08 Jul 2016 20:08:42
Following on from some posts about Wenger staying or going, I think people want a change of manager because it would mean a fresh approach that many feel is necessary. Arsenal is stale but a couple more good signings would address this.
Players and fans get a buzz from exciting new signings and although we've signed three big ones recently, clearly we weren't strong enough elsewhere to fully benefit. We fixed a leak in the hull but we have multiple leaks so we're still sinking. As a club our stock has fallen, Wenger's appeal has diminished and very good players have plenty of other options. For all the good Wenger has done, most of it was years ago and I don't think he's the one to turn things around.
As it stands, we're on course again to show promise in patches but ultimately disappoint. Finishing outside the CL places is a very real possibility this season. Ozil and Sanchez would then leave (they might anyway) and if Wenger does go, the new manager would have big problems. We wouldn't suffer due to Wenger leaving, we would suffer because he didn't leave earlier. Against this backdrop, we'll need a manager who can rebuild us and it might not be pretty for a spell.
Last year was an opportunity wasted because the players we needed then are the same players we need now, only now they're more expensive. The TV deal (and subsequent inflation) was known about so another massive mistake from the management team.
A long with a couple of new signings, the best thing we can do right now is sign all our important existing players to long term contracts because we might need that stability to see us through the handover.
Alternatively, it all comes together, we win the title and Wenger gets a new contract.!
08 Jul 2016 20:21:46
What worries me is that either way his fate has been decided. Obviously some not including myself. Have lost faith in him and don't seem behind him before the season has even started. Like we've already failed.
08 Jul 2016 21:05:35
I think Arsene has been and will continue to really try this summer to get atleast a striker and CB because he knows it's not only the very least we need bit also because he knows needs to convince Ozil and Sanchez to stick around 1 more season as losing either would increase the pressure on him and the team dramatically before a ball is even kicked.
Jamie vardys decision to decline our offer to join us show's our pulling power is not close to what it once was as I'm not sure he would have rejected Chelsea City or utd had they come calling, maybe he would have have but I doubt it.
We've got ourselves into a catch 22 situation as we can't break free from this also ran image without signing some very decent players but those decent players don't fancy top 4 chase without troubling the title winners and last 16 CL participation.
I think our image is of a club whos manager players and board are happy to just do enough to get into the champions league each and every season and lacking the genuine desire to be the best of the best and because of this we will only be able to get players with no better or even compatible option to join us.
08 Jul 2016 21:36:24
Well said Barn
We should of gone through manager change transition at least 5 years ago.
08 Jul 2016 21:50:42
D16,
I just find myself massively disappointed after last season, as Barn says the players we needed then are the players we need now.
It's seems every year we are linked with a player we need who at the time is within our grasp financially, we don't buy, they have a blinding season and we then have no hope of affording them.
It's like no player is good enough until they're to good.
I've been a huge supporter of Wenger and will still be 100% behind him but only because he is our manager no longer because I00% think he is going to do what it takes.
It pains me to say it mate.
08 Jul 2016 22:38:42
Stoner I cannot argue with that at all! I feel the same disappointment as everyone. We all know what we need and for some reason it doesn't happen I'm baffled to why. I just have a worrying feeling Arsene leaving might not change us for the better. Hopefully I'm wrong, is something else up other than Arsene being stubborn. Look at draxler we know he was watched a lot. Arsene admired him massively yet we didn't go in for him. Or anyone else last summer really. Why is that? Is he trying to save the money for the next boss? Are we not as well off as we think?
08 Jul 2016 22:38:57
What does everyone expect from Sunderland this season? Religation battle? I do.
What about Stoke? Mid table maybe a Europa league spot challenge?
What about Norwich? Promoted followed by religation after a couple of seasons at best?
I'm sure some of thier fans with extremely well tinted lenses in their frames will point out what Leicester did but the general consensus will be for those clubs to repeat what they always do.
If we remove our ultra Arsenal rose tinted specs what do other fans and more importantly potential signings see when they look at us?
09 Jul 2016 09:06:34
Exactly 62. If you always do what you always done, you will always get what you've always got.
We need to do what David Bowie does after swimming: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.
09 Jul 2016 09:23:32
All valid points from the above but I just can't back someone if I know they will deliver disappointment, how can that be right?