Morning all.
To kick off with, here’s youtube clip of Sky Sports panel discussing what they believe is going on at the club. You’ll be surprised, it’s really good in my opinion. No nastiness, just honest views from the outside…
Anyway:
In the wake of Arsene Wenger’s completion of 20 years as the manager of Arsenal, there have been many rumours going around lately which suggest that “Le Professeur” could be looking for another club to manage soon. It would be no easy task to replace the incredibly experienced Wenger, who is also the most successful manager in the history of Arsenal, but if it happens, Massimiliano Allegri could be the first in line for the job. Although things have not yet left even the realms of speculation, let’s take a close look at him and his achievements to find out if he could indeed be the right man for the job.
The “Golden Bench” Award.
Allegri’s claim to fame came when he joined Serie C1 (now known as Lega Pro Prima Divisione) team Sassuolo as the manager in 2007. In that very season (07 – 08), Sassuolo got promoted to Serie B under his guidance. Considering that it was the first time that the team had ever qualified for Serie B, it was a sign of things to come for Massimiliano Allegri. Sassuolo went on to win the Serie C1 Super Cup after beating Salerno 1-0 at home and away. Allegri won the Golden Bench award in November 2008 for his incredible feat as Sassuolo’s manager, recognizing him as the best manager in the league.
The Talent Drain Controversy.
Bad decisions by Allegri led him and his team AC Milan to a lot of trouble and the infamous talent drain controversy. During his third season with AC Milan, he had let Andrea Pirlo go to Juventus in 2011. Pirlo performed exceptionally in the following two seasons and Juventus even went on to win Serie A twice on a row, powered primarily by Pirlo’s performance. To make matters worse, Thiago Silva, Nesta and even Ibrahimovic left the club in 2012. AC Milan was in serious trouble with a majority of its key players missing in the 2012 – 13 season and they were lagging behind at number 16 with just 8 points.
However, he returned the club’s faith in him by eventually getting AC Milan back into the game later in the season and Milan astoundingly ended the season with a number 3 spot. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come for Allegri as AC Milan started poorly once again during his fourth season with the team. Before he could officially retire at the end of the 2013 -14 season, he was fired by his club on 13th January after losing 4-3 to Sassuolo.
His Fabulous Ongoing Stint with Juventus.
Under Allegri, Juventus won the Coppa Italia twice in a row in 2015 and 2016; a feat that had not been achieved by the team since the year 1995. Antonio Conte had left Juventus in an excellent condition with three Serie A wins on a row from the year 2012 – 2014, and Massimiliano Allegri just continued to do the good work by guiding Juventus to two more Serie A wins in 2015 and 2016. In fact, The Old Lady almost won the Champion’s League in 2015 after winning (3-2 aggregate) in the semis against the defending champions Real Madrid to qualify for the final.
Massimiliano Allegri had also won the Best AIC Coach Award in 2011, the Premio Scopigno, the Maestrelli Trophy and the Golden Briddle in 2012.
There is no denying that this man has the abilities to take over the job from Wenger, if the opportunity presents itself. Now the question is, will Arsenal be betting on the tactical intelligence of Allegri to bring in the changes that they need after more than twenty years of leadership from Arsene Wenger? If he does leave Juventus to join Arsenal, let’s hope that he has learned from his stint with AC Milan and that it’s never a good idea to let all your best players go.
Just ask Arsene…..
Morning all.
Problem with this assessment of Allegri is that he has stated quite clearly that he has no interest in managing an English Premier League club. Perhaps the lying journos, so loved by the huggable trumpster, are being economical with the truth again!
On the other hand Jardim, current flavour of the week, has suggested that a move to. To the EPL would suit him, this summer. As I said before that’s too soon for us! The megalomaniac is still I/c of the asylum that has become AFC!
Bright and sunny here again, but it is early doors. Torrential rain later?
He’s bound to say that though Wavy, but he has been learning English… 😉
Seriously though, until Wenger does a Bucks Fizz and makes his mind up, we’ll be linked to a few good managers i’d imagine..
Wavy, who the hell knows what these gents really want lol
It seems that players and managers just can’t say it how it is anymore.
Between them and their agents, every comment on these issues seems to have an angle to it, and that’s to get them a better deal
Morning all.
