stunning.
Little bit more..
Young Spanish ace Cristian Tello is said to be Messi’s favourite victim at the moment. Messi apparently bullies the youngster saying: “What are you doing? You’re new here, and you’re nobody!” and “Pass me the ball, you’re here to play for me.” This apparently left Tello in tears, and the dressing room wouldn’t go against Messi, making Tello feel like the outcast.
It doesn’t end there – Alexis Sanchez has also been the victim of Messi’s dirty tactics. Sanchez signed for Barcelona from Italian side Udinese in 2011 for just under £40 million. Messi said “Considering how bad you are, I’ve no idea how you cost so much,” and, “Stop shooting so much and give me the ball.”
Let’s hope it’s Wenger who goes then…
Simply put, Sanchez is echoing CR7 when he said if everybody in the team was at his level, they’d be top of la liga table.
“I like when I’m playing with these players,” Ronaldo said. “And when they are not playing, it makes everything more difficult.”
It’s Difficult when 3-4 players aren’t playing. Sanchez is bluntly putting it out there. Disagree? Feel free.
What cohesion Marshall? 😉
Morning Fred.
Players demanding more from their team-mates is hardly bullying though, the way the media have spun this is a disgrace and perhaps even more disgraceful, is that the club have done nothing as yet to play down the rift.
Probably because they leaked the incident in the first place, almost so they can justify him being sold in the summer.
Marshall,
Alexis knew what our squad was like and whether he wants to accept it or not, all players aren’t equal, so he can continue whinging about it or get on with business.
The very best players, imo, take responsibility, not deflect it.
Morning all
I would say that this is the biggest mess the club have been in for over 30 years and there are so many things that attribute to it.
All I know without Sanchez’s assists and goals we would be mid table and hopefully Everton will overtake us and we finish seventh.
As I said yesterday,AW has lost the dressing room and has the onset of dementia.
Apparently there is going to be a huge protest tomorrow evening for some reason behind the clock end at Highbury.
We have spent over 200 million in three years and have two outstanding players in Sanchez who will leave and Koscelny.
By the way that was the truth about Elenery that he gets 25K bonus if he plays a full game and half that if he comes on before the 70th minute.Now all the squad want this deal.
AW has to go he hasn’t got a clue how to manage,his scouts are crap and most of all our entertainment level is zero.
Also, Ronaldo was livid when Ozil was sold, the same Ozil Arsenal fans are ridiculing.
Different strokes…..
I don’t understand that either re Iwobi’s lack of defending. Any decent manager would demand more from the youngster, better still, not start him when he fails to do what he should be doing….
I doubt Alexis knew how lazy some of his colleagues were or how much rubbish football Wenger puts up with from them. All he’d have probably known is we are a top four club….
Of course Ronaldo wouldn’t have liked Ozil being sold as I suspect he was Ronaldo’s big goal supplier. As said the other day, a team can carry one passenger, but when Wenger plays three of them, it’s a hopeless cause…
That Elneny bonus just doesn’t make Kelsey…. Well, not to me.. lol
A few people of late are mentioning dementia.
Seeing his press conferences and interviews, I don’t know what basis that idea is formed on, as having some very recent experience with someone who suffers it, I guarantee there’s nothing I’ve seen in the the man that’s suggests his mind is anything but razor sharp.
Stressed, Frustrated, Out of ideas.
All of the above, maybe, but dementia?
No chance.
My family member stops mid sentence constantly and just loses train of thought-Arsene doesn’t show either of these things.
Rico, on Ozil, agree wholeheartedly.
We knew what we were getting and the player should be used accordingly.
He’s not so to some extent is being hung out to dry.
Oh I don’t know Scott, it wasn’t long ago he said the players were mentally focused before a game, only to say they weren’t after we lost….
Afternoon all and thanks Rico.
If the Alexis bust up is true, then we wont hear a peep from the club about it, if it is not true, then someone will come out and say it as it is all over the media and the club would surely want to nip it in the bud .
