THE WENGER THREAD

[northbank123]

I noticed that when he shouldered some blame for the defeat he didn't even vaguely specify WHAT he'd done wrong.

No "I need to ensure we do the basics off set pieces like having a man screening free-kicks and not leaving opposition CBs unmarked".

No "perhaps I shouldn't play exactly the same formation and tactics every single game without fail so that it's not so easy for opposition managers to prepare against us".

No "I probably should have signed a striker in the summer and then again in January instead of some past-it crock."

Just said that he COULD have brought players off at half time - of course he didn't though. Every season I hear about how Wenger has learned from this, there's no way that will happen again, etc - do people still expect him to address our major failings?

[StuartL]

What I truly don't understand is how a very intelligent man, who knew 10 years ago that a team packed with pace and power as well as bloody good players was the way to beat most teams thinks that this can be replaced with a team who pass sideways time and time again against a packed defence.

As we saw to our cost against Liverpool, an instant counter attack with 1 or 2 killer passes made can be impossible to defend against, we used to have it in our locker at any moment that Anelka, Henry, Overmars, Rvp could be released if they made the right run. Only Walcott really gives us this option now.

Or we had individual players who would dribble past 1 or 2 players, Pires, Henry, Nasri, Fabregas and make this advantage count, in our current team who actually looks to run at the opposition, take them on, hit them where it hurts - Gnabry, Ox (which is where our goal came from Sat) Walcott is getting better but still doesn't control the ball when running at full pace well enough.

All too often our tactics of retain the ball is easily countered by sheer numbers (and physical exertion) by the opposition, while we struggle to get above a medium paced jog when tracking back.

When our possession football results in a back pass to Shezney to hoof it back up the pitch for a 50 /50 after being camped near the opposition penalty area, I really do despair.

Most of our matches are very predictable, slow paced and after stubborn defending we have often found a way past far inferior opponents to claim a win, but not very often have we actually outplayed them impressively - bar Napoli, tiny totts.

Its all too predictable and needs freshening up - Wenker Out

[clockender1]

I truly think Wenget has no idea what he did or didn't do, he doesn't understand why what worked before doesn't work now.

As one column said today - we're flat track bullies, we have the talent to break down poor sides every week but little else.

for me, a real measure of whether Wenger is capable of true introspection will be how we set up for Liverpool in the cup - our tikka takka will likely be enough for a very poor united.

If we lose 2-0 or more at home to the Mickeys he really is done here IMHO.

[northbank123]

I truly think Wenget has no idea what he did or didn't do, he doesn't understand why what worked before doesn't work now.

As one column said today - we're flat track bullies, we have the talent to break down poor sides every week but little else.

for me, a real measure of whether Wenger is capable of true introspection will be how we set up for Liverpool in the cup - our tikka takka will likely be enough for a very poor united.

If we lose 2-0 or more at home to the Mickeys he really is done here IMHO.

Yeah I bought The Sun too. Had a nasty hungover train journey to get through so needed the tits as a pick-me-up and also added bonus of feeling like I was getting one over on Liverpool fans by buying it.

[Ed Hunter The Gooner]

Wenger isn't never leaving Arsenal. Most probably the outcome is that he is going to work as a member of the board. Hopefully this is going to happen after this season.

Regarding his replacement, the probable candidate would be Pep Guardiola. Why is that? Well, because Arsenal represents Wengers dream football that is very similar to Barcelona's football identity. Wenger has always been keen to copy Barca's identity and way of playing into English football. Or maybe not Barca directly but very similar playing philosophy as they have had since the 70's.

Pep would be perfect candidate for the job as he lives and breathes Barcelona's footballing identity and philosophy, but he has also shown that he is capable to change and adjust his (Barca's) philosophy according to different league and different players (Bayern).

And there has been some reports that his people has been in talks with Arsenal several times during his spell in Bayern...

[northbank123]

Don't see Guardiola keen on leaving any time soon.

Besides don't think he has the stomach for it. He could have gone anywhere after Barcelona but chose just about the easiest option in world football in taking over an already world class team in a position of unchallengeable dominance and deep pockets.

[Ed Hunter The Gooner]

Don't see Guardiola keen on leaving any time soon.

Besides don't think he has the stomach for it. He could have gone anywhere after Barcelona but chose just about the easiest option in world football in taking over an already world class team in a position of unchallengeable dominance and deep pockets.

That's why Bayern is just perfect choice right now before coming to Arsenal long term... Arsenal are expected to be financial power in couple of years, so wouldn't they succeed to rule him to the Emirates? Well, I know this might be just dreaming, but it's a nice dream though

[northbank123]

Don't see Guardiola keen on leaving any time soon.

Besides don't think he has the stomach for it. He could have gone anywhere after Barcelona but chose just about the easiest option in world football in taking over an already world class team in a position of unchallengeable dominance and deep pockets.

That's why Bayern is just perfect choice right now before coming to Arsenal long term... Arsenal are expected to be financial power in couple of years, so wouldn't they succeed to rule him to the Emirates? Well, I know this might be just dreaming, but it's a nice dream though

Even if Arsenal do eventually shed this money-money-money-money-money obsession and actually start putting it about they'll never be a banker to succeed in the same way. His Barcelona team were incredible, truly amazing to watch - but he also inherited an unbelievably talented group of players, spent a small fortune on players like Ibrahimovic and Chygrynsky to add to that squad and took over at a time when the only other horse in the race Real Madrid were by their standards largely uncompetitive.

He must have known that his phenomenal achievements at Barcelona will always (rightly or wrongly) be viewed with this caveat by most observers, and led people to believe he had walked away and taken his 'sabbatical' so as to challenge himself to a far greater degree on his return. What was this 'challenge'? Taking the easiest job in European football by inheriting a world class team who cantered to the title by 25 points, won the domestic cup and the CL (demolishing Barca in the process) and who had just signed their rival's best player with their next best player lined up on a free the following year.

It's not particularly difficult to defend his decision to go to Bayern - what a job offer - but it hardly shows the characteristic of a bloke that fancies a challenge.

[clockender1]

I agree, I think Juve will be peps next stop - he can't go to Real so i think there then maybe United, Liverpool and us.

But I think he will want to win another CL with Bayern maybe 2, first.

Plus if Wenger goes upstairs he would not want a manager more successful than him. His ego couldn't cope.

I think De Boer, Remi Garde or someone like that is more likely.

[1989]

http://www.vg.no/bildespesial/spesial.php?id=11346

The old boy had a good day.

[goonersid]

Has he fucked off yet?

[TurnipMasher]

Has he fucked off yet?

Nope, but he hasn't signed his new contract yet either and he's not going to!

[Gunner Rob]

Monday after our historic win at Norwich in May when we secure 4th place again will be the time to announce the new contract.

then everyone can go on holiday until transfer deadline day in August

[Clash]

http://www.vg.no/bildespesial/spesial.php?id=11346

The old boy had a good day.

Luckily for Wenger his wallet cushioned the fall .

[TeeCee]

1989 wrote:
http://www.vg.no/bildespesial/spesial.php?id=11346

The old boy had a good day.


Luckily for Wenger his wallet cushioned the fall .

If he'd left the handbrake on he wouldn't have fallen!!