I thought Arsene Wenger had stopped talking rubbish but then I read my usual daily dose of afc.com and found the latest piece from our manager! 😉
He’s been talking about Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry and why he let them both go when he did and stands by his decision to let them move on in 2005 and 2007 respectively.
One of the things he said was it was better to sell and get a good price for them, rather than sit back and watch their contracts run down and they leave for free and, at the time the club needed the money.
So, that begs the question about Edu, Gilberto, Flamini, Gallas etc etc – all who were still at the top of their game but were allowed run down their contracts and leave for free – and players like Merida, Barazite etc who hadn’t even reached their peak and hadn’t been given the kind of chance that others seem to get.
I adopted a way of thinking that it was better to sell a player one year too early than one year too late. If you sell too late you don’t get any money and you cannot buy anymore. If you sell a player early he can still sign a longer contract somewhere else.
Ok, that is all well and good when talking about the older players who are in their final years of their career at the top but the two he highlighted went on to big clubs and Henry could still get a place in our first team today, fours years later…
What about applying a similar rule to players who are poor?
Surely even the staunchest Wenger supporter would admit that we have kept too many average players for far too long?
I’m not talking about the Silvestre and Squillaci kind of players, they were only ever meant to be 4th/5th choice in their position, the one’s I am referring to are Almunia, Denilson, Bendtner and many more before them.
They have been over played in hope that they come good but never have they reached the potential that Wenger obviously saw when he signed them – how many times have we suffered watching Bendtner miss chance after chance, or Denilson and even Diaby put in half-hearted performances?
Yet, how many seasons did he persist with playing them before the penny finally dropped? Still though they are on our books and we are paying some of their wages.
Some will say that we can’t sell them as no other club wants them, well surely it’s better to cut our losses and set them free on a reduced price, no doubt all of them have been on £50,000 a week salary, add that up over the years and it’s an awful lot of money that would/could have bought and paid a better player.
Wenger is without question, one of the shrewdest managers in the Premier League when it comes to buying playing but when it comes to selling them on, he has to be up there as one of the most naive.
One player he won’t have to worry about selling is young midfielder Alban Bunjaku, yesterday news broke that he had decided to quit the club. He was one of the stand out players for Steve Bould’s side last season but he had never been offered or given a professional contract despite breaking into the reserves but with so many good reserve players ahead of him, his chances were very limited.
Wasn’t a good day all round for the youth, as Steve Bould’s side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup, beaten 1-0 by Derby County in extra-time. Having dominated the first half, they couldn’t make their chances count and in the 97th minute, they conceded the only goal of the game.
Finally, if you can get to The Armoury later today, our captain will be signing copies of his 100 goals DVD, he’ll be there between 3pm and 4.30pm so get there if you can – don’t forget to get there early and buy the DVD from the store as they are the only ones he will sign…
That’s it for today, have a good one……
Morning all….
Morning Rico.
Morning guys and chicks of the Gunners’ faith.
I agree that there are a good amount of talent ahead of Bunjaku, but as AK and I used to agree he is a good talent. I think its fair to say that he will eventually make it. His style is reminiscent of a young Bergkamp. AK and I used to swap clips of him in action from youtube and other Arsenal websites. He is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a second striker.
I have a feeling that it wont be long before we will hear that he has made it a la PLATT.
This is what we stand to loose………
I know that youtube can deceive you but this might be one which we will eventually regret going away.
Morning DG, I wonder why he has quit and for such a talent, i wonder why he was never offered a pro-contract?
Maybe he has a David Bently attitude? Think it’s a great shame….
very misleading title
God these South American can be a grubby lot
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/876449-diving-referee-causes-riot-during-worker-vs-mirassol-clash
Bloomin heck alan, that all got a bit messy…
Got to pop out for a bit, back shortly…
‘ Surely even the staunchest Wenger supporter would admit that we have kept too many average players for far too long? ”
True. because they are cheap, and the board is cheap
That is my fear also Rico. I think that he was not offered a contract because of his attitude. But I think that he will eventually make it.
Hi Rico
Oh, A player in Australia has admitted after the event to divinfg and was at once congratulated for his honesty and fined by the club which has a No Diving policy
A fine example to all
http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/sydney-fc-defender-shannon-cole-fined-by-club-for-diving-against-gold-coast-united/story-e6frf4gl-1226220245675
“Wenger is without question, one of the shrewdest managers in the Premier League when it comes to buying playing but when it comes to selling them on, he has to be up there as one of the most naive.”
what nonsense do you speak? He sold anelka for 23m after signing him for less than 1m… he sold overmars and petit for 30m, he sold kolo youre for 16m after paying just 150,000 for him, adebayor for 22m after signing him for 7m.. shall i go on.. how yuou can call that naive i will never know
quote ”
Wasn’t a good day all round for the youth, as Steve Bould’s side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup, beaten 1-0 by Derby County in extra-time. Having dominated the first half, they couldn’t make their chances count and in the 97th minute, they conceded the only goal of the game. ”
Sound familiar?
Morning all,
Read your post Rico with a smile on my face thinking that Robin had finally signed a new contract, i must say you disappointed me.