I think nowadays players/managers say whatever is “correct” for them to say at that moment. Allegri would be a good fit. Haven’t watched him much but I understand he changes his team and does tactics according to his opposition.
Simeone is one of my favourites though. I hope he comes with Griezmann. Though the new chinese owners might give him a new exciting project and funds to complete with the big two in la liga.
Perhaps Wenger might fancy a move to China too…. 🙂
Lol Re China wouldn’t be a bad idea. Besides he’s been to those shores before.
He has, and he speaks the language. He’d be given millions to spend out there to…
Good post. Allegri seems like a coach who learns from his mistakes. (Wouldn’t that be nice to have)?
That game last night was brilliant Monaco looked like Arsenal 15 yrs ago. they may have lost the game but I’ll tell you one thing their supporters will be proud of them.
I’m not sure what kinda budget Monaco work on these days but they have some cracking players and with a few tactical additions to their squad, they could beat anyone.
And that’s the let down with Arsenal over recent yrs at home and in europe the style of play is a borefest is just become tiresome to watch. It’s been figured out and nullified by other big teams when we play them, and for far to long now we’ve been the whipping boys in europe and occasionally in the PL when facing the other top 4,
We have a very healthy budget to work with (thx to wenger) but it seems to be getting wasted as nothing is changing year after year ?.
Monaco last night lost the game but I’m sure they won the hearts of their supporters with a massive effort full of enthusiasm and commitment, something that has been missing at Arsenal far to often.
Afternoon all.
Loved the video and it shows how many different problems there are at Arsenal……how many permutations there are to be considered .
One second they are saying Wenger is being hung out to dry by the players and the next second it`s Wenger`s fault becuase of the players be has !………………Merson (not sure why he is suggested to be worried as he is more into his Chav team )….suggesting we have the money to wipe the floor with other teams, so why are we not spending it !.
I say it again for the umpteenth time, Wenger is a problem who needs to go, but in the long term The Kroenke Klan is the grans scale problem and if anyone doesn`t see this they are blind.
No idea about the headline act and as Rico say`s there will be plenty of canidates talked about before we finally get one……….could be for next season …or two to four years time……………..it`s down to Wenger as the man does exactly what Kroenke wants in a manager…………………just make the money, dont worry about anything else !
Strange this Monaco love in……….and it`s not just here !………..they lost 5-3 !…………………….had Arsenal played beautifull and exciting football and lost 5-3 in the CL, I wonder how many would be loving us ?……………………much better to win 2-0 at Sutton or am I missing something ?
Yeah I think you are missing something le coq.. it’s the manner of defeat.. if Arsenal lost 5-3 in Munich and had performed like Monaco… then imo we would still have hope. Hope of turning it around at home and I’d say we would be proud of the players effort. Instead we gave up… Just my opinion.
Or maybe I just enjoyed watching good football last night and got a little excited, I haven’t seen it in yrs.. ?
I think the monaco game was fun especially for the neutrals.
As for Arsenal, we are accustomed to being vilified, it doesn’t matter even if we played our socks off to a 5-5 draw, we’d still get stick why we let in 5 in the first place, – like the Bournemouth draw. Nothing new there.
Afternoon guys…
I liked what Pep said in his interview when asked if he was happy for his team to be so open at the back… ‘Yes’… 🙂
LC at 1:07, I agree with you 100%. It’s mind boggling to me, this performance over results standards. A lost is a lost. I will take an ugly win anytime because at the end it’s about W, L or D.
But in the champions league it’s good to get three away goals even if you do lose surely?
Just imagine though if either side had a good defence… 🙂
Absolutely, Obi…………………I think Devil always went on about ugly one nilllers !……………………a few of them instead of entertaining draws and losses would have in the title race !.
🙂
I shall add that I didn`t see the Monaco game as I dont like watching other teams play…….especially if they win !……………the nearest I get to watching other teams is on MotD if the Spuds lose !……………I make a party of it ! 🙂
I think there’s a difference between a gritty 1-0 win in the league than the Chapions League, purely because it’s over two legs and away goals count. Had Bayern beaten us 5-3, I’d have given us a chance in the second leg at home…
Rico, if you honk I think you should consider having a shower! A cold shower! ? That’ll sort you out!
