Morning all.
After yesterdays wicked and depraved act of terrorism in Westminster where innocent people lost their lives, writing about Arsenal and Arsene Wenger seems wrong. These mindless, evil and barbaric idiots don’t care if someone has lost a mother, father, brother sister, husband wife, daughter or son, they really don’t and the more we give into them, the more they win.
Life does go on, London and England have to go on and if you are in the capital or are visiting it, be safe and be vigilant.
No doubt every Arsenal fan will have seen/read the interview Wenger held with BEIN Sports yesterday. No, well I would say it’s worth listening to but in all honesty, there’s little we haven’t heard before so don’t bother. Here’s the crux of it which I nicked from Pedro at Le Grove:
Today we live in a period where people are very demanding and I can understand that but I know as well that I have guided this club through very difficult periods with very, very, very limited resources.
I managed to always get the best out of the team and that’s what I will do as long as I am at Arsenal Football Club.
We have good players and they are young players. They have a team that’s very young. Overall I think the spirit is good, the structures are absolutely fantastic and the mental qualities inside the club.
For me Arsenal is the best club in the world and what we have built is absolutely remarkable, not only on the results front but on the values that this club, what we have built. Of course a football club is about winning, it’s as well about values.
Nobody talks about that anymore but sport is as well about values and I think integrity, respect, humility, togetherness are very important qualities and if you would visit our club you would see that they really exist on a daily basis. That is part of what I am proud as well.
My news is that I have no news for you! No matter how long I stay, I will be committed and completely focused as long as I stay at the club. How long I stay doesn’t really matter because as long as I’m there I am completely focused on what is to achieve the best with the club.
What to make of all that then?
The fact that he won’t tell us whether he’s staying or going is childish. When I was in secondary school a few pupils would behave in a similar manner. They knew something you wanted to know but they wouldn’t tell and that’s because they were needy, they craved friendship when unlike others, they didn’t get it. It was their way to seek attention on days when they’d otherwise be all alone in the playground. All that kind of behaviour did though was push other pupils further away, as people like that are weak and certainly not someone worth befriending. Honesty, even at a young age is what makes a good person.
Anyway, I think his comments suggests he’s staying but what he hopes for before any grand announcement is for the team to pick up a few good results and creep back into the top four. Good luck with that I say because when Man City leave the Emirates next weekend, I’m sure we’ll be even further behind the teams above us. And regardless of the performances/results between now and the end of the season, the rot has run to deep and he is not the man to rebuild the team.
I’d agree with him though about Arsenal, it is the best club in the world but I’m biased, yet it’s far from being the best club in the world in terms of football. Our football is one dimensional and most other managers know just how to stop us. I had to stop myself from laughing when he talked about our results being good. Has he already forgotten the 10-2 aggregate loss to Bayern or even the 3-1 loss to WBA just a few days ago, and that’s just two in a very long list of embarrassing defeats over the last few years.
Someone needs to tap Wenger on the shoulder, tell him to remove his head from sand and realise it’s him holding this club back from being all the things he suggests the club is. Tell him it does matter how long he stays because as far as I’m concerned, his departure is long overdue.
Fingers crossed somebody does and when the news breaks, it’s good news…
Lukas Podolski bowed out from international football last night and what a way to say goodbye. A cracking goal won the game for Germany. And to think he was once an Arsenal player eh…….
Morning all.
Here is Podolskis take on the Arsene situation.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/10811190/lukas-podolski-says-arsenal-would-find-it-difficult-to-replace-arsene-wenger
The players, even ex players, really do have a different opinion to fans.
We have to ask ourselves do they know something we don’t?
They can’t all have fallen under his spell, couldnrhey?
I liked Podolski, but he’s a guy who was at the club for 3 years and that was a while ago. he’s not there to witness the changing room atmosphere and all that’s going on. Perhaps if he was, he might think differently.
Plus, I doubt he’s being anything other than kind, because he was one of many who have been treated terribly whilst being part of a Wenger squad.
Maybe, Rico, but maybe not.
If he’s been treated as poorly as we think, he’d have nothing nice to say about Arsene, though.
It’s all very strange.