I Have started to believe that we would do better buying in the type of player we need, instead of messing about with all these wannabees. I know we need a centre forward and we also need a left back and a good back up keeper. Why keep messing about with youngsters who only leave at the end of the day, and very rarely make the grade.
Good morning Steve.
Although the title was misleading it was also open ended. Rico did not state what he has signed. Merely that he signs. Now he might sign the contract, he might sign the chequebook for a charity, he might sign autograph books for the supporters and he might sign amything else. Rico said the truth……up to us to believe what we want to believe.
He has not left the club…!!
Yeh fair point DG, Probably just something i wanted to read thats all she has a habit of getting my hopes up the little she Devil
dan, i think you have listed them, not many more to add, now go and count the ones he let go for free and the ones he’s kept for too long, then add up how much we lost in money terms – i am sure your understand what i’m trying to say…
Morning Steve
Sorry 😉 Trust me, if and when RvP signs a new contract, there will be lights and hooters in the heading 😉
Open ended, exactly DG 🙂
Sachin, who, Alban Bunjaku???
Its clear Rico. We understand what you were implying. Fair enough to add also that if and only if DD was still with AW, the likes of Denilson, Almunia etc would not have had so much exposure time. They would have been sold for a small profit and to make way for better talent.
I wonder if RVP will sign someone’s butt??? Any guesses may I ask????
Wenger will probably sell RvP if he can get Benzema. Swap deal pay any differences
Benzema 23old RvP 29 old
I think you are right DG, he is a fan, he wouldn’t put up with watching them from the stands 😉
Would Wenger dare alan?? .
Morning Gooners.
Morning Rico.
Good ‘misleading’ post you got there boss. 🙂
Alan on that issue I agree with AW. RVP will not remain at the top for long. He may give us 2 maybe 3 more top flight football. With his injury record that’s only a fair judgement. If he gets injured then it will be less as his healing capacities dwindle over time. I agree that he is at the top and we should keep him. But if a younger, stronger and quicker version is available we should consider what is best for the club.
If you were offered a 23 year old Drogba for example in exchange for RVP would you accept him?? Personally I would.
Morning AK. How’s life in the streets of london??
What do you make of the Bunjaku story???
Morning AK, wasn’t intentional, honest …….
Got to pop off again guys, last few bits and bobs to be bought in the shops, then thats me done for Christmas… 🙂
The Alban Bunjaku saga is a strange one.
Apparantly he was upset at not getting a pro~contract & not getting enough game time.
He was complaining that the foreign imports were getting preferential treatment on both the above.
Not sure how true those rumours are?
Leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
Jay Bothroyd springs to mind..!
Exactly AK. Rico suggested Bentley. In my mind I thought about Bothroyd and Pennant. People who do not want to work hard but expect the world to kneel at their feet.
In an 18 year career I have seen that happen too many times. It is hard, especially when you have to tell them that their future lies away from your club (and its worse with parents), but finally it would be better for them and for the club. But I have never been mistaken whenever I passed on a judgement regarding poor attitude. Of all the young players I signed their release form not a single one has come back to haunt me up till now. And that is something which paradoxically does make me sad. You know, at the bottom of my heart I do want them to make it. Even at another club. I do feel sad whenever I see a talent going to waste….especially when I know that the player’s background is a difficult one and they loose a career simply because of a poor attitude and a weak character.
Hi Rico
Well, he might dare. It’s his history doing this. I hope RvP stays, but this board are more interested in money
Rico amd devilgunner
Actually DG I raised that point before somewhere about the ages. Benzema is 6 years junior to Robin
you are right though devilgunner. It may be a determining factor
And I agreed with you Alan. However its not if the board are interested in money. Its the way things should be done mate. Look at Chelsea……how much did their team cost to build? How much can they make from them now??? So its best for everyone that certain decisions are made. Especially where strikers are concerned. Once they loose speed and ankle/knee mobility and strength a striker is worth nothing. Even a midfielder looses it. A defender on the other hand is different and he might give you more or finish his career with a club. But best let midfielders and strikers go when you can fetch a lot of money for them. And mind you if Josette offered Benzema plus money or Higuain plus money for RVP, than AW would be mad not to take it. I would.
However I still have a hunch that RVP will finish his career with us. I think he will stay. Just like Dennis did. AW rescued their careers from other clubs and both will become AFC legends. Dont know why but the RVP feeling is different to the TH14 and Cesc feelings.
Am with you DG, I think RVP will stay and “IF” he goes it won’t be for money it will be because we don’t buy quality that makes him think we can win things…!
you make sense DG. It may pan out that way. Christ I hope RvP lasts the season.
He strikes me as the kind of bloke that would stick around for legend status. It would mean something to him
Hello1
David Villa broke his leg today ! 🙁
How we can lost against Derby?
Villa gone for a while
Also rules out him getting sold then as well…….. Another one we can forget about buying..!
Gon’t like to disagree with you guys but Robin to me is a one season wonder at the moment, previous seasons he has been a bit injury prone he will have to be quite special for more than just half a season for legend status for me. But his on the way.
