Arsenal fan fears stoked by horrible link, here’s why I wouldn’t worry

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Hoffenheim's manager Julian Nagelsmann gestures during the Champions League qualifier, second leg match between Liverpool and Hoffenheim at Anfield stadium in Liverpool on August 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF        (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

Happy Sunday morning one and all!

I headed down to the stadium yesterday to pay my respects to the past, I’m gutted I won’t be there to wave the big man goodbye today at the West Ham game, I reckon it’ll be a bit of a party.

I’m pretty sure there won’t be empty seats in the ground for this one. Fans are gearing up for an emotional goodbye in the warm April sun. I hope it’s touching, I hope everyone goes all out for the ‘one Arsene Wenger’ and I hope he feels positive about the team’s reaction over the next few games.

A lot of managers are currently being linked as his replacement, and I think there’s inevitably going to be a lot of panic in the air around Gazidis and co making a shocking replacement. I’m not sure I’m so worried about that, this being the new optimistic Le Grove.

I think the signings that worry the fans the most are Luis Enrique, who did some great stuff at Barcelona but didn’t quite set the world alight like Pep G. There’s also the fear that any half competent manager with that side could win it all. I think his relationship with Raul makes him a candidate, I’m not sure his massive salary cap keeps him in the mix. But who knows…

The other manager people are worried about his Brendan Rodgers. He’ll be the plum choice for all the British tabs who think being British is some sort of achievement or skill. They’ll point to his record at Liverpool being good, and his stellar work at Celtic. Again, can’t have that. He bottled the league with Liverpool in horrendous fashion, then tanked the next year. Add to that he’s now manager at a club Phil Brown could dominate with.

The guy is also a cringe-machine. Sure, he’s not a bad coach, but is he really going to outthink Pep G? Is it really worth the club hiring a manager half the fanbase has zero interest in? Why would Ivan add pressure to his decision by bringing in a manager who will have the boo boys in at the first sniff of trouble? The same journos telling us he’s a great coach were the one’s telling Gooners to be careful what they wish for last year. Their opinion is null and void. I’ll be sending them cease and desists this afternoon.

Hopefully the CEO won’t go there, but there’s no doubt Brendy will be getting a phone call. I think the club have enough time to do their due diligence. I’d imagine he’ll shank the interview by talking about himself in the third person.

I’m still firmly of the belief that Ivan is going to have to make a compromise with the fans. He’ll want a manager who will fit into his carefully crafted infrastructure, that means plucking someone young from the tier 3 or tier 2 managers (see here for tiering info), but the fans will want a tier 1 manager. If he hires an Allegri or a Simeone, he’s going to have cede power to a reputation, if he hires in Arteta, Thierry or Paddy, he’s piling on risk, which is why I think he might land in the middle. Jardim is the perfect fit if you’re taking this logic.

I was wondering if Nagelsmann fits into tier 3 or 2. I think, given his experience taking Hoffenheim to the Champions League, he could sit in tier 2. He put on a big show yesterday against Ralph Hassenhutl in the race for top 4, he’s a tactical genius, he knows how to build out a defence, and he’d be a sexy balls-out signing. We also know Ivan loves a German coach after all the ferreting about there last season. A bit of a worry over whether a 31 year old can work with WC winners, but if the ideas are on point, who cares?

A friend did make an interesting point yesterday, that a clue of where Arsenal might head, could be anchored to the past. If the new manager is to gel, he’s going to have to have someone internally who can vouch for him, otherwise, it’s three totally new people working with another new person. That’s why Enrique is a contender. But we’ll see, certainly a very interesting point to consider.

At core, no decision has been made, so don’t get too worried that we’re talking to managers you don’t like. All you need to know is, whatever happens, it’s going to be more fun than watching Arsene Wenger’s brand of miserable football for another two years, and I’m convinced the club are going to do something big… no Koeman’s, Löw’s or Carlo’s (on the German, even if we wanted him, he’s at the World Cup until late July. He’s not a contender. Thank the lord).

Ivan has the chance to rock The Emirates with new and exciting brand of football. He has the chance to imprint his thinking on the club and make a true impact like he’s never been able to make before, and that’s damn exciting.

As exciting as Spurs dropping out of their 8th FA Cup semi-final in a row? As exciting as Pochetino talking about his team like he’s on the way out? Yes, as exciting as those things. Imagine if we pinched the Argentine as our next manager?! That’d be hilarious… what a coach he is!

Right, I’ll leave you to the game today, have fun, enjoy the moment, and remember good times are coming soon!

