It is a common misconception that Arsene Wenger is the saviour of not only Arsenal Football Club, but the Premiership, and football in general. Many people claim that Wenger is not only a good man, but one of the best managers ever. It is often argued that his teamtalks, team selections and transfer activity are untouched by other managers worldwide… but I disagree.
I am a strong believer that not only is Arsene Wenger a stubborn, overrated manager, but also that he may well be the most overrated manager in the world… and I have reason to feel this way. Arsene Wenger took over the club in 1996. This means that he has spent 12 years at Arsenal, a club that had a huge reputation before his arrival.
It would be foolish of me to claim that he has not had a positive impact, because he has. His techniques, however, involving healthy diets, psychology and philosophy looked to have worn out. Not only have Arsenal been trophyless for almost 4 years, but teams that were nowhere near us in the past have exceeded us. Chelsea, for example. The reason for this, is simple. When Wenger arrived in London, and took over Arsenal FC, he was a ‘shock to the system’. Not only did his idea to ban porn, alcohol and unhealthy foods shock the players, but they were one of a kind, and had a positive effect. In the year 2008, however, this is a regular occurrence. In the Premiership, all of the above stated take place at every club, which is why we are no longer making ground on the teams below us.
I also feel that his transfer activities are extremely overrated by the media, and Arsenal fans alike. Given, he has made some exceptional transfers… but surely this is his job? At the exact same time, he has made some real blunders, with players such as Pascal Cygan, Stephanovs and Francis Jeffers wear the red and white of Arsenal. Would a world class manager make such mistakes?
As time goes on, I also think that Wenger is totally disregarding the needs and wants of the club and fans, in order to please the board. In the middle of yet another failed season, Wenger quite clearly stated that he was looking to strengthen our defence. He has now, however, claimed that our defence needs no work. Can he not see that for the past 4 seasons, the team with the best defence has won the league?
At the very same time, Wenger also claimed that the reason for out heartbreaking loss to Liverpool was down to a lack of experience. In the Summer, however, he decides to get rid of Lehmann and Flamini, who both have lots of Champions League experience. At the very same time, it also appears that Hleb is on his way out. To rub salt into the wounds, Wenger signs Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri. This does not match the description of “experienced player”.
In addition, I do not appreciate Arsenal, the team I, and many adore, being sold. Not only has our badge been STOLEN and ruined. Not only has the clock been taken from Emirates. Not only has he got rid of the white sleeves on the Arsenal shirt, but he has now described us as a “selling club”. I, as well as many goners, am not at all happy
I am willing to give Wenger one more season. I appreciate what he has done for the club, but I think it would be best to get rid of him, before his failure overshadows his earlier triumphs.
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