All this talk of a new manager, to which I have contributed a tiny wee bit, is all utterly pointless imo. He will carry on until the world ends or maybe even longer than that. I saw him walking on water once with loaves and fishes in his basket and he fed 60,432 poor souls with them, then he turned the water into wine. The whole crowd were really happy until they were then told they had to pay for all that they had eaten. Average price £75.00 per head!
Aparrently Wenger told the official to fcuk off twice in his Burnley moment !……………………why ?, doesn`t he realise that telling someone in an official position to fcuk off will not remove them !……………………….think Arsene !……………………….plenty of fans have told you to fcuk off more than twice and you are still here !………..it doesn`t work !
PS……………………..I`m not one of those who have told him to fcuk off !………………..I have too much respect for him and wont abuse him !…………………………I`d rather he pissed off !………………………………just kidding !…………………………….go in a nice way ! 🙂
Hahaha…………Reminds me of Dick Emery !……………….”hello Honky Tonk !”
Rico, weeks before the Bayern game at 0-0, not many here, including you, thought that Arsenal had a chance. To think that if we were 5-3 down you will think we have a chance is surprising. Moreover, I think that if you asked the manager/ the players of Monaco, any one of them would take a 1-0 or a 2-1 ugly win even in the CL. Because in the end, they rather have the advantage than the disadvantage, regardless of how neutrals love the game.
I think there is a “half full” mentality about Monaco chances. A 2-0 nil win will see them through. Or a 3-1 since they can’t seem to keep a clean sheet. One thing City should be wary of is Monaco are strong at home are seem to be scoring a lot of goals at home.
We all see the game in different ways, as Marshall says glass half full etc… id rather be 5-3 down.. going to the Emirates rather than 2-0 down…
It’s all irrelevant anyhow as we’re already out.. lol
I just had a tooth taken out Wavy, no honking for me… 😉
Did I Obi? I was sure I thought they’d wipe the floor with us…
Oops, sorry Obi, I read your comment wrong, I thought you said I believed we had a chance….
In Germany no, but to win 2-0 at home, it’s not impossible, certainly more possible than winning 4-0… lol
I was impressed with Monaco, what’s their wage bill? Did they spend a fortune over the last 3 years and regress massively?
Wenger is sucking the life out of this Arsenal team, drab boring football with no end product! Bit like him imo.
As for citeh under Pep, proper attractive football….I really think they will become a force. Meanwhile over at Arsenal with the outdated relic we are wanking off yet again!
Same mistakes every year……
We are a powder puff spineless team…..reminds me of someone!
Wish I’d watched it Lee. Sounds like it was a great match. How I’d love us to be doing what either of those two did..
Reminds me of someone too…
As I said before I dont watch other teams, I mean, I hear The Spuds down the road play fantastic football according to all the experts, but would you catch me watching them ?………………….fcuk that !
😆
You don’t need to Lc, just watch them when they play us. They’re an exciting looking team which will only get better under Poch. If he stays…
I was talking to a Totts fan the other day, a sensible one and he reckons if one of Ali, Kane etc go, many more will follow….
Cant watch most Arsenal games live as the stress kills me, Rico !
That`s why I try and pick an easy team when I visit……….. like Burnley …………..98 min winner ! hahaha
Last time I watched an Arsenal Spud game live was when I went to the shite hole and we won 5-0 in 1978………one of the greatest days of my life………….a lot made of Brady`s goal, but people forget that Alan Sunderland got a hattrick !
I too talk to a few ( and I mean “few”) sensible Spud fans….the ones who think it`s all going to go pear shaped, then I talk to more who are deluded and obviously blind to the fact of our superior trophy haul !…………..funny, I`m a normal guy, but I always have a smug feeling of superiority when I look down on them ! hahaha
Grow a pair Lc…. 😉
I’m going to see Arsenal v Lincoln…. ??
