As the pivotal game for Arsene Wenger’s future gets under way, I cannot help but reflect on the tribulations Arsene Wenger is currently facing.
Wenger, undoubtedly, has been one of the most successful managers of our time. However, I must ask how long Arsenal can live in the past? This isn’t a reference to the Arsenal fans, because we all understand their frustration and their needs for a trophy. I don’t think I have met one Arsenal fan at present, who can deny that Arsene’s time may be up. This is aimed at the Arsenal board. Why is it taking them so long to face the fact that Wenger;s career at Arsenal is over.
I don’t question whether he is a good manager – I strongly believe that he is. What I do believe; however, is that his time with the Gooner’s is drawing to a close. For years people made excuses for Arsenal and as to why they are not winning a trophy – it’s the same story every year. It is time to stop waiting for these ‘youngsters’ to flourish and grow, it is now time to spend.
Football is similar to politics, managers are similar to politicians – it is tough to acknowledge you are at fault and it is ever harder to admit your tactics need to change. As naïve as this may sound, I am sure Arsene is feeling somewhat similar to David Cameron – stuck on where to go next. Is it worth admitting you were wrong, or is it easier to simply carry on a hope for the best. I guarantee you that most fans would be more content for Wenger to put his hands up and make a change.
The Emirates stadium did put Arsenal in a strenuous financial position, and Wenger, whom I give credit to here – did assist the club in getting out of that financial dip. He wasn’t selfish and never complained about not having any money to spend – he simply got on with it and did the best he could from the grass roots. However, one can’t help but think that this financial dip must be over – Arsenal for the previous few years have been making extraordinary profits. Although their club has not won a single trophy in nearly 7 years, their fan base still keeps growing. By Arsenal playing the ‘beautiful game’ to an extent, they have attracted hundreds of thousands of more fans around the world. Isn’t it now time to reward them?
I am a Spurs fan, so saying that isn’t easy – and in theory I don’t want Arsenal to win anything, but I cant help but empathise with the Arsenal fans who have stuck by their team for the sake of the beautiful game. To tell you the truth, I am sure many Arsenal fans would forsake a more beautiful game for a trophy – if that is what it took?
The problem Arsenal face is that the fantastic players – and we have seen this of recent – will leave the club. Fabegras and Nasri have already left, so how long will it be until Walcott, Van Persie and Wishere leave? Lets be honest, they aren’t going to remain at a club that wont achieve during their football careers? It is a painful, ongoing cycle because if those key players decide to leave – it will be ten times harder to attract other big names. By the time those potential ‘talented youngsters’ flourish in to true Premier league players – it will be too late.
Wenger has some serious decisions to make – either spend now and admit you are wrong – or its time to leave for the sake of the club.