Also, check this video…

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grooveydaddy

1st

grooveydaddy

2nd

grooveydaddy

3rd

grooveydaddy

Tr4phy

grooveydaddy

Sweet!

I’m on a post-Wenger roll. Back to back Trophies 🙂

grooveydaddy

Pedro

Saw that video, when you posted it on Twitter earlier.

Without having watched much of Hoffenheim, that was my first, albeit rudimentary, insight into how he sets up his his team to play.

Definitely interesting!

Me

Considering that Gazidis stated on Friday that the process of replacement has not even begun yet you can safely assume that the managers being linked today are purely speculation.
A different board of directors all together but the same ethos remains within the club so therefore it would not surprise me that the choice is out of the blue and not expected – just like Arsene Wenger himself….
Interesting times…

Marko

It’ll be interesting where folk put the blame/accountability going forward now, I’ve a feeling there’s going to be a good number still harbouring Wenger fixations long after he’s left the building. Have to comment on this. I think barring a universally unpopular appointment whoever the new manager is will be given plenty of time and leeway with decisions. I think it’ll only be certain types who’ll keep mentioning Wenger others will mostly be excited by links to players and looking forward to the league campaign again. Now that he’s gone there’s no real focal point with regards to blame. We’ll… Read more »

Globalgunner

Enrique or Allegri or the psycho from Atletico, Simeone kicks ass

Dream10

It would.be so good if we played with two strikers next season.

Frankie Coffeecakes

“Now that he’s gone there’s no real focal point with regards to blame.”

Sure there absolutely is, Ivan Gazidis. Get it wrong and he will be hounded out worse than Wenger. Both sides of the Wenger equation need for this to ve right and its all on Ivan the Terrible now.

Bob N16

Second that Marko, onwards and upwards.

I must admit I don’t really know Jardim much but I love what he’s done at Monaco. Imagine if he could have kept all those players they’ve had to sell. Attacking, develops promising players. As he got a chance?

Akilan

Nagelsmann should be the choice, if we’re going to appoint a young manager to fit within the structure. Vieira himself said he isn’t ready. He should come to Europe first. Arteta, an unknown entity. There are questions over his leadership and mentality. Henry, just no. Tedesco is too defensive and has only 1 year of success at Schalke. Didn’t have the distractions of Europe and his team is comparatively better than hoffenheim.

Bamford10

Although we have a few good players, Wenger will not be leaving the new manager with a great squad. I think nearly everyone here agrees with this. But just how much work needs to be done this summer? Or to be more precise: how many first XI players need to be added this summer to give the new manager — regardless of who he is — a team that he should finish top four with? I’m of the view that the absolute bare minimum is four players, namely a GK, a CB, a LB, and a CM. Bare minimum. What… Read more »

Bob N16

Just read a Clough quote, under Wenger ‘Arsenal caress a football like I would have liked to caress Marilyn Monroe’. Clough, what a character!

Marko

Sure there absolutely is, Ivan Gazidis. Get it wrong and he will be hounded out worse than Wenger. Both sides of the Wenger equation need for this to ve right and its all on Ivan the Terrible now. Oh yeah if they get the appointment wrong that slimy bald twat is getting it but if the appointment is right there’s no focal point of hate. We’re still going to be working with decent budgets going forward. The likelihood of a summer with a meagre budget isn’t likely. Even if the new guy is given the same budget as Arsene they’re… Read more »

Bamford10

It’s a little early to be apportioning blame for theoretical future disappointments. But blame should always be assigned to whomever is responsible for that aspect of the enterprise. If the tactics are poor, or the team selection is poor, or if the motivation or mentality is poor, blame the manager. If the manager is poor, blame whoever hired the manager. If the squad is poor, blame whoever is responsible for building the squad. It’s not that complicated.

Ekpang Bisong

Back for the fourth

Ekpang Bisong

With Wenger Out we are aiming for above the fourth

Ekpang Bisong

May the fourth be with you

Ekpang Bisong

The fourth….. clean sweep

Wallace

Nagelsmann would be a big gamble. huge step from decent Bundesliga side to mixing it with the best coaches in the world. and younger than some of the players.

Frankie Coffeecakes

Correct Bamford, there are some solid pieces to work with, but quality in depth is terribly lacking. There are areas that need immediate help ( defense, goal, and midfield) and that is where they must start. Youth appears to be sufficient and now there might be hope that a good manager can also be a good teacher for them. I have said it many times, i remain very optimistic of the teams future. Their biggest obstacle is now removed.