🙂 My system works for me Rico !…………………..a lot less stress by cherry picking games, I have watched Arsenal nearly 20 times at the Ems` and only seen us lose one game….2-3 Vs WBA, all the rest have been wins, no draws !……………….add the fact that I will not watch any highlights or recorded games if we dont win and you get a person of much less stress !……………why kill myself ? hahahaha
Actually other than that WBA game I cant remember the last time I saw Arsenal lose live !……………………probably some time in the early `80`s when I last went to all home games !……………………even our last two finals were recorded and watched after the games finished knowing we won but not knowing the score !…………………….stressless viewing ! hahahaha
Although the Hull win was tricky as I asked the missus could I watch the game ( If we win she just says….”you can watch the game” ) and she said it was not over, so I knew it had gone to extra time, which I didn`t anticipate and that caused me stress ! hahaha
Although as normal person I have abnormal Arsenal weirdness ! hahaha
Nice Rico !………………………..that would be another cherry pick game for me ! 🙂
I kind of understand Lc..
I was just given a chance Lc, which despite the boys being so garbage, I look forward to watching our second string….
Right…………High Intensity Interval Training on spin bike !…………………………I`m going to exhaust myself for 30 mins !…………………any heavy breathing on site will be me, so dont call police !
😆
Arsenal vs Lincoln…
That’s a game to get your teeth into Rico. ?
Oh, in the words of Mrs Brown, ‘that’s nice’…… lol
Cheeky Kev, I only have two left… ?
Chat tomorrow guys- night all.
Night Rico ?
It’s being reported that Santiago Cazorla is out for the season ☹️
Probably…
Time for the Ox to step up then and, for Wenger to encourage him to grab the little man’s mantle!
Great, great shame if that’s true. Santi was to be our saviour! And of course Wenger’s continued meal ticket! Whatever happened to Luncheon Vouchers?
…And to all those who defend Wenger as a MANAGER, the management of Santi Cazola is one of many illustration of why he should go. Knowing that he’s coming off a major injury, knowing his age, knowing that we have the highest winning percentage with him, and knowing we have no sufficient back up to him, he runs him to the ground early in the season vrtually to guarantee an injury. And we still do not have sufficient replacement. A good “money man”, but not a good football manager.
Said the same early season Obi when he played too many games… Losing Santi was a big big problem, yet one which could have been avoided imo..
Obi, i know people think Wenger has total and absolute power at the club, but do you really believe he overrides calls the medical staff make??
Guys, we can’t blame Wenger for every single thing that goes wrong, as much as people like to.
That is very harsh.
On this Monaco manager, who admit to knowing nothing of,
One game seems to have made his name, so hats off to the man.
Of course, French football is very tough, as Gervinho was a star there, and Giroud led a side to a title, so the standards are just ridiculously high, according to most Arsenal Fans 🙂 🙂
I say we should sign him.
Scott, on paper a player may be fit but when you have an ageing player who missed half of last season through injury, wouldn’t common sense tell you not to overplay him?
Arsene is crap at rotating players, we see it every season….
How can anyone judge a manager, team or players to be pedantic if that person hasn’t seen any of them perform?
Did these ‘most Arsenal fans’ just suggest that the game on Tuesday was a cracker and both managers certainly know how to play the attacking game?
I didn’t watch it so can’t comment… But Gervinho was rubbish at Arsenal and Giroud is still Giroud…
Rico, how often does Arsene get accused of playing a terrible starting 11, or not taking a game seriously?
Sorry, but no matter what he does. most will find fault.
I’d be amazed if the medical staff told him Santi was red lining and he ignored it.
Plenty will say that’s the case and they may well be right, but who really knows?
Those guys were fantastic in the French league, so it must put a massive question mark on it.
We can’t keep forgetting or ignoring our own opinions that have been offered when it suits.
Consistency is something that would stop plenty of arguments, imo.
Player rotation is something everybody know Wenger doesn’t do. Hence we are having Perez debate that he’d play more.
Cazorla played every game he was available. I remember saying he played 5 games in september – that’s alot for a 32 year old who has prior injury issues. And he suffered one in October, coincidence?
Scott, there’s a big difference between sensible rotation and selecting a side which is all about fitting in his favs.
Who are these ‘most’ – do you mean the majority on here?
Marshall,
I never suggested Arsene has done well with selection, rotations etc etc
I said I’d be amazed if he ignored medical staff advice.
