Guest post by Varun Shukla (@WengerArmy)
“I want more blood” says Arsene Wenger in the papers. No, he hasn’t turned into a vampire overnight. He’s definitely not asking the team to go into challenges studs up to inflict flesh wounds. Asked about his opinion on match fixing in football – specifically on the allegations of Real Sociedad players having used performance enhancing substances, he said “I would support regular blood tests as they are quicker in showing results.”
While that line in itself shows his intellectual capabilities – in the sense that no other manager would have a half-decent opinion on this topic (Martin Jol, Fergie and the rest – can’t imagine them even being asked their opinions on such matters) here’s another extract which shows why he is called The Professor:
“Look at psychological tests that have been done on people who are at the top in all sports. Ask them if they would take a product that would guarantee them a gold medal or a world championship but mean that they died in the next five years, and 50 per cent people of say they would take it. That is quite scary. That is absolutely massive, that is how far people are ready to go to win, in all sports, not just football. If you go to amateur level and do that test, only two per cent say they would take it.”
What’s really impressive about this interview is the fact that he cares about the sport enough to look beyond short term objectives. Ask any other manager in the modern era and he’ll say being a manager is all about winning stuff and being comfortable with the board – the usual sporting chatter. And that’s about it. Most managers are excellent within the domain of the football pitch and clueless outside of it.
Wenger is equally comfortable discussing the world economy as he is with football. From talking about the nuances of various cultures around the globe to helping trainers figure out fitness and dietary regimes, he knows it all. He even had inputs on the new stadium and training centre. Ask him about the Obama presidency and he’s sure to come up with valid opinions.
His parents owned a bistro, which he admitted was the best thing to happen to him at that age because he picked up pointers in footballing tactics and “a practical, psychological education”. This would help him later on as a player, where his role on the pitch was ‘the eyes of the coach ’- implementing the manager’s wishes through coordination with his team. Many, such as Max Hild (his mentor) have said that he was more interested in discussing tactics than playing the game itself! He had a ‘complete vision of the pitch’ even at that young age.
A large part of this ‘intelligence’ comes down to the human he is. Of course he has a Masters in microeconomics among other qualifications, but the way he imbibed the positives in the environment around him is what set him apart from the start – be it tactics from the pub, discipline from the Army or the cultural influences that came from living on the Franco-German border; he has always been analytical and methodical in his approach.
How many managers can claim to have a vision of how they want the game to be played? Sure, they might claim that they ‘like’ a particular style but they change it often. Wenger wants his teams to play fluid, attacking football with a focus on perfect synergy and understanding. That is the underlying principle in any of his strategies or tactical changes. The times that we see an ‘un-Arsenal’ -like performance is more often due to confidence issues with the players and their familiarity with each other than any major tactical errors.
The stadium move is another example of his foresight. At that time, Manchester United were the only real contenders (along with us) for the league. He and the club realized that a move to a bigger stadium would increase revenue and eventually result in us becoming a more potent force than ever, able to compete with the very best in Europe. What no one could foresee was the way this would coincide with massive amounts of money poured into the game by Chelsea and Man City which effectively changed the whole landscape of the league.
The move, which imposed financial restrictions on us, coupled with the oil money, created a huge gulf in terms of resources. He was criticized for Project Youth – buying and promoting young talent from within the Academy when in reality, it was the only logical course. To spend more at that time would have meant ever-increasing debt and a tightening of the banker’s noose around our throats. He almost won the league in 07/08 and then again in 10/11, for heaven’s sake! It didn’t help that certain players did not share his vision and belief – they chose to leave at the most inopportune times.
Self sustainability was, and is still the best way to run a football club. It is the Arsenal Way.
He was criticized again for playing certain players – Ramsey on the wings for example. That criticism stems from one thing only. People appreciate the immediate short term results and fail to see what Arsene’s getting at. Playing on the wings has definitely improved Ramsey’s decision making – we can see that now when he plays in the ‘Arteta role’. Other recent examples include Mertesacker – who was expected as a ‘defender’ to do the last ditch tackle and clearance routine but in reality his positioning makes up for any lack of speed. Similarly Giroud – he was widely regarded as van Persie’s ‘replacement’. He’s not. He’s a totally different player with a different set of attributes. His strength lies in hold up play, his physicality and instinct in the penalty area.
Another of Arsene’s noteworthy qualities lies in the way he interacts with the squad. He allows the players to develop their own opinions about the way they should play the game as long as that does not interfere with the overall philosophy of the team’s playing style. A positive, friendly environment is created amongst the players through the trust and belief the manager has in them. He allows the players their freedom as long as they train and play professionally.
Trademark also the fact that he values footballers for the people that they are as well. One needs only to look at the way Diaby has been trusted time and again and these words:
“He leads a very simple life – doesn’t drink or smoke. It is unfortunate that he has had these injuries, through no fault of his. He deserves a chance.”
Almost every time the media manipulate his words and attack him mercilessly, he retorts with a witty comment. On the other hand, we have Ferguson who belittles referees, teams and journos, Holloway who recently ranted at reporters when asked about Zaha. Yet Wenger is considered ‘senile’ and Ferguson ‘the greatest ever’.