Rico. Whichever way you look at his position, his results speak for themselves. He is killing long-term supporters who do not live in his rarified world of multi-million pound pay deals and zero accountability. They are fading away season by season because they see the club with a stark reality that eludes Arsene. The tragedy is that nobody at the club really seems to care. He obviously doesn’t as he is living in the past and is continually ramming down the throats of anybody who can be bothered to listen anymore.
Not necessarily Scott, why would he put himself out there by being critical, despite what he really thinks or feels…
And don’t for get Scott, Podolski isn’t an Arsenal fan, just a fellow professional in the game…
Adam, totally agree, as I do with your comment on the last post.
I used to think the man deserved some kind of respect, but sorry, any respect I had for Wenger is long gone. The way I feel about him now is a feeling I thought I would never feel. The day he leaves our football club will be a great day for me regardless of who the club replace him with.
Rico. We’ll crack a bottle of bubbly together on that day. Lol
Adam, maybe we’ll hear such positive news within the next 13 days… LOL
Very much doubt it, no conclusion until after payment day.
Good morning, although not so good for those who got caught up in yesterday’s attack’ as you say.
But on the subject of AW, the only thing seems certain is that he wants to stay. However, I think this time around the BoD need convincing that it is best for the club if he does, and that is different?
Only some measure of success, like top 4 and/or a FA Cup win, will quieten some of the disgruntled, fans and BoD members alike. That will be a tough act given the current situation, particularly with regards to getting a midfield pairing that works well whatever tactical play is employed.
The other matter as to who might be considered for his replacement, and if they are likely to be available the longer the decision is delayed?
The contract stand off is another twist. If left until summer does that mean the new man will have the chance to assess their viability in his set up, or just a way of putting back AW in control rather than having a gun to his head while they threaten to leave?
At the back of my mind, given what has gone on before, I wonder if AW really can manage top class ego driven players. It seems from the outside, that the moment a player puts his head above the parapet his bags are packed and he is gone?
All very good speculation, but no nearer to answering the question …. Does stay? or Does he go?
Only time will tell.
Cheers,
Gerry
I’ll raise a glass here too…it’ll be well matured by then or maybe vinegar…lol
Gerry, I thought our board were happy for him to stay?
Ha ha Bt, let’s hope not…
Hi Rico, all.
“Today we live in a period where people are very demanding..” at over 150K a week, I expect Wenger to be pulling hats out of the rabbits! Can he one day say, ‘ am being paid too much, for the next 10 years I’ll manage the club pro bono”
Hi Marshall. Dreadful to think he earns more a week than our highest paid player….
Easy job he’s got eh….
Strange isn’t it, that only that end of a bell Chris Sutton, who cares nothing for Arsenal, has come out and slated Le Prof.
I really like Podolski, always did, though how he gained 130 caps for Germany is a mystery.
As Scott said, why would he support Wenger, when he has no reason to be grateful to him?
Yes, other ex-players have said the time is right for change, but they all think highly of him just the same. He has engendered a lot of loyalty and respect from players over the years.
The current crop are the exception, and you will always get a clique in the dressing room that whisper together. Usually those not playing regularly, or who think they are too good for (Arsenal) their team.
Unfortunately, IMO, this current team have more than the usual fair share of those, who all happen to be here at the same time.
That they are even there is down to Le prof, poor judgement of characters.
That in itself is enough to make him realise he should let go now.
As I posted yesterday, I think the club should still offer him an ambassadorial role after a new manager takes over, but as for his assistants, they can do one. Never ever do they give an interview, or show any emotion. At least he does that. Enough to get banned from the bench, and to give Napoleon a slap in the moosh.
It grieves me to think how he must be enjoying all this, he has always been envious of le prof.
I wonder what these ex Arsenal player would say off camera though.
Meerkat, are AW’s assistants allowed to do interviews?
Hi rico. Well I gather some are saying it looks like the time is right for him to move over, quite a few actually, but some ,like Podolski, think he is still the man to manage the club.
Without exception though, they still seem to think highly of him.
Of course there are probably some old players who don’t, but they are keeping a low profile.
Re assistants BT62. I don’t know if they are allowed.
Some say he is so autocratic that he forbids it. No evidence either way, but he steps up and faces a hostile media, and they are probably happy for him to take all the flack, so are the players.