I could be wrong and if anyone has proof, great, but I don’t see it as the case.
I’m not asking for proof, so please, don’t think I’m putting that on anyone.
In which case, if both players were so good in France, then Wenger failed to get the best from them surely? Or doesn’t play a game to suit theirs….
Agree Marshall, I think there were a few comments here on HH which said something like ‘Not Santi again, he’ll soon suffer an injury’. Well that’s just what happened…
Spot on re Perez, I just don’t understand why he isn’t starting more PL matches…
The same way Sanchez is being (mis)managed. Imo he had no business playing/coming on in the two cups. Everyone knows he’s a workaholic, but he’s human, made of tissue cells. He’d be left to recover. Chances are he’ll still be in the team against Lincoln. That should be a day off for him.
Or Wenger is afraid of leaving him out only to find him he’s re-arranged the gym at Colney 🙂
Scott, Marshall didn’t suggest you did – he, like me are just talking about Wenger and his inability to rotate footballers…
I wouldn’t say he’s made his name in one game Scott, he’s sitting top of the French league which considering he’s up against PSG isn’t easy.
And Ozil, who else would select a player who is seriously out of form? Walcott too, despite his goal against Sutton Utd….. 😉
No way should Alexis have even been on the bus to Sutton imo.
i unreservedly apologise to anyone offended by my use of the word “most”.
I truly hope those who are not included in the group are equally not offended at being in the minority.
Basically, I am sorry to everyone.
Scott, I was merely putting out fatigue could be the reason that aggravated Santi’s injury. I bet Wenger wouldn’t intentionally risk a player but for a manager using statDNA and other sophisticated sport science, he’d be able to spot the red flags and afford a 32 y.o some rest. He is either not so keen or just doesn’t learn from the past.
Kel, I did say I know nothing by about him, but my point was nobody here had ever mentioned the man (to my knowledge) until this one game.
Marshall, not to seem argumentative, or repetitive, but isn’t that what medical staff are for?
Morning Rico. Arsenal are boring aren’t they? Their football is predictable and flat, their tactics seem virtually non-existent and we’ve seen it all before from where injuries to key players are concerned. You could write the script for most matches these days. Everybody gets stale, even the players. I hope the board see the folly of extending Arsene’s contract as big changes are absolutely necessary if the club and the fans are to move forward. To me, this progression seems the most natural thing, yet those who want him to stay can offer only the thinnest of reasons, None of which stand the slightest scrutiny.
Wenger out 🙂
He’s been in the radar all season m8 other blogs etc I’ve spoken about him on facebook etc..
He’s just an option and seems a decent option at that, obviously not first choice though.
But if you havent seen him fair enough, probably best though to hold opinion on him.. lol
But as said Scott, doesn’t common sense come into it?
A player might be deemed fit by the medical staff, but common sense would, or rather should tell Wenger to treat certain players with kid gloves.
Half the problem is that Santi is unique as he gives the team something which no other player can, although saying that, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been doing pretty well of late imo. So what does the manager then do with him? Move him wide to suit, whereas surely, if a player is doing well in a certain position, leave him there…..
And we wonder why Bayern battered us…
True Scott, it’s the medic’s job. We’ll probably never know if and how they advise Wenger on it or not. Thing is we’ll also probably never know how Wenger chooses to use the doctor’s advice.
Imo we’d have treated Santi with caution. Play 2-3 crucial games a month. I’ll take example of how the chavs took great care of Costa. The thug is soft as a bunny on the inside and they never played him three successive games when he first came.
I don’t need science for that.
Morning Adam. Boring is an understatement… This has to be one of the worst times at the club which I can remember…
But I’m still off to watch them play Lincoln City… 🙂
Rico. I agree. See you at the Lincoln game then. 🙂
Sevilla played some good football last night have to say i was impressed. Schmeichel had the best game he’s ever had lol it could have been 5 or 6.
You can see why Barca are apparently looking at sampaoli.
Kel, I never actually offered an opinion of him, though.
Marshall, as we don’t know how he uses the advice of medical staff, I’m not sure we can conclude he ignores it.
Maybe it was just wrong or non Existent.
Who is Arsene to tell a trained medical officer he’s wrong?
Common sense doesn’t really come into it, imo, as all players are different.
