We may be united in our support for The Arsenal, but Gooners are currently very much divided over the future of Arsene Wenger. It’s not the most complicated of debates to get your head around, as there are only two schools of thought; he should remain, or he should be sacked.
I sit very firmly in the “he should remain” camp, although I do ultimately admit that I can’t see the greatest manager we’ve ever had remaining at the club past his current contract expiration date, in the summer of 2014.
The idea for this blog is very simple. It’ll be a self-run Q&A session in which I’ll answer the main questions asked by those posing in the “he should be sacked” camp, hopefully with a strong enough argument to prove that he should remain where he is (or crash and burn, not totally sure yet).
Might as well start with the big one….
Q. We’ve gone six full seasons now without a trophy. How is that acceptable for a club of Arsenal’s stature?
A. The hardest question to answer, because we are all extremely disappointed about the lack of silverware. The reason Wenger still has a job at Arsenal is because of the change in value of where you finish in the league these days. Had Wenger consistently finished fourth when he first joined in 1996, I doubt he would have lasted more than 5 years. Now, finishing fourth brings a huge financial benefit to a club, one which Wenger has consistently managed, and that a board would much prefer, to say a sixth place finish but a FA Cup win. As a result, we’ve maintained our status amongst European’s elite, with some good runs in the premier club competition along the way. This all means top revenue coming in, and although we aren’t winning trophies, we are still one of the financially strongest clubs in the world (fifth to be precise). And while Wenger keeps providing that for the Board, he in turn keeps a job.
Q. But do you think we’ll finish fourth this season?
A. I really hate the cliché “it’s only early days”, as you lose the same amount of points in September as you do in May with a defeat. However, it is true that there is a long way to go this season, and a positive we can take is that both Sp*rs and Liverpool look like they will drop points too. Arsenal are prone to an annual fuck up, usually occurring sometime between March-May. Hopefully this season, our fuck up is happening now. If we can pick up momentum, start winning and end the season strongly (usually our downfall) then I think we can still do it.
Q. Yeah, but what happens this season if we don’t finish fourth? Wenger will get sacked right?
A. If we don’t finish top four this year, it will be hard to defend anyone at the club, from players to upper management. Wenger is the central figure so gets most of the blame, but several clubs have had bad years (much worse than we’ll have this year) and bounced back. Sometimes dropping back gives you a great chance to re-assess and take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror. Same in any job. Liverpool look like they are now bouncing back after a few years in the UEFA Cup/League. Newcastle dropped down a division and have come back a lot stronger. OK yes, both clubs changed their management during this process, but simply sacking the manager isn’t always the best solution. More than one man has an impact on a football club.
Q. Why won’t Wenger ever take a risk in the transfer market? Or pay what clubs/players demand in transfer fees/wages?
A. Arsenal has a very unique transfer policy and wage structure. And to be honest, I’m proud of it. The Board recognizes that we don’t have the manpower to rival the crazy (and unethical) spending of Chelsea and Man City, or the brand image and appeal that Man United has. We play it cool, look for the bargains and do our business on the down low. And we do it late. We have to. The big spenders mentioned above dictate the transfer window, because every selling club wants to get the best value for their players. And rightly so, as this is a business after all. And when there are Russian and Middle Eastern billionaires throwing money around for fun, how can you blame Bolton for holding out for £15m for their prize asset? Or Valencia waiting to see if they get offered more than £16m for Juan Mata? We do business late, once the big spenders are done, and the selling clubs know there are no alternatives but to sell to us. Wage wise, our wage structure is a little bit shit. Due to our youth policy of buying players with “resale” value (see previous blog), we had to bring players in and convince them to join us over others. And for youngsters, as the fee is so small it’s all about wages. For more on the “he bought talent but sold it on” chat, see my previous blog.
Q. But the board won’t sack him will they? He has them wrapped around his little finger.
A. One of the biggest misconceptions out there from some Gooners. The idea that it is only Arsene Wenger running this club is complete bollocks. We have a silent owner, who at times seems more interested in watching his other sport franchises and reenacting the Cold War with the other major shareholder at the club. And a CEO who seemingly avoids any sort of public criticism when Arsenal’s spending or finances are involved. I think Ivan has a lot of answering to do, as other than increase the ticket prices (and piss a lot of Arsenal fans off in the process), he hasn’t seemed to do that much. I can only hope he’s waiting for the never ending Emirates shirt deal to end in 2014, then he’ll show his true worth and sign us a bumper deal which sky’s our commercial value. Dreaming right? Probably. Either way, it’s the Board who has given Wenger the policy to run with. The policy he gets so heavily criticized for. And the Board only seems to get the blame from people actually clever enough to realize what’s happening at the club. Weird huh?
Q. So if Wenger doesn’t leave now, when will he leave? He can’t stay forever, and his days are numbered!
A. Of course, his time will come. And that time I believe will be when his contract expires in 2014. Wenger has always been a loyal man, who in his own words would never walk away from a contract. But I honestly can’t see why he’d sign another one (if he is offered one, that is). I think the sensible thing to do, is let Wenger walk away in 2014, not sacked, and with his reputation forever remaining as an Arsenal legend. Who managed for the best part of two decades, bringing us some of the best days in the club’s fine history. Sacking him would almost certainly ruin the memory of what he has done for the club. He deserves his place as the greatest manager we’ve ever had. He’ll get us by until then, for sure. No one knows this club and these players better than him. So who is honestly going to turn things around, given the resources?
Q. What can we do to improve this season?
A. This is definitely a confidence thing. There’s no doubting that our squad is good enough to finish top four. OK, I’m biased, but I definitely believe that at full strength we have the fourth (or even third) best squad in the league. The media hype, injuries and suspensions will for sure have drained the squad. Plus not having two of our three key players (Wilshere and Vermaelen) has definitely been a factor. We will start winning, we will get players back, and we will recover. We’re the Arsenal. Having said that, a defensive coach is a must. Someone who knows the English game, knows the club and can install confidence and belief in our fragile back four. What are Martin Keown and Tony Adams up to these days?
Q. But we might get relegated this season?
A. Lol, grow up.
Q. You are so insightful. How can I read your thoughts on a day-to-day basis?
A. Oh you’re too kind, just follow me on twitter - @mattlittlechild
You could say that Wenger’s (possible) demise is ironically a result of his own success. He has given us so much that we now expect constant achievements. Now we aren’t getting them, people almost forget that the main reason we are where we are today, is because of Wenger. Football fans are incredibly fickle, and quick to forget things like this. Wenger is the greatest thing that has ever happened to Arsenal Football Club. Don’t write him off just yet.
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