All this is beside the fact that he has bought into the history and values of the Club with a passion not seen ever before in a manager. On the 125th anniversary last year, he said:
“ My dream is to see a manager 1000 years from now addressing Arsenal supporters in much the same way (as now when we are consistent)”.
The man’s whole LIFE is geared to making our club the greatest for generations to come, not winning a tinsel pot to salvage his reputation. How many times has he taken stick from all corners for his policies, just to defend his vision for the Club?
Just for that he deserves all accolades he can get. The so called ‘Wenger Out’ brigade can take a hike. To the Himalayas. And then fall from the edge of Everest.
For me, Arsene Wenger is the greatest manager of Arsenal Football Club, quite possibly of all time.
Positively Arsenal 
Gains ,I believe Arsene is anything but conservative.He is a risk taker .He has worked within constraints that people don’t want to believe were put on him.
He sacrificed personal glory ,in the form of silverware ,for the long term good of the club.
I can not thing of another top manager who would have made a similar sacrifice.
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imagine hillwood;s opinion for the fans who boo wenger…hahaha
would the booing cretins like a taste of their own medicine i wonder? or are they too sensitive to deal with it…
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Now THAT would be a great question to ask AW, Gains.
Has anyone ever read – or know anyone – who has ever read Bobby Gee’s blog? Talk about relentless self-promotion; puts us to shame, it really does.
V amusing Mel, I’m sure it raised a smile or to at the, y’know, *whispers* the other place. A land far, far away from this one, where the smileys roam free and the lols loll about all day long singing lollabys. Just two of the more minor irritants that spring to mind.
Looking forward to a tremendous game tomorrow, have my ticket in hand, evening freed up, may even take in a precautionary glass or two of the local bitter en route to visiting The Best Club In The World.
Here’s to a cracking game and a great result.
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He sacrificed personal glory ,in the form of silverware ,for the long term good of the club.
bang on target and i wonder how those who moan cant see that. maybe they are blind – haters???
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be careful george ..dont anger the sperm…. maybe when it grows a bit it transforms into a braincell and realises who are the ones with their retarded debates and opinion making 😉
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Paul-N February 18, 2013 at 6:06 pm
dear paul-n….just like wenger irritates the savage peasants in the media when he OWNS them in football analysis likewise i irritate the doomers cause they cant deal with my arguements…theyd rather put tags on people than tackling the fine points i raise…..they get aggressive towards the club and what it stands for and i get aggressive towards them for being disloyal pricks and somehow im the one who gets banned.. ( go figure) perhaps im too strong for them like vieira…he used to see red all the time…then we had idiots telling us about discipline records.. but they all knew he was the boss…they just wouldnt admit it…roy was better apparently ( insert hysterical laugh)
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finsbury February 18, 2013 at 7:48 pm
epic!
“but.ehmm but tell us the desire is there ..yes? to win a trophy for arsenal?”
” no no i want to lose the game of course and make you happy”
what a laugh….
and then he starts speaking deutch !
give them pain arsene…lots of it!
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hmmm seems amy lawrence is under alisher’s payroll…
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@ hunter13 February 19, 2013 at 2:31 am
I was going to ask you: Why is Amy Lawrence under Usmanov’s payroll?
But a quick google search gave me the answer.
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You have to hand it to the Bundesliga. Hawkeye points out this morning that Bayern were allowed to play their last game on Friday in prep for today.
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Oh and …
Waaan Arsene Wenger…theres only Waaaan Arsene Wenger…Waaannn Arsene Weeennnggggeeeeerrr…theres only waaan Arsene Wennngggeeerrrgerrrrr
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Could we make this JUST a Positively Arsenal day on here please! No interest in any other places. Support is not up for debate, discussion, argument. Just get behind the team because the Munchen fans certainly will.
Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal ARSENAL
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Did you know that Munchen was built on the site of a colony of monkeys beside a troll bridge? Extraodinary.
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hehe sav goodmorning..im taking it you found her letter to stan? ..what a laugh …
” tell us stan, what are your plans stan? what will you do stan?”
i think its pretty obvious what is going on. usmanov will always use his people to raise questions about the management of the football club, and the retarded fans caught in the middle think its about the management of the football team…and its become really messy to the point where shareholders war is victimising their manager to they eyes of the lynching crowd…. this is why i believe both usmanov and dein have come out recently backing wenger…they can see that their push has had a negative effect on the manager instead of the board, which is their target.
then you get tottenham and united trolls telling us how moyes would be a perfect replacement for arsene…..comedy pure gold!!! and some “northeners” telling us how graham was more of a revolutionist than wenger…. (insert hysterical laugh)
*************
yes frank !
one arsene wenger indeed.. the moaning gits can fuck off to whl.
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Oh fucking predictive text. Sorry, sorry, sorry. that should read ‘ the site of a colony of monks next to a toll bridge’
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frank i think we should start the day with videos of great european nights
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Great idea, hunter. You got any?
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Oh you have…sorry its my settings. I have been having trouble with them all week. It is my age apparently.