That is why he has so many ex-players who think so highly of him I suppose.
Morning all,
Just watching a WC qualifier involving Iraq, who have to play their home game in Iran. As a Tasmanian I salute all Iraqis, & they have just equalised. It puts all the crap going on with Arsenal into perspective to be honest
I think what wenger is saying is he would stay if we could still scrap top 4 or/and win the FA cup..otherwise he may still be calling it a day.
He wouldn’t announce his indecision because of the probable outcome. and he previously stated that he would like to manage for one more year.
In other words his decision is dependent on results.
It certainly shouldn’t be..however! ?
Hi Meerkat. I’m not convinced Podolski believes Wenger is the right man to manage Arsenal, just that it might be hard to find a replacement. But as said previously, most of the old players who are speaking well of AW are not really fans of the club, just players who have come and gone in a few years..
Most old school believe his time is up from listening to them on SS’s…
Afternoon all and thanks Rico.
Here`s an interesting read !……no idea of it`s authenticity and I`m torn by who maybe takes the blame !……………………..In some ways I blame Fiszman for not letting Dein get what he wanted as maybe we would ( or not ) be competitive now !………………………………..sounds a right balls up though and just our luck to be riddled with Kroenke !……………….only a Van Driver, so would appreciate your views on the article ! 🙂 I preferred it when we had smileys ! hahaha
Oop`s for got the link ! hahahaha
http://www.onlinegooner.com/article.php?section=exclusive&id=3622#.WNPYRaKkKUk
Most of the ex-players are evaluating AW personal qualities and not his football/ managing qualities, so we should try to separate the two. Those who are evaluating him on his footballing qualities are calling on him to leave. Moreover, what are the players suppose to say… oh he’s crap? That’s evident by the all measures in recent years.
Watching some old Costa Rican national team games last nite highlighted a factor for me. What manager using objective evaluation will pick Walcott, Ramsey and OX as wingers over Joel Campbell? And this is just one of many peculiar decisions made by AW.
What are the reasons AW should be renewed again and why would the next 2 years be any better? I missed that class.
Rico, I think the point Obi makes over the ‘next two years’ above, is what is making the BoD nervous this time around. I base this thought of their disquiet on ‘Chips’ Keswick last statement when he said (on AW staying or going) ….’ We will sit down and make a joint decision when that time comes’ ….
Previously their stance has always been one of it being ‘HIS’ decision. Plus, I think young Kroenke favours Thierry Henry as a possible future manager, or at least he did, so he may be swayed by his opinions on the matter?
However, I disagree with Obi on Joel Campbell being an Arsenal type player. He looks top class on the international stage … but then so does Ramsey?
Cheers,
Gerry
Good Afternoon Rico and all.
Putting things into perspective today and it’s so hard to fight a hidden enemy,practically impossible in a major city.
Kudos to the black cab drivers who took people home away from the carnage, and they did it for FREE whilst their competitors added a premium to take a fare.
AW destroyed Podolski as he did Arshavin and we all know why and how.31 and retiring from International football whilst we give several players over 30 who are slowing up or have a history of injuries, an extension to contracts, something AW wouldn’t entertain 10 years ago.
I have lost interest in this dictator being interviewed by all and sundry if he is staying or going.What does that tell you about the non football Board.
Every day that passes he loses credibility and his first ten seasons become more and more a memory.
If we believe rumours then Arsene will stay and both Ozil and Alexis will leave !
A serious question………..what would you rather………….Wenger stays and the two go…..or…..Wenger goes and the two stay ?
Afternoon All
Afternoon Rico, funny old day, strange atmosphere around, people seem in general, quite thoughtful…
Yes Kelsey, I did hear that Uber were ‘surge’ charging yesterday X3.
No class from that mob…
Rico,
does anyone except the most sycophantic AKB take any notice of what Wenger says anymore? I think the vast majority of Arsenal fans switched off to alm his spin ages ago…
Like Adam my feelings towards him are hardening and it’s only going to get worse and quite nasty over the next two years, not least towards those at the helm of the club…
Do you know LC I just can’t make up my mind but, when I do you’ll all be the first to know!
Hahahahahahaha…………sound familiar at all?
