According to a recent issue of the Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger is now saying that one of the reasons why Arsenal didn’t do so well this season was because we had two players involved in the latter stages of the World Cup finals…played in July of last year!
I guess we have to add this reason to the numerous other ones that he has trotted out this season, to account for the many defeats and poor displays that Arsenal have produced.
Wenger has blamed (at one time or another) the ‘bumpy pitch’, the ’long grass’, the referee, the fourth official – for not allowing enough extra time, having to play against ‘rugby type’ teams, tired players, too many games in a short time period, injuries to key players, and of course, ‘bad luck’!
Of course, none of the other 19 teams had any of these problems to deal with did they?
Whilst these reasons (excuses?) are funny enough, I think Arsene really needs to look at the real reasons why his team performed so poorly in games that mattered:
1. Lack of quality players in certain positions (everyone knows what areas these are)
2. Certain players lacking experience in the Premier League, and especially in big games.
3. Too many injuries (long and short-term)
4. No leaders on the pitch
5. Players being made to play out of position
6. Some players lacking simple skills (crossing the ball from the flanks)
7. Players lacking tactical awareness, and the ability to change tactics when necessary
8. Players who play as individuals and not as part of a team
9. Players are not scared of the consequences of losing (‘hairdryer’ treatment).
If Wenger is going to bring in several new players this summer, what will he do about all the problems stated above? Because I can assure you, they won’t all suddenly disappear just because of new additions to the team.
Hopefully, he will bring in some quality, experienced players who will have the tactical awareness and the heart for the bigger games in the Premier League.
The remaining issues would still need to be addressed, and if Pat Rice is to stay on as the No. 2, as reported, then maybe it’s time for a fresh face to take over the coaching, because while Pat was an excellent full-back in his day, times have certainly changed.
Perhaps the players would react more favourably to a different coaching regime that would help bind the players into a cohesive unit where everyone knew their own responsibilities and their importance to the team – players playing for Arsenal, not their own glory!
Should this person be someone with a recent winning history with the club?
Those who come to mind immediately are Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Ray Parlour, Thierry Henry and David Seaman. All of them would command terrific respect from both the players and the fans.
Do you agree with my assessment of the season?
Do you think Wenger should add to his management team this summer and if so, who do you think is the right man for the job?
Give us your thoughts on the matter
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Agreed that this is what is needed but Wenger won’t bring anyone in who might disagree with him. Pat Rice has stayed for so long because although he is a nice bloke and an Arsenal legend he is also (from what I understand) not one to ever argue with Arsene. I also never see the guy shout at the players or show any real emotion…aprt from when Wenger does. For me his time has come and as you say there are many ex-players who could join. How about Adams as assistant with keown as a defensive coach?
Well I have one thing 2 say and dats we’re doomed already 4 next season simply bcos pat rice has decided 2 stay incase arsenal fans don’t know then let me say it both wenger and pat rice tactically are not sound so bringing in a new coach wouldn’t make much difference cos they will just disagree with his methods. imagine a manager dat has given his players d hairdryer treatment just once in 6yrs one of them has to go 4 things 2 change dats my opinion
Pat Rice seemed to be doing fine when we did the double or when we went through a season unbeaten. Why’s he all of a sudden doomed Arsenal to failure next season?
i wonder what arsene wenger is up to what the hell is he performing he is a shameless coach \arsavin bentner rosicsky diaby denilson chamack theo walcot squllacci almonia all this players are junks to such a quality team i wept bitterly the day new castle dealt with us take a vivid look at d carling cup final what a mess we need matured players and a competent leader on the pitch arsene wenger we hav no trust in u any longer bcos u betray the trust we hav in u call me bossman
I totally agree with the whole of this article. We definately need new coaching staff, we need individuals who will challenge Wenger’s strategies and ideas. We do not need a punch of ‘yes’ men to agree with Wenger because at the moment what he is telling the players is not working. We need new ideas and theories, if this means getting new coaching staff then so be it.
I’ve said it b4,there is great need 4 new pple 2 join the coaching crew, will they be brought in? Tony Adams shld come in 4 defence then Ray Parlour or Dennis Bergkermp 4 good finshings 4ward. Will the mgt listen. the players especially the defense are never ashemed of conceeding goal at the slightest pressure, pressure far below the one they mounted on their opponents 4 over 60mins. managing to score 1 or 2 goals on good day. their finishings are excellently very poor, wastes 70% of their chances, just mount a little of that same pressure on them you’ll see the defense collapse like pack of cards not to mention the goalkeepers. Dont blame them that is what Wenger & Mgt choose to impose on us so as 2 make profit anyhow. He is now talking of Downning he cant Ashely YOUNG.
I quite agree with ur position. It is time, mr Wenger buries his ego & admit he has failed in key decisions reason we did so poorly this season. We had every opportunity to take a shot at the title this season with just a couple of games to go &
we completely blew it. Would u blame the world cup, referees, tough tackling teams, pitches etc nope if you ask me. Our major problem is that the whole team lacks character. It takes experienced players, genuine desire & hunger for trophies to achieve
this. Wenger our patience is fast running out
As I`ve said before the `team spirit` in the dressing room appears to be just that `dressing` but the rot had set in only the act carried on. Players started to subconscientiously consider their own future and I can imagine, after a string of embarrassing defeats,some saying to themselves “what the hell am I doing here”? Yes! we need to amend our coaching staff but that`s Wenger`s department. Myself I`d like to see an addition in the `dugout` like Martin Keowen. If Pat stays that`s fine, Wenger feels comfortable with him there just add a new diamension.
I disagree with your statement saying we have too many players who are ‘individuals’Arsenal have one of the least selfish squads in the world, hence the lack of shooting. But I agree with most of your other points.
Signing a couple of real experienced defenders is a MUST. We didnt hv to lose the Carling-very obvious the combined nervous blunder by our goalie n kosieny confirmed the 100% need to have experience. At least half the team was not ready for the big occasion in the Wembly atmosphere.Face it Wenger,we would hv won the cup with a couple of experienced defenders n that would hv spurred us to capture the FA, the League n even could pose a real threat to the C’League’s eventual winner whom we have beaten before!! I fully agree wth M’Keon’s view that the young n lesser experienced badly need the steady n experienced players to guide them across the line. Forget about grooming youngsters year in year out Wenger, you will not last too long yourself either with our beloved Arsenal cos you will continue finding no success in the years to come if you still perssist with that stupid idealogy.I can bet with my head!! We wish that you will be a little business savvy – you may spend more for experience, but remember, you win titles and that itself is already profits for our club. You cannot b a miser – if you buy inexperience and although cheap they may be, our club’s bank statements, if continuosly without any throphies, is not going to be healthy enough for both the management and we, the diehard fans to love you! You have to splash the cash to reap successes and you bet – we will love this beautiful club forever! Nothing in this world is bigger than ARSENAL!!!