If I ever suffer from Dementia, I reckon my wife will do the right thing for me and knowing my love of exercise I should imagine she will leave in the revolving doors at the local doctors surgery whilst she goes shopping in LIDL`s
The Septic`s are not too happy with Kroenke !……………………..doesn`t say what he sucks though !. hahaha
http://www.101greatgoals.com/101ggvideos/arsenal-fans-hate-stan-kroenke-arent-ones-video/
What was I saying ! 🙂
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/594046/Alexis-Sanchez-Arsenal-Arsene-Wenger-Premier-League-Gunners-Latest-Emirates-AFC
Scott, so you’re saying Sanchez should be content with the below par performance of the team since he ‘knew’ how they are?
I remember in the 1st season (when Sanchez came) everyone was putting in a shift and going on about how his hard work is infectious. We liked it, everyone did. Then they dropped. This team shows they can play at that high intensity level, only that they are allowed to be complacent. You’d rather Sanchez dropped to their level?
Ozil gets ridiculed cause people change, or the system doesn’t suit him. He can’t tackle a hot plate. He knew the league he was coming to. Or was it just an easy escape? Mourinho’s rant in his book had lot’s of truths about Ozil.
Rico we have the best team cohesion in the sports world. Let me not talk about the mental strength!
I think and to be polite,
Arsene has lost two thing’s:
Dressing room..Saturday night
Marble’s……..5 year’s ago
Scott, to answer your question, I’d want Alexis to stay, whether he wants out or not. If he does want out, I quite understand his annoyance with mediocrity which is the way Arsenal are going, in fact have been for ages. Without his assists and goals, would we really be better than mid table? He’s one of a very few ‘winners’ in our team.
I love his attitude but even then you don’t have to. We saw how good we were without him first half, they just couldn’t stir themselves to even chase down opponents. Was that a team angry with him, that got him dropped and were going to run their socks off showing they were good enough without him?
We never truly know do we, what actually goes on? We either see things through our own rose tinted specs, or we believe the media, who will say anything to grab the headlines.
These are all professional football men, either in management, coaching, or playing. They all want what is best for themselves. All this kissing the badge, and thumping their hearts, is just for the fans.
Sanchez and Ozil may be the best players we have, but both are mercenary journeymen, not wanted by their top Spanish clubs and sold off to us. Big fish here, but not good enough for RM or Barca.
Arsene, rightly or wrongly, has a two year deal waiting for him to sign. If he were just money-grabbing, he’d have signed like a shot, knowing that whatever happened he would have the contract paid up.
Why hasn’t he signed? I would if I were him. So would every manager in the leagues.
Can you imaging Fat Spam not signing? Pewliss? Redknapp? Anyone?
I hope he decides to leave, without signing the deal, with a little dignity intact. He has lost a lot of respect this last few years, particularly last year and this.
He doesn’t look particularly healthy, probably due to stress, but out of every single player, Director, coach, scout, at the club, he is the only one who I believe has a genuine love for Arsenal. Yes, it has made him a fortune, but IMO that is secondary to him. If not, he would have signed the new contract months ago.
Like I said, he should leave now when the fans are against him, not wait for more and more scorn to be poured on him by everyone. He must be deeply hurt by all this, but unfortunately he is stubborn too.
As for the team, he is to blame for buying players not good enough, not quick enough, not tough enough, and without on the pitch leadership qualities. IMO, Sanchez has not got leadership qualities, btw. He just pisses everyone off by his attitude. There is a big difference.
Meerkat
I’m not to sure if the two year deal
is still on the table?
Arsene said the other day
“I think what is important is that the club makes the right decision for the future,” he said.
Scott, I think ‘overall’ in last few years his actions and behaviour have become strange but I ‘respect’ that his management choices after ‘thirty years’ in the game are greater than mine!