Gerry, fair pointy on Joel Campbell; but you have to agree that while Ramsey has had only one “good’ tournament – a not so good Euro 2016, that placed Wales in a very weak group – Campbell has impressed in several international tournaments. But specifically, my point is as a winger, Campbell is better than the 3 I mentioned. So if he’s not an Arsenal type of player, neither are the other 3 by objective measures.
Afternoon Kelsey and all…
Afternoon Rico and All
Still not convinced Arsene is staying,
If was staying Why would he be holding back?
My opinion is:
In his mind/dream he think’s we will win the the Double
Yer…… beat Shity and catch the Chavs…
But deep down this will be his worst season
He look’s when interviewed like the Rabbit caught in the
Headlight’s.
He must see/hear what’s going on regarding
The players and Fans …Refusing to back him.
So for me Arsene has got the Poker Hat on again
the Magic Hat went years ago.
As for upstair’s Director of Football.
I wouldn’t have him Directing the Traffic now.
Afternoon Kev.
I’m the same, he talks, I switch off and I truly believe it’s the same for the players which is why they aren’t playing well…
Afternoon Fred. I’m convinced he’s staying, I really am. Seriously hope I’m wrong though…
I see Everton have secured a plot for their new stadium….
I get the feeling Arsene has a lot running scared
with the fear of him staying,
Talk about the next Horror Movie.
I think Arsene’s future will come clear after the semi final , if he is defeated his dream of having won it more times than anyone else dies and I think he will go . If we win through he will stay at least until after the final .
If everyone has no interest in what Arses says,why do we see it rammed down his throat on a daily basis lol
Some on guys, EVERYONE takes notice.
He shoots himself in the foot most of the time during press conferences and interviews, and everyone knows it.
Rico. Podolski is as active an Arsenal fan as any ex player I’ve seen, as when we play, as he’s all over twitter.
I think hes not saying we can’t change managers, but that it won’t be easy to find the right person, and I’m sure most would agree with that.
As I’ve said often enough, plenty think ANY new man will be an upgrade where that is just nonsense.
The right man will be an upgrade, no question but that’s the massive decision the board face and god help the club if they get it wrong.
Potter, I reckon you’re guess on the timing of an announcement is spot on 🙂
City at Wembley, only one winner imo somperhaps he might leave if his decision is based on the FA Cup.
There’s listening to Wenger speak, and taking any interest in what he says. There’s a difference imo.
Can’t see a player being active on Twitter makes him a big fan though….
I don’t see why so many think replacing Wenger will be difficult, I really don’t.
Poldski an Arsenal fan do me a favour Scott
he is like the rest who claim to be fans.
The fans I know live and breath The Arsenal
different ball game alltogether.
With you there Fred.
Wenger has won it 6 times equal with Ramsay of Aston Villa who did it at the turn of the 1800/1900’s. He has burned all his other legacies , this is the only one left.
Well, if he wins his and achieves his own little personal goal and he goes afterwards, then fingers crossed he does… highly unlikely though..
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/lukas-podolski-says-arsene-wenger-10087031
Well said Wrighty….
Football speaking I find it hard to put a case up
for Arsene.
We have to keep repeating the Negative’s
it’s for me now to even listen to his spin.
The Arsene must stay fans are entitled to
back him but the reasoning for him to stay,
are not football reason’s..
There isn’t a case for him staying is there?
Ok ok………………it was not a serious question, but thanks for all answering it ! hahaha
Surely it`s within the realms of possibility that we could with a bit of luck win our next two FA Cup games !………………………or is that as stupid as my last question !……………………hahahaha…………………….please Rico, bring back the smiley`s !
🙂
Night guys…
What if he wins the semi and then the final, do you in all seriousness think he’ll leave this summer, because I don’t!
He’s like a leech that you can’t brush off and he just won’t go away!
Podolski’s opinion is irrelevant?
Podolski being ruined by Wenger is relevant?
Ok then lol
Wavy, that is your opinion.
I believe he will leave.
Wavy we have been down this road before.
But: At this stage…..It was Reading Semi’s…….Villa Final
Bit Different..Mate
Scott 8.53, you might wanna take the sick elephant to a vet lol.
He’s also irrelevant, Micko and besides. It’s self inflicted.
