In the past few years I have heard countless pundits, radio shows, fans and past players who have lost faith in Arsene Wenger. These same fans who declared “in Arsene we trust” have now lost their trust. A team which once dominated the English game with skill, strength and spirit, now appears a shadow of its previous self. And people are now wondering, is Arsene’s time, and his project, finished? I have argued recently that perhaps Wenger's time as manager is over, however I would also argue that his project is only starting and that those who continue to believe will be vindicated.
Those doubters who are calling for his head are short termists who watch a game and make a judgement, a rash judgement from one occasion. A fan will tell me that it has been this way for a while now and that the mission of Wenger to create total football in England has failed. The truth is that the money from wealthy owners has destroyed the Arsenal model in the short term, enormous debt and astronomical wages have made the market for players inflated and has accelerated the development of teams such as Chelsea and Man City to the top without the hard work and guile that long term planning requires.
Have Arsenal failed? On current form, yes, in this world of 24 hour news, the impulsive need for immediate results and instant feedback then they are failing. My argument to this is that Barcelona wasn’t built in a day. Why bring up Barca? Because they resemble what Arsenal can be. They have used a philosophy for 20 years and stuck to it, they suffered ups and downs on the pitch and yet always with the belief that if they got it right at the youth level, then they could have a never ending stream of talent in the senior game which would be filled with local players allied with the top young talent from around Europe. 20 years? My god, that is certainly long term thinking and planning.
At Barcelona you see players that have been brought up on a way of playing and way of being and their values and play indicate this. Can you say that about Man City or Chelsea? Where is the philosophy, the togetherness or the long term development? What will happen at these clubs if the money is taken away by owners who lose interest in their "projects"?
The road to success if never easy, Arsenal are suffering a tough patch at this time yet continue to be up there. They refuse to burden the club with high wages and transfer fees and have lost real talent in the past two years. The team right now has a world class player in Van Persie and Sagna and potential stars in Ramsay, Wilshere, Chamberlain and Song. They suffered from an ongoing injury crisis for several years which has debilitated the team and prevented success. This season has the been the toughest yet for this club under Wenger, and they are still 4th in the league. If they can retain the services of Van Persie, Sagna and Vermaelan for next season they have a chance to challenge next year. What is needed is for fans to understand that a long term model is in place, Arsenal do not need their fans becoming impatient.
Wenger’s project has been in place for 15 years and believe me that there are players in the youth set up who will be world class. Jack Wilshere is the first to come through, a true mark of what they can produce. If we compare him to Xavi, then imagine what Wilshere will be and what he will have around him when he is 30? A steady stream of talented footballers, who have been brought up as a family together, with the philosophy and style of play that characterises the Arsenal way. Add this to emerging stars in Chamberlain, Miyachi, Frimpong, Szczesny, Kyle Bartley and Yennaris and the future does look good. When the Emirates is paid off and revenues are high then buying a world class player a year will be possible and having the youth mixed with experience world class talent will be a remedy for success much like Barcelona.
They have to be patient at Arsenal, patience is a virtue, yet many do not possess it, wanting things too quickly in this world. The current financial climate is toxic and they are being smart in order to maintain a healthy football club. They have been commended by Uefa for their financial model as it is viewed as the model for a sustainable future. The foundations are in place in order for this club to grow, in a healthy and sustainable fashion.
However, as for Wenger, as any architect will know, there is a time when the plans have been put in place and when their job is complete and this is the time when you have to move on and trust someone else to continue the job. Cryuff knew when to move on, to allow a new voice on the pitch yet he maintained control over the running and philosophy of the club. Wenger can do the same. Can many say they have shaped a club as much as Arsene has? His project will be evident for years to come. So Arsene, at the end of the season move on and hand the reigns over, be proud of what you have, and what you will have achieved.
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