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Fabulous, huner, fabulous
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..and you, hunter
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feel sorry for the kids last night they played well but forgot to come out for the second half and conceded two quick goals although they fought back well it was literally(underhill) and uphill battle.
rock on tonight lets hope for a great atmosphere and a positive ARSENAL crowd for a change
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Good morning to all you lovely positive Arsenal fans. Another big European night of football to look forward to. And who do we have to thank for all the years of European football? SHall I let you guess?
Noooo. I shall just use Frank’s chant.
Waaan Arsene Wenger…theres only Waaaan Arsene Wenger…Waaannn Arsene Weeennnggggeeeeerrr…theres only waaan Arsene Wennngggeeerrrgerrrrr
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Waaan Arsene Wenger…theres only Waaaan Arsene Wenger…Waaannn Arsene Weeennnggggeeeeerrr…theres only waaan Arsene Wennngggeeerrrgerrrrr
encore un fois
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Without the stutter at the end this time…a one a two a one two three four
Waaan Arsene Wenger…theres only Waaaan Arsene Wenger…Waaannn Arsene Weeennnggggeeeeerrr…theres only waaan Arsene Wennngggeeerrr
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wait wait wait..i need to get my drums out and up the tempo!!!
Waaan Arsene Wenger…theres only Waaaan Arsene Wenger…Waaannn Arsene Weeennnggggeeeeerrr…theres only waaan Arsene Wennngggeeerrr
🙂
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George!!
He’s winking
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Come on Arsenal!
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gains@9.13
Not subscribed, but this is his arsenal video blog:
http://arsenalsupremoafc.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
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sorry dups ..i ownt do it again..i just got excited a bit.
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Brilliant
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Your all in good voice here already. Marvellous.
Yet another mouth-watering European night in store, and as Dups points out we know who to thank for that.
Busy afternoon and then…….I can’t f*cking wait. Heh. Should be cracker.
ARSENAL..
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well harry thats what happens with chronic addictions… i fell asleep and woke and still there was only one thing on my mind…THE ARSENAL.
im doing ritual preparations, voodoo, and all sorts of witchcraft since breakfast…
i have sent my abusive spells on the doomers so thats done and now im laughing with john cross and his meltdown
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If being a Fan is a derivative of Fanatic then Hunter is is clearly a Goonatic. Such enthusiasm. Come on Arsenal. Come on!
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Is John Cross an important football personage?
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oh shotta…worse than heroin… the cannon is heavy!!!!
frank i dont know cross’s importance to uefa/fifa to be honest ( haha) but this guy says he is a fan of arsenal and intentionally misrepresents our managers words to make a living…utter scum.
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I feel you Hunter. Fucking hypocrites.
PS: Speaking of hypocrisy, I totally understand why George is so opposed to winkys and lols. Forgive us George. Bad habits die hard.
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Oh I see. He is not an Arsenal fans then? Fuck him.
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Big game today.massive. Total team effort required. I hope the guys are up for it. . I wish I could have been at the new HIGH BURY to back them up.
The best I can do will be scream my head off over lunch at a pub. Thank goodness this place does not have too many freaking moaners.
I don’t think I can hold back if they start with their crap.
No. Not today
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yeah but he still gets hsi paycheck while writting bollocks about arsenal…..this guys is above 40 years of age.. i find his behaviour as unacceptable. maybe he is also under usmanov;w payroll..
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Morning all!
Gunatics! LIke it – believe it or not, that’s the first time I’ve come across that one!
Gunacy works well, too …
Not gunner be easy getting through the day; looking forward to the descent of the red mist.
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Gains, my earlier comment is in moderation (BOOOOoo!):
Not subscribed to the youtube channel, but this is his arsenal video blog:
http://arsenalsupremoafc.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
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I’ve just had to turn down an opportunity to go to tonights game because I have such a bad cough *coughs, and sobs*. Insert sad smiley thingymajobby.
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It could be worse. I could’ve made an arse of myself as a football commentator in recent seasons trying to cast my expert eye over the flaws in say Top young Engish player Theo Walcott’s game. Like one Stewart Robson:
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/27443
With friends like the Bleeb.
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ARSENAL… ARSENAL….. ARSENAL…….
INDEED..
lets blast the German team back to the monkey colony by the toll booth……..
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lets blast the German team back to the monkey colony by the toll booth……..AND BEYOND !!!
yes kam yes!!!!
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hey finsbury
robson – sacked from arsenal media
ian wright – his son rejected from our academy
merson – dropped by wenger
now insert usmanov and dein who have fucked up their campaign to get hold of board control by accidently putting the manager in the crossfire with their reporters coming hard on arsenal after every bad result.
i can imagine dein with a smile all the days hillwood was in hospital….tough one david…maybe next time you get your wish… any of you ever read iznogood ?
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Iznogood? Not yet, looks funny. I wonder if it helped to inspire the chap behind The Sultan’s Elephant giant puppet show?
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Crazy Frenchies. Bringing their craft to London, to Trafalger Square no less!
Whatever next.
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John Cross is a friend of mine and he helped promote this blog
That does not mean I sanction his writing or his views.
It also does not mean he should not get a good kicking of of this blog.
He is a very nice man though.
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