Arsene Wenger: Real or Hoax? Part 1
Arsene Wenger is one of the most controversial and respected figures in the English Premier League at present. There’s no denying the beautiful work he has done at Arsenal. He was the architect of the famous Arsenal team which came to be known as the ‘Invincible’.
The 2003-2004 Arsenal team had 25 foreign players and 10 English players, brought together artistically by the Frenchman. Notable additions included the likes of French striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gilberto-Silva-c14889, French central midfielder
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sol-Campbell-c33757 – Seeing as what these players developed into, it’s evident that Wenger’s team had the finest players up front, to create and
to defend.
Over the years, his comments have made for interesting reading. He’s been involved in war of words with many managers including with Sir Alex and Rafa Benitez. In all these altercations, what Wenger has been good at doing is defending his team even when
everything seemed dark and gloomy for the team. Perhaps it’s something that a manager is expected to do - To be able to justify his team to the outside world when the morale inside the dressing room spells gloom.
However, with that said, and judging by the recurring pattern that sees Arsenal somewhat stagnant in the growth department, it could be argued that the Frenchman is starting to believe in the defense that he puts up when everything seems ‘dark and gloomy’.
Arsenal won the FA cup in 2005. Six years have passed and Arsenal fans are still impatiently waiting for another trophy. Arsene Wenger has stuck to his philosophy of molding youngsters in the quest to get Arsenal to the pinnacle of English football despite
the fans’ growing impatience with a lack of big signings. He has stuck to his philosophy but his recent comments in the media suggest that either he has accepted the fact that this team will never be good enough to win the title or maybe he’s just feeling
the heat.
Here perhaps, quoting two of his recent quick fix signings might be worth mentioning. Firstly, in the form of Sol Campbell, who Wenger signed back when the former was a free agent last year. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jens-Lehmann-c18297 is another recent example whom the Frenchman persuaded
to come out of retirement. The idea here is simple: hone players from the youth academy or just find experience in the form of resigning ‘has beens’.
On signing the former German international keeper, the manager said, “Jens is not a talker, it is more his attitude. He [has] focus and determination. If he needs to say something to somebody, he does. He can help with this and can show what is really important.
It is not only my speech, it is his speech. Everyone in the staff will have a part to play in it."
Continued in Part 2...
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