Marko

Jardim’s my number one choice but any of Allegri. Nagelsmann or Marcelino I wouldn’t mind either. Was thinking about the lad at Leipzig being the most obvious Wenger like candidate as in Leipzig play good attacking football but my god can they be seriously suspect at the back so that’s a major no on him. Doubts about Enrique sure. Absolutely no to Vieira who’s not proven yet. Fuck no to Arteta he’s even less experienced and honestly should never have been an Arsenal player to begin with. No to Rodgers because I don’t think he’d do a good job long… Read more »

Akilan

Wallace,
The club is seriously considering Arteta, Vieira et al. Would gladly take Nagelsmann over them, IF we’re going youth.

If we want a name,then Allegri, Carlo, Luis in that order. Would’ve loved Simeone, but he ain’t coming.

Marko

Jardim is technically speaking the perfect candidate. Has done a good job at Monaco and before that Olympiakos. Has his teams well drilled playing good football but not too good football that would put a burden on the defence. He’s worked well with restrictions and perhaps even more important is he’s developed younger players well and isn’t afraid to give them a chance. Which ties in well with that values shite we love to talk about. He’s a good age too. I’d be very confident going forward with Jardim as manager

Leftsidesanch

Id like Allegri. We know how to score goals but I want someone who can drill the whole teams defensive shape. Make us harder to beat and difficult to score against.

Leftsidesanch

I’m still over the moon that we’re now having these kind of conversations.

Bamford10

Ekpang

Why do I think you are someone who has been here before and is back under a new name?

Regardless, to your point, we have to finish top four again before we set our sights upon the title, no? One thing at a time, yes? It’s going to take a year or two before we can talk about that, I would think.

Marko

Although we have a few good players, Wenger will not be leaving the new manager with a great squad. I think nearly everyone here agrees with this.

We need a whole new midfield and a whole new back 5. Bare minimum this summer two new starting defenders two new starting midfielders (one a proper DM) and a goalkeeper. We might be able to get by with the current fullbacks for one more year and I wouldn’t touch the attacking area until other areas are finally sorted out

Buckhurst Gun

What’s allegri’s English like ? I read somewhere he was taking lessons , only thing that kinda ruins it a bit – I think with where we are at the minute we need someone who can come in and get their ideas across plain and simple without the need for an interpreter – thoughts ?

Bamford10

Marko

You make a good case for Jardim. Have always liked him, but some of the specifics you cite are good ones.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Who lumped on Ronnie when he a# -4

Great snooker

Wallace

Bamford

“But blame should always be assigned to whomever is responsible for that aspect of the enterprise.”

or you could just eat it, and let whoever it is get on with things for a while?

Marko

I’m calling it the lad Pablo Maffeo is a top talent an excellent prospect at RB. On loan at Girona from Man City he’s had an excellent season. Wouldn’t be a bad shout for the future definitely better than Bellerin. Him and Ryan Sessegnon could be great signings for the future

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Any team news has he sprung any suprises

Marko

Another long overdue rest for Ozil I see. And taking a chance starting Lacazette and Welbeck with Atletico on the horizon. Rest Ozil but start the only two strikers who are eligible for Atletico. Very smart. It’s those kinds of decisions I’m going to miss Arsene

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

He’s never rewarded Eddie for the 2 goals against forest

Never will now

Marko

I’ll be honest the continually resting of Ozil is fucking infuriating to say the least. Especially when you look at Lacazette starting who’s just back from injury and Welbeck and Ramsey starting who have questionable fitness at the best of times. Getting the excuses ready I suppose

grooveydaddy

Why is PEA not starting?

Wenger being Wenger right til the bitter end, I suppose…

Frankie Coffeecakes

PEA not starting? Unless he’s carrying an injury, Wenger must be wanting to get his EL front line some playing time. Tactical wizardry on full display once again.

Frankie Coffeecakes

Gonna say it, end of season cant come soon enough for me. Wenger Out!