What got me thinking that his wiring is beginning to fray was, his use of the word ‘lucid’. It’s a word I use from time to time when talking about someone who has had an accident or has early onset dementia or even further down the line. It further struck me that he picked the word ‘lucid’ up somewhere recently. Now, that may have been in relation Koz’s or was it Bellerin’s recent bang on the head or it could have been he heard it about himself when discussing his state of health with his or the club’s doctor. He said, “I’m lucid about it…..” Meaning he was clear in his own mind.
Looking at him he does not appear well. He seems to have a jaundiced pallor at least on my Sony tv. We can all draw our own conclusions about his health and well being, mine, I’m afraid are not very positive. From what I see and hear and read, I get the distinct impression that he has not got a total grip on the world he inhabits. Bizarre team selections, substitutions of a peculiar nature, strange remarks in press conferences, etc etc. All lead me to the conclusion that the old chap is losing it. We called it his mojo a while ago sadly whatever his mojo was its disappeared on the wind and now we are left with a manager who no longer has the drive, energy or perhaps the where withal to generate the necessary spark to motivate our overrated stars. He has become a ‘husk’.
Dementia may be a bit harsh but, he certainly isn’t cutting the mustard at all, and hasn’t done for several years now, not at a sufficiently high level to continue in the job of head coach of the Arsenal football club!
It’s time for a new broom.
Petr Cech 2004 – 2015 (chavs) 120 goals
Petr Cech 2015 – Mar 2017 (Arsenal) 65 goals
Conceded!
2016/17 Sanchez involved in 34 goals, more twice any other Arsenal player!
Oh yes Marshall, that good old mental strength…
Staggering re Cech’s stats… Is he now a bad keeper, or is it simply a case of him being far more exposed than he was at Chelsea…
That’s a fucking mean defence from the chavs!
Sure is..
Fans are detective trying to work out the truth of what’s going on at clubs but with no ability to go behind closed doors. We all look for clues; although these may lead us in the wrong direction they are all we have. What clues do we have about the situation at the club and do they cause us to definitely press for a change of manager?
Lee
John Terry said he would save us
12-15 points a season.
That make’s us Tenth behind The Rugby team.
Napoleon ‘lost’ the dressing room, and player’s loyalty at Chelsea, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t cut it at Manure. He doesn’t stay long at any one club.
Sometimes a change is as good as a rest, and I hope Arsene can see that too.
Christ knows who would do well with the players we now have. Years of last day rushing to sign someone, anyone, has taken it’s toll. Paying over the odds for average players, instead of top dollar for top players hasn’t paid off.
If there is no fab 4th place trophy, and no CL next season, that will mean fewer top players will want to come here anyway. Not a good starting point for any manager.
They will have to do a ‘Southampton’ and grow our own. Lallana is the best player at L’pool, Kante one of the best at Chelsea, Bale top man at RM. Changes of managers too haven’t made any difference, they still keep churning them out.
They must be doing something right.
Meerkat, sorry to disagree, but CL doesn`t guarentee top quality players signing !………………….money does !…………………just look at ManU !…………………………………Oh yeah !…………………we dont have an owner who will spend his own money to entice players without CL !
Let`s take great heart and feeble smugness that we are probably the greatest club on the planet at living within our own means, we do it better than anyone else !
I love going up to Chav fans and saying ……..I bet you would rather be run as a self-sufficient club with no Titles than buy the Titles !……………………………….they all agree with me !……………….they even say that without the billion spent they would have probably won just as many !……………………….I try asking the same to Man C fans, but cant find any down here, but I bet they really respect how our club are run and wish they were the same !.
Easy to point fingers at the club and manager. If he wants to be the ‘big man’ that he wants to be at the club, then be the leader and drag the team in the direction you want to go, not show them up publicly. Truth be told, Alexis has for a few months now, been on a “one man show” for the shop window and that hasn’t helped at all. Arsenal has always/largely played as a team of equals; Alexis has changed all that and it is disruptive, to be honest.