Drinking that black shit from your country hahaha
I don’t know much but what I do know is Arsene ain’t about to retire, if he hasn’t already signed for us he’s got another club lined up, he’ll carry on well into his 70’s, as long as it’s not with us I couldn’t give a shite !
Micko, I hope he has some success wherever he goes, but he has to go!!!
If he stays, it’ll change my entire opinion of the man.
Scott it was not my opinion it was an assertion.”what if….?
So……what if? He stays because he thinks he’s irreplaceable…….in my opinion I think he does …..think he’s irreplaceable.
Imo, he’s past his sell by date and he’s reached the point of becoming fetid and should be condemned. If he were a lettuce on a supermarket gondola he’d long gone, in fact he’d be compost byz now!
I’m sick of condemning him. There are only so many ways one can dress up the same feelings day after day after day.
Wenger please go because I can no longer deal with this constant plea for YOU to be gone!
He will go, Wavy, and we can all move on, thank goodness.
Ok, that is just my opinion but I’m damn hopeful.
No doubt we are all sick of reading the same thing each day and I’ve been a critic of that, bur on reflection, there isn’t a whole hell of a lot else to talk about.
It’s a shame that it’s all come to this.
Stan, step up and tap the man on the shoulder if he won’t make the call himself!!!!!
Stan won’t be involved will he, the push should come from the other board members who are paid to make such decisions I’d imagine. Although any intelligent person would see for him/herself that things are seriously wrong and do the right thing. Especially at his age and after so many years of ‘failings’…
Morning all.
Morning Rico, all.
I’d say Poldi is an arsenal fan, he was before he joined us and still is after. He takes time to watch us and follows arsenal keenly just like an arsenal fan would abroad.
At 31 he isn’t that old for international football (Klose went all the way), but I guess he saw there are younger and better german forwards who’d be given a chance to play for their country like he did. The realisation that someone would offer more than he (Poldi) could is what Arsene should borrow from him, and gracefully take a bow.
See that Iwobi was dragged out last night to tow the party line that the supporters are being disrespectful and that all the players are right behind him . YEAH right.
Morning Marshall. Funny you should say that as I’ve been sat here trying to work out why it is players know when to quit, but a certain manager we all know doesn’t… Spooky eh…
Iwobi is just one in a long list eh Potter, just been writing about the players support and my own opinion as to why they do it…
Lol Rico, telepathy.
Does Iwobi know his performances on the pitch is a huge factor that’s bringing pressure on Arsene? He should see himself play.
Amazing that the 37 year old Arsenal legend and veteran Alex Iwobi is now telling us all how we should feel and act….! All those years of fighting the fight on the pitch for us he’s definitely in a position to talk eh….!
Says it all…! Another one to add to the long list…..!
He should Marshall, and he’s not alone…
Morning Rico. The club’s silence and Arsene’s cringe-worthy interviews are having a compound effect and I can see their “You’ve never had it so good stance” is driving a bigger wedge between the club and the fans.
Gazidis’ vanishing-act also speaks volumes.
Play to players strengths and ability, Podolski has a knack of getting into the position to score the goals he does. He can’t do that if he is half way down the pitch covering a missing midfield player , kind of like Arshavin really and when he was with us Davor Suker.. With all these players you have to play to accommodate them. Meerkat asked why Poldi got so many caps 50 odd international goals had a lot to do with it whilst others were scoring too. As with the other night :- right place , right time , left foot like a hammer , Hart no chance.
We had it and never used it.
He’s barely out of nappies yet deems it ok to have a pop at the fans… Chump.
Morning Adam. I would imagine Gazidis thinks it’s best to stay quiet than to feed us a load of lies. Less is often more as the saying goes…
Hi Adam. Sometimes the like of Gazidis and Chips speak up and we are left saying they’d have shut up all along lol.
It’s the arsenal way for the directors and the manager to speak without really saying anything.
Spot on, so so many players have fallen by the wayside, just because they weren’t used in a way to get the best out of them. Even Bendtner… A big strong centre forward playing on the left wing was a non starter really..
Morning all.
There’s a new post up guys. It’s a sponsored one so i’ll run for about 30 mins before I put todays proper one up..