I have always been a big fan of Arsene Wenger, since he came to Highbury in 1996. Since his arrival, we’ve won 3 league titles, 4 FA cups, we’ve reached 2 European finals and most impressively, he created a team that went an entire league season unbeaten.
The man is a genius. In football terms, as well as academically – and his love for the game is second to none. When you employ someone like this, you’ve always got a good chance of producing a successful team.
But not only has he created successful football teams, he’s also produced some of the best football I have ever seen. The invincibles of 2004 were simply incredible, and excluding Barcelona, it’s hard to say another team could match them.
However, Arsene has had his critics – some of which belong to the Arsenal contingent. At times, I feel I can understand the criticism – like his substitutions at times, and more recently, his decision to make 8 changes in the team for the Wigan game.
But, never have I questioned his position at the club.
Why? Because he is the best man for the job. Not only has he created teams that play mouthwatering football, he has made our club financially stable. The investment for our move to The Emirates, has been successful – to say the least.
With thanks to our income (and our ability to sell a burger and drink for £7), we only have a short time left before our debt is paid off and then, we will be able to compete in the transfer market, without having a mega-rich business, to reply on – hopefully!
I won’t get into it now but I firmly believe, we are the last club on this planet that needs Usmanov, Kroenke or anyone else to come in. We can, and will do it on our own.
It makes me proud to think that so many managers labelled “class”, are walking the tightrope at the moment. While we have a manager who has given us just under 15 years of success – in terms of trophies, footballing style and of course, financial stability.
We may have not won anything in the last 5 years, but we have been building for our future. Despite it being a rather harsh situation for us fans – although I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed watching Arsenal during this dry time – we will soon return to our trophy-winning ways.
I know that there were some fans suggesting that we should have replaced Arsene last year, with Carlo Ancelotti from Milan. Of course every fan is allowed their opinion, but I can’t hold back saying that I’m feeling pretty smug now!
Wenger may not be perfect. But let’s face it, no one is – no matter how green that grass appears to be on the other side…
For Arsenal Football Club, there isn’t a better man to manage the club.
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