If he hates losing, then he should work hard to win each game; quit placing too many wrong passes and losing the ball in crucial positions/periods of the game (which other team mates have had to save his blushes over, by the way -TEAM), then act like he never costs us possession. He isn’t perfect! We know a few big players that ‘carry’ their sides, single handedly winning games for them, with no such friction because they are usually best paid and the leaders. He can be that for us, but may want the bigger wages more than a leadership role here.
Grrrrh! Can’t believe all of the media Arsenal fest has gotten to me to put that view about Alexis out in public. But, it’s just what I see.
Afternoon all.
AW has denied the ‘spat’ stories then…..
And Alexis on Instagram:
The true warrior fights not because he hates the ones in front of him, but because he loves those behind him. ?⚪️ Let ‘ go Gunners. ” The only failure is not trying.” ??
And if we drop Bayern tomorrow?
What will be in the press?
That’s ok, le CM. We can’t all agree on everything.
On this though, I do feel the CL is a big draw for most players. You’re right though, it’s not as important as dosh to many players, thus so many are off to end their glorious footballing careers in China.
When looking for a replacement manager, I hope someone has the nous to go for a decent one. I dread Hodgson, ‘Arry, Spam, Rodgers et al being considered.
A while ago Eddie Howe was tipped, not now Bournemouth are stuttering, even with Wheelchair wrapped up in bubblewrap.
Koeman now, but I feel we would be a mere stepping stone for him en route to Barca. Even he might only fancy a CL club next season.
So. Who?
Re Alexis. He adores his dogs, so that’s good enough for me! He can’t be all bad. Just a bit of a loner.
Hahaha True Meerkat…………………………..anyone who loves dogs as he obviously does cant be bad !
He’ll play tomorrow Jm, I’m convinced…
Spot on. Anyone who loves animals is a good person imo.
Turns out Klopp was the real victim in all of this, endless hours spent on the training pitch to nullify the Sanchez threat leading up to the game, he couldn’t believe it either when he saw Alexis on the bench.
rico 4.01, yep it’s completely false lol.
Hi all,
I just loved Merts reaction to Wenger jumping in before he can even answer the question on whether the team are behind the manager.
When your manager doesn’t even trust his captain to answer in his best interests. Priceless!
Ha ha Micko….
Not seen that Brad. I wonder if Merts will play tomorrow having been involved in the press conference…
wouldn’t be surprised if he does.
You should see Wenger’s answer, even funnier. To me he sounds like he feels threatened by ppl at the club.
I’ll see if I can find it… I wouldn’t be surprised either, nothing to lose really…
Bradster “When your manager doesn’t even trust his captain to answer in his best interests. Priceless!”
No, bradster, I just think that is an unfair question to be addressing to a player on the eve of a CL game, with same manager seated by him. Obviously, Mertesacker will answer in the affirmative, but that will only start another media blitz about how he was “patronizing”. Wenger only acted in the best interest of the player and club, from his over 20 years of dealing with the English press.
I think Wenger was simply protecting Merts. Rubbish question to ask our captain the day before a match imo, especially in front of his manager
protecting him? Pretty sure he can rely on him to have his back just like he answered straight after Wenger was done.
Most managers would’ve said there’s no rift as he did before and be sure that his captain would agree with that.
There was never a doubt Merts would back Wenger…
I have to admit that I cringe sometimes at the questions asked. That was one such time. Did the press guy really expect Merts to slate his manager? No. So what was the point? Unless it was just to make my toes curl!! It worked if it was!
Actually, I thought it was a pretty good, honest, Press Conference. Could you imagine Fergie answering such stupid, personal questions? He would have banned the guy from any future conferences and from old Trafford.
Let’s just leave the inquest until after the game tomorrow, eh?
Questions asked by the media often aren’t after an answer, so much as a reaction.
