Morning all.
Dreadfully sad news broke yesterday of the passing of Alex Manninger at just 48 years old. Reports say his vehicle he was driving was hit by a train whilst on a level crossing. My thoughts are with those he’s left behind.
It feels like just yesterday when David Seaman suffered an injury towards the end on the 1997/98 season. In came the young Austrian and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking the worst, after all, how does a skinny young keeper fill the boots of the big and strong English number 1? Well, as we all know, he did exceptionally well, keeping six clean sheets in a row in the league, a joint club record at the time. The last of these, the best perhaps was against Manchester United at Old Trafford which Arsenal won 1-0. His heroics earned him the Premier League Player of the Month in March but of course, once Seaman returned from injury, our young keeper stepped aside. Despite having played three short of the required ten needed to pick up a Premier League winners medal, Manninger was granted special dispensation as his contribution to Arsenal’s title win was considered to be significant enough.
Our young keeper made five appearances in the FA Cup that season too, the highlight being his save of Berkovic’s penalty which ensured we reached the semi-final. Again though, for the final, he was on the bench as Arsenal secured the double.
Three years later, Arsenal signed Richard Wright which was the beginning of the end of Alex Manninger’s Arsenal career.
Former Italy keeper Gigi Buffon, who played alongside Manninger, paid his own tribute on Instagram, writing:
“Dear Alex. Every word is superfluous. Every tear would be just another for the loss of a friend and someone I’ve always admired. You chose to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
“In a world often bowed and genuflected, chasing oppression, careerism and easy money, you always asserted your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what you want. You had the strength to distance yourself from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: ‘You’re all crazy, you’ll never have me.’ I hope, indeed, I’m certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your beautiful children and your young wife. Rest in peace, Gigi.”
If this Arsenal as a group can show the kind of determination a 20 year old Alex Manninger did back in 1998, over the next six weeks, there’s a chance we could still win the Premier League. Manninger showed courage and determination when he stepped into the team.
He stepped in and stepped up which is exactly what a number of current players need to do. Step up! Especially in the final third of the pitch.
Rest In Peace Alex…..
Yes RIP Alex,that’s dreadfully sad. He always seemed to have a lovely smile on his face. One of our own.