Stece
He will make up for it this year, barring his infamous injuries returning of course
If he breaks the goal record, instant legend
Hi Alan, keeping my fingers crossed mate, I’m not knocking the guy i love him.
That Wenger keeps average players for longer than he should do is a proven fact. Also his judgement on buying players, especially centre backs and goal keepers is also rather dodgy.
We are still only a couple of injuries away from Almunia and Squillaci gracing us again. The clownish defending and goal keeping in our recent Greek tragedy away in Europe is a reminder of what lies in wait.
Thankfully ,unlike last season no damage was done with us having already qualified for the next round of the Euro mid-week fun fest.
On then to the weekends visit to the mad money Etiad , another big test for Mertesacker in Manchester awaits, unless he gets injured in training again and Wenger leaves him on the bench .
We have to win every game now do to our poor start to the season . A draw will not be good enough. Wenger himself must take the blame for this ,and his admission last weekend after the Everton game that ‘we depend on Van Persie’ says it all really. If a statue to RVP (there will soon be more of them at the stadium than wax-work models in Madame Tussards) is ever erected to him is another matter.
Another question…
The performance of English football in this season in Europe (CL and League Europe) how can disturb in next two-three years or more, the number of teams comming directly to the League Champions? What is the position in europe ranking of English teams now? Down spain sure. Germany?Italy?
Because in short time not qualify 4 teams but just three is completely different and change the normal goals.
can anyone confirm this? Will yaya miss the game on sunday? A friend of mine thinks he will. According to him, yaya picked up his fifth yellow against the chavs. I can’t find that anywhere. I just hope its true.
Afternoon guys and gals…
Afternoon rico, can you confirm the story?
Just been looking goonster, can’t find out if its true or not, hope it is – But then he’s a dirty little git and could get a nice early bath on sunday 🙂
Alright guys and girls, David Villa, cut price, how about it Arsene?
M’villa – another one… now Arsenal, Madrid and Barcelona
Juan Manuel Vargas (Fiorentina) – Zenit, Arsenal, m. city
Well, we are in the market…
Apparently the word Negro is a no no these days… Could have done with knowing that before today!! Thank you Suarez!
Quiet old day. Where is everybody?
Hi jm we don’t need another mid fielder. We ve got tons. I could do with matias suarez podolski or loic remy. I would have said torres too but I don’t see the chavs selling to a rival.
And apparently, there is to be no friendly between us and you lot before the euros, which is a shame 🙁
Evening all,
See you reeled in a few little tiddlers with your bait today rico.
I don’t believe anything wenger say these days, he speaks out of his bottom half the time.
Didn’t terry henry sign a contract extension the year before he left us for barca insuring we got a few more extra quid for him, still think we let him go too cheapy.
Kev, I wouldn’t give my last rolo to anyone.
ESP who are you talking to?
ESP, if everything goes to plan next summer, we’ll meet in the quarter finals, I know what your thinking………..that’s a big IF.
That is a big if Mick, I think we have a plan, to bore he opposition into a deep sleep, and win! 🙂
ESP, all my cousins are quietly confident Ireland will nick 2nd place in the group, england will go through the back door route as usual, would be a good Q/F if it does happen, wouldn’t be able to call it.
That’s what happens when you get a spineless board that lets the manager control everything. Even Barcelona would not sanction paying crap like Bendtner, Eboue, Vela, Almunia, Denilson, Diaby, Gibbs, Djourou £50k+ a week. They would say bollocks to that, put them on £10k and if they come good we’ll give them a bumper contract. That would save a hell of a lot of wages and free up more to compete with the wages of Chelsea/Man City etc. Unfortunately they let that idiot Wenger control it all; so much for his economics degree because a 12 year old could have spotted the mistake of putting potential on massive money thus rupturing the entire wage structure.
Still can’t find that story anywhere….so its a hoax then.
Evening Gooners.
Mick, i feel the same about my Spangles.
Re;Bunjaku.
The rumour is, he is leaving over money!
Apparantly his ‘family’ wanted him to be the highest paid 17year old at the club.
And at 18 that he would be guaranteed a place in the 1st team squad.
Not sure of the accuracy of these rumours, but past experience tended me to think that this saga had a shed~load of money involved in it.
Hi all, sorry had a crash on the internet again 🙁
There goes your no~claims Rico.
Seems as i turn up finally, you all have gone, don’t blame you 😉
Have a good evening – catch up tomorrow
Nighty….
Hi AK, was just about to leave…..
Busy day boss?
Been a bit slow in town today.
Suppose it’ll go mental at chucking~out time.
By then i’ll be having me cocoa… 🙂
Good night then Rico.
Bizarre day AK 🙁
3 days to go now though, then you can forget the after hours journeys and rest with your feet up 🙂
The snow is due to come in tonight AK, you just stay steady on those roads….
ok, i’m gone…
night guys….
tots out of Europe League!
I was also wondering why wenger is interested in striker this january while arsenal was depleted at the middle the whole half season.
I was also wondering why wenger do not wait a risk for three weeks up front while the entire left and right backs are hit with injuries
I mean it is odd, really odd.
New Post up
rico says:
December 15, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Hi all, sorry had a crash on the internet again 🙁
get a Mac. They rarely crash