Marshall, you really twisted my words to make my comment appear silly, and you knew full well what I meant!!
For you to suggest I was saying Sanchez should accept below par performances is pretty average, isn’t it?
On the whole, there were some brilliant posts last night, and I enjoyed catching up.
Great read.
Goonereris, your 3.41pm was superb and so well written that nobody could argue against it 🙂 🙂
If I only could manage that hahahaha
Morning all.
Scott, not really sure where Marshall has twisted your words…. must be me not being able to read the comments properly as someone suggested earlier today…
Oh, and sometimes, comments aren’t really worth getting wound up about or responding to because it’s clear there’s a difference of opinion.
I’m off for the day. Night guys…
I’m not wound up, Rico, but Marshall was wrong.
I never suggested for one second Alexis should accept below par performances.
I said he knew what our squad was like, so coming from Barca he must have expected a drop in overall quality, as not all players are equals and that’s clearly speaking about their ability, so Alexis can sook about it or get on with things.
As I said earlier, great players take responsibility, not deflect it.
Just my opinion.
I’m still looking to see where anyone on here called Alexis a bully so yes, opinions and interpretations differ.
That’s the charm of these groups as if we all agreed on everything, we’d be LG or UA 🙂
Meerkat
MARCH 6, 2017 AT 7:12PM
I have to admit that I cringe sometimes at the questions asked. That was one such time. Did the press guy really expect Merts to slate his manager? No. So what was the point? Unless it was just to make my toes curl!! It worked if it was!
Meerkat, sometimes the point is also to get something for their headlines. Just imagine if Merts were to simply say “of course! All the players want him to be here next season”; huge headline there and possibly one that would be used to run another series on how the team is divided because a few disagree with Merts’ opinion. But this way, the manager silenced them (as he usually does). It will please a large section of the media if a certain club from the North were to make top 4 at our expense, so there’s some benefit from any ‘disunity’ (real or contrived) in the Arsenal camp.
Cheers, ScottfromOz. I am not usually that lucky 😉
Is there a rule preventing Arsenal starting/buying a B side in another country as a youth/reserve squad? Similar to Germany and Spain. Would be able to give players match practice against men in strong competition
……club from the north west of England, to be precise.
Bradster, I don’t know, but how good would that be??
Citeh own an A League club in Oz, though I don’t pretend to know how it works.
Goonereris, no probs 🙂
we have a local Ajax team that feeds the Dutch one if any special talents come along.
Mansour City have clubs in Oz and USA…………..and probably will have them on every face of the planet !………………………………….Not being synical, but I think they started to do this in order to get around FFP laws …………………………they could buy a player for gazillions in a part of the world that were not under FFP and then loan him to Mansour City !
They were trying every loop hole they could find, even had their wrists slapped with a silly ban, but eventually money talked as it usually does !……………………the big problem at The Arsenal is the owners money is silent !……………………..Dumb Stan I think he is known as !
I suppose in theory Kroenke could buy Messi for Colorado Rapids and loan him to Arsenal !
LC, great point you make and yes, that adds up.
Merts shouldn’t even be an Arsenal player, let alone the fucking club captain!
The mediocrity and top four trophy philosophy that has become the norm is pathetic, get the under achieving manager out and give a new manager a chance!
Why would a real winner like Sanchez stay under this current manager? He can join the long list of players that definitely “won’t be sold!” They all must be wrong with their views on how Arsenal is being managed mustn’t they?
Scott would have a fucking argument in phone box! ?
How about giving the captaincy to a player not threatening to leave, or a Wenger indoctrinated player,maybe a player that has some balls and leadership skills???
Strange that Wenger has struggled to find such a player of late???
Captain Sanogo !…………………………….Obi would be aroused by that ! hahaha
Morning all
Just checking in on Newsnow, its mainly about the Arsene ‘look @ me’ Wenger & Alexis spat. Wenger is really giving me the shits now. Give us a departure date you silly old man so the Club can move on!!!!!