Fans all over the net (I’m not daring suggest anyone here is guilty) were livid that Arsene treated the Sutton game as a “walkover” by not selecting our strongest side, yet other fans (again, no mention by me of fans here) stated Alexis shouldn’t have been there.
Yes, whatever the man does, someone, somewhere will find fault.
Is that fair?
Morning Kel – and even Nasri rolled around the pitch I noticed. 🙂
Hi Adam, yeah him and jovetic looked pretty decent if im honest…
I’ll be wearing a red coat Adam… 🙂
Kel, I hope Barca get Poch….
Maybe he’ll go to Atletico or juve and we get Simeone or Allegri Rico lol…
I can dream can’t I..?
I think the slim chance we had of getting 4 has slipped away with the Santi news imo…
Top 4
Kel, I don’t want us in the top 4. For the greater good. Well, unless Wenger says in advance that he’ll leave.
It really is baffling when you think about Santi, we have no replacement for him ie like for like no one even close, you would think that last summer wenger might have been prepared for that…
I don’t think wenger would intentionally play a player who’s close to injury he might take a risk when they’re close the red line as he put it… but to not have back up for a player like Santi who is so important to how we play. Tbh its poor management and poor planning imo.
I’m hoping with you Kel. Seems there are plenty of candidates… 😉
Your wish will be granted Marshall… we ain’t making top 4 m8… utd will though.
Marshall, we should know before the season ends what his intentions are as in his last press conference, he said he’d make his announcement in March/April… (I think)
Santi is definitely out for the rest of the season. Sorry if that’s already been posted…
Kel. We have Jack, but he’s on a season-long loan.
Rico. I’ll be watching out for you. 🙂
🙂 Adam.
Jack is injured… lol
Oh dear. Poor old Jack. 🙂
Kel, United? I doubt. They’ll soon have Europa nights and am hoping it’ll take a toll like they did during their group stages.
Mornin all
I think you`re all talking rubbish !………………Santi`s injuries are down to one thing !………………………………………Kroenke !…………………or to be precise , his Syrup !……………..it`s like a Swiss Army Knife !….it can do anything !………it controls Kroenke, has degrees in politics, business, economics , can lassoo a buffalo and even makes love to Ann Kronke whilst Stan`s not looking !………………however one flaw…………..has no medical knowledge !
Kroenke Out !
What do you think ?……………………..I shant be buying !
http://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/leaked-arsenals-new-home-away-12644317
Is it really about the players though, or the way Arsene Wenger sets us up?
No other team would collapse in such a way if just one player was injured… We have a glut of midfielders, surely one could have been coached to fill in for Santi by now…
Injuries/suspensions gave AOC a chance and he’s done well, why not stick with him in there?
Our U23 game Vs Chavs is live on Arsenal Player @13:30 Friday……..tomorrow !………………….wonder if Welbeck will play again ?.
In Wenger’s world he had a ‘quality’ back up for Santi. Here’s a clue, he’s welsh.
I doubt it Lc, Liverpool next for Danny hopefully…
🙂 Marshall. That fills me with great confidence…
New post up now.
LC, pretty ordinary kit.
We started the season with 5 CMs. Xhaka, Coq, Elneny, Ramsey and Santi. With the tedious 4-2-3-1 formation, Wenger only need 2 of them. Even I thought we were covered there.
Good morning…Rico
Honestly i dont think anyone was expecting Santi to play again this season.It is all familiar.
Back in December the PR machine started spewing nonsense that Santi will be back by February.
All this nonsense was to lift the pressure to not buy a replacement.Otherwise :
1….Santi is 32 and he was not in good shape even last season.So his phisical ability is obvious to every idiot out there let alone medics and physios.
2….Santi is the only player who have special quality on dribbling and comfortably pass two or three opponents.He is the only one who was tying it nicely that rubbish midfield we got.
Basically it was a problem that suppose to be sorted back in the summer.
In a very vital position a vital and unique player when is not available the results speak for themselves.
After the absence of Santi …..le prof what is there that he didnt tried?
One minute Xaka Ramsey the other Coq and xyz .T
To no avail………
Same all same……..grrrrrr……Any manager can do better than le prof