Bamford10

Wallace I’m the one who said that it was a bit early to be apportioning blame for theoretical future disappointments. So please save your “you could just eat it” for someone else. Further, while I am happy to leave old arguments in the past, I couldn’t help but notice your bogus straw-man on the last post, the one about people here expecting “repeated PL glories”. What nonsense. Most people here had perfectly realistic expectations for Arsenal, like contending for the title every few years and winning one or two in a decade. Wenger couldn’t manage this; indeed, he didn’t even… Read more »

Guns of Brixton

“I’d imagine he’ll shank the interview by talking about himself in the third person”

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Guns of Hackney

Poch isn’t a good coach and here’s why. He has won fuck all. Wenger, as terrible as he was…won FA Cups. The hype around Poch might be a bit ott. Bagelsmann might be a superstar but…there is no chance cunts like Iwobi and Wilshere are taking instructions from a 31 year old. But, hopefully those types are removed from the club ASAP. Let them go and play for Wimbledon. It is their level. Rodgers is a clown. Give it six months and the divs down at the Emirates will be calling for Wenger to come back. I still hope we… Read more »

steve

I love how the akb mongs are trying to change the narrative to “It was Wengers decision to leave” lolololol. He got sacked. Get over it.

gnarleygeorge9

Allegri, end of!

Wallace

Akilan

“The club is seriously considering Arteta, Vieira et al. Would gladly take Nagelsmann over them, IF we’re going youth.”

I’d say at least some experience of the demands of playing for/managing a big club would be desirable.

Guns of Hackney

Bit weird to have a sacked chap in charge for the remaining games. Why couldn’t Bould have taken over?

Not ruthless enough.

kc

It’s a day for celebration. Whether you’re celebrating Wenger’s long deserved sacking or celebrating the man’s phenomenal accomplishments. It’s a Great day to be a Gooner!

gnarleygeorge9

Allegri taking English lessons? The English don’t speak proper English, & as for the Jocks, subtitles are a requirement & look at the success of Old Red Nose.

And besides, very few English players are good enough for the Premier League, so the incoming manager may as well speak Australian, & That country is full of Italians, so Allegri fits.

Bamford10

Will be interesting to see what kind of form Welbeck displays today. He looked like a genuine footballer the last time out, but one never knows what one will get from him.

Wallace

Bamford

“Further, while I am happy to leave old arguments in the past, I couldn’t help but notice your bogus straw-man on the last post, the one about people here expecting “repeated PL glories”. What nonsense. ”

what I said…

“there are some posters genuinely seem to think Wenger was all that stood between us and repeated PL glory. boy, are they going to be some baffled motherf*ckers over the coming seasons.”

am I wrong?

Dissenter

Any good manager will break up this squad
The squad as no balance and is just plain average, bar 3-4 players.
We may not need to spend that much, just sell dross and buy young talent based in what the new manager wants.

Wallace

wow, that’s a far stronger eleven than I was expecting…

Guns of Hackney

Agree with Dissenter

Only 3/5 players moving forward.

This squad is full of shit. This will have to be a mass selling event and a mass recruitment drive.

Selling our shit should get us around £100m. Add that to the £200m we have and spend every penny.

Wenger and his horrible players need completely removing.

Dissenter

Tomas Tuchel already has a protege in Naigelsmann. Wenger really doesn’t have any protege, everyone keeps talking about his he’s “done so much for football” but I’m looking what’s he’s left behind. How do you spend 22 years in English football and we can’t find not even one assistant manager who’s worked under you go on to make a name for himself. He was an insular manager who embraced staleness and kept the same docile assistant around him for too long. Who is really Wenger’s protege? Any great manager should have at least 3-5 managers who learned their trade under… Read more »

Guns of Hackney

The new guy is taking over a mid table team. Anything is an improvement.

Would love to see Ozil moved on.

Dissenter

I’m told that Steve Bould is going to stay behind?

I don’t get that bit of business.
We need a clean break. Bould was just another iteration of the docile assistant that Wenger likes to surround himself with.

Clear them out, the lot of them.
We need assistant managers who are ambitious in an environment that allows ideas to be shared freely. They have to be prepared to stay for2-4 years before moving on to start their own careers.
The civil service assistant manager role is defective.

Wallace

Dissenter

“Any great manager should have at least 3-5 managers who learned their trade under him, all except Wenger.”

Cruyff, no doubt, others….?

Guns of Hackney

Bould was fucking useless.

No players except PEA, Lacazette and Niles would remain if I had the choice. And Lacazette is pushing it.

Dream10

Telefoot reported that Luis Enrique is the favourite with Vieira & Ancelotti being considered as well. Sanllehi, the new sporting director, prrviously hired Enrique at Barcelona.

Dissenter

Guns of Hackney
I wa just saying the same thing about Ozil yesterday.
I wish we had let Ozil leave in the summer. He’s a luxury player in the current environment and his wages willl prevent us from redressing the above market wages we are paying.
City don’t pay anyone more that 250k weekly.

Ozil’s contract is an albatross for someone who’s too one dimensional and needs so much “rest”.

Hopefully some of our players get offended that Wenger is leaving and pack their bags with him.