Lee,
So would you, ya cranky bastard hahahaha
Just seen the Chelsea result, is it just me or is anyone else wondering what Gervinho is up to these days.
As for telephone boxes…talk is cheap !
http://arsenalist.com/f/2016-17/arsenal-vs-bayern/arsene-wenger-and-per-mertesacker-pre-bayern-press-conference.html
G’Day night shift,
Per Captain this week is he?
Micko, I’d dance for 5-6 rounds until Lee got tired.
As soon as it became public that Alexis & Ozil wouldn’t sign new contracts, The Arsenal season started to go pearshaped.
That’s true, GG….though plenty will say the season was over the moment Arsene signed his new contract a year or two back hahahahahah
Scott
I think its a number of issues that have effected the Club’s on field performance, but who knows, I mean The Arsenal might beat Bayern 5-0 & go through to the last 8 🙂
188 to get rico
GG, id take a 2-0 win tomorrow, to be honest.
It’s a million to one we beat them by 4 so a solid win would be a decent result for mine.
Aussie bowlers tore through the Indians instead of the spinners.
Let’s hope the batsman do the job.
If the bats do the job you’ll have your 2-0 by tomorrow 🙂
Mertesacker has been Arsenal captain since the season began not just this week.
Scott, re your 7-08. My previous comment wasn’t written well. I was referring to you mentioning a previous comment which no-one challenged. I meant ‘one’ doesn’t, not you in particular…. Oops…
Miles Palmer reporting Wenger has signed a new contract…..allegedly that is! Click bait?
I hope so. That would be the worse news today…
BBC Football headline shows a photo of ET!
And the headline ‘More likely to happen in 2017 – finding aliens or Arsenal in Champions League quarter finals?’
They have a point…. 😉
Unfortunately rico, yes!
Rico, I was teasing 🙂 🙂
Morning guys.
Lee, if you’re right, then I’m taking you into the telephone box.
Morning Rico. A new contract? Well, I did hear him say that he is ready to go to the next level so perhaps it’s true. Shocking if it is though.
Morning Adam.
I wish I/we knew what his next level is. Actually, I wish he did….
Rico. That’s an interesting point. Another couple of years of this would be cruel and guarantee fan unrest.
If it’s true I wonder how many season tickets will be available next season or will they hold the announcement until after the money rolls in.
It certainly would Adam. And as many of us have said before, if he truly wanted the best for Arsenal, he’d know what the right thing to do is…
Bloody déjà vu, isn’t it?
Oh well, it’s never dull being Ann arsenal supporter lol
Never dull using Apple products, either.
Leaves the reader translating!!!!!
His next level, he will be heading towards the celestial plane, searching for an eternity where his team wins the heavenly universal cup, year after year!
Another two years of shite football well there’s a delight. I’m really looking forward to our next ‘new level’ at the hands of t he arthritic Wenger machine!
Only one response:
OMG.
Not an expression I like or use often but,………..
Morning all. Sunny here unlike what’s going on in my head?
Good test match Scott… 😉
Rico, you poms were quiet during the first one though 🙂 🙂
Morning Rico and All
My gut feeling is ..His off.
Are the paper’s on a wind up?
The day season ticket reminder’s go out
maybe the time for Arsene to say or be told.
Morning All
Morning Rico
All the best Aussie coaches are working for the Mother Country now…
Look at Sir Eddie Jones, CBE, the man is a genius… ?
Morning Digger…
🙂 Scott, I didn’t see it…
Wavy, next level is like in a lift when you are already on the top floor.
Morning Fred, I’d have thought thats the only option really…
New post up now.
Morning Kev…
If you’re a season ticket holder there’s no need to rush out and re-new, I think you can afford to wait and see, the club isn’t going to take your ticket away, I mean what happened to the trumpeted ‘waiting list’…? You don’t hear about that load of tosh anymore…