Bamford10

Wallace

Wenger IS all that stood between us and contending for titles and occasionally winning one.

Are you suggesting he wasn’t? If so, who or what was?

Or are you suggesting that some people here had unrealistic expectations,e.g., titles every other season?

If so, please tell us who here had those unrealistic expectations. I can’t think of anyone.

(BTW, it looks like we won’t be putting these arguments behind us, I guess.)

5am

Intereting that no-one’s mentioned Klopp….

Didn’t he say recently that he didn’t see himself at LFC long term?

Dissenter

Wallace
Guardiola is a a protege of Johan Cruyff, so is Lopetegui
Really, Cruyff did re-invent modern football, that’s an incontrovertible fact.

Wenger is not in Cruyff’s class at all.

Bamford10

I don’t know, but I kind of feel like someone should be able to come to Le Grove and post without being called a “maggot”. Especially if this person hasn’t insulted anyone else and is only expressing views that are pretty much the norm here on Le Grove.

Moray

Mert on the bench, shitting himself.

Guns of Hackney

Personally I’d flog Ozil for a song. I can’t see him being prepared to sit out the next three years in the reserves. £300k or not. I may be wrong.

I just don’t want to see anything or anyone hanging around Arsenal that shouldn’t be there.

I expect a 6-0 win today. For the hammers.

Guns of Hackney

Elneny. Disgusting little player. Out.

steve

Lol the cunts are already singing One Arsene Wenger. Embarrassing.

useroz

Ozil ill again ffs. Another 350k down the drain this week.

Guns of Hackney

I hear that. Singing for a manager you helped get the sack. Sums up the current Arsenal.

Hypocrisy.

Shame Wenger can’t take the fans with him.

useroz

Ramsey has no left foot. Missed a simple pass completely with outside right

tee

Marko

bBC says Ozil is ill while Cech has hip injury. get your facts right before moaning

Dream10

Lanzini not starting today. Quality player

Dissenter

Koschielny is probably going to leave this summer. He’s lost most of his recovery pace after all his injuries.

TR7

Ozil is recuperating from the shock of Wenger’s departure.

Bamford10

Mustafi is so poor.

Dissenter

Of course Ozil is “ill” . He’s probably chilling in Instanbul with his sweetie

useroz

Geez defence just got sliced thru. Lucky it’s WH and AM today…

Can Welbeck keep the ball and Monreal makes crosses past his markers?

Dissenter

Iwobi better get his agent making calls. A new manager isn’t going to give him these many changes.

Guns of Hackney

Oz ill

Lol. I am here twice a day on weekends.

Buckhurst Gun

Steve

Genuine question – Why are you watching the game ?

S Asoa

Bould has NOT been allowed freedom to perform and train by Le Grande Dictator. It is said above that Wenger is on manager who has been at a Club and managing 22 years and had no inspiration to train or inspire , any manager . This man does not know tactics, only politics so how will Wenger inspire any protege manager ?

Dissenter

I thought these players made a “pact” when they learned Wenger was leaving?

TR7

Our next manager will inherit a shit squad from Wenger.

PEA, Laca, Monreal – the only 3 players good enough for starting 11.

Marko

bBC says Ozil is ill while Cech has hip injury. get your facts right before moaning

Hilarious. Yeah I seen him the last time he was ill. Sniffles in Istanbul with the girlfriend was it.

Buckhurst Gun

The only ‘pact’ this lot made was to stay in touch when they’re all at their new clubs

Jasongms

So happy with the knowledge that this shite is coming to an end

useroz

Ramsey surging forward and Welbeck bloody dropped back rather than making a forward run ffs

Marko

It’d actually be unbelievable if Ramsey got injured in this game while Ozil was rested for this game

Dissenter

£220 million weekly wages for these pathetic lot???

Bamford10

Jesus, Iwobi. That is poor.

Dissenter

Iwobi needs to get his agent making calls. Wenger has been very generous towards him.

Marko

Classic Welbeck shoots about 15 yards wide. No way he survives under a new manager. No bloody way

useroz

Great shot Welbeck. Wot a shame it didn’t hit some legs enroute or it was a definite goal

Frankie Coffeecakes

The gift from Wenger that will keep on giving, Ozil! Signed the guy to save face and they are stuck with him. Sick as often as Ramsey is injured. What an absolute waste of money, could have paid for 4 decent players salaries with whats wasted on the Illzil.

Dissenter

Danny Welbeck with confidence is not such a good idea because he now thinks he’s a Griezmann.

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