Arsene Wenger - A Gem the Gunners should let go!
Many Arsenal fans have off late suggested that it is time for Arsene Wenger to step down.
Why?
They feel that he is only so good as to land Arsenal in the top four but not good enough for them to land a trophy.
At the outset it may seems as they have a very valid reason for frustration, but dig deeper and you will see that this man has the pedigree which hardly any (currently serving) coach has exhibited in the modern era of the game.
His Track Record at Arsenal:
Liverpool: Rank 2- Total no of League Trophies won in England.
In the last six years they have changed their coach four times! And even then they have managed to break into the top four only once!
Chelsea: One of the 4 big daddies besides United, Liverpool & Arsenal - In terms of Trophies won.
Have won the Premier League just once in the last Six years and changed their manager Six times in as many years!
Manchester City: One of the current Top Dogs in English football.
Have won the League twice since 1968 - and that too mainly after their new & rich owners splurged extraordinary sums of money on top players.
But that is a comparison only restricted to England.
How about rest of Europe, where other big clubs ply their trade?
Lets sample some biggies across the continent.
Barcelona: A household name in the modern era.
They have undoubtedly won left right and center over the last few years, but would anyone question that Messi has been the bedrock of the success? Sure may will fume at the suggestion that Messi has single-handedly won it all for the Blaugrana, but there is no denying that his individual genius may dwarf the collective genius of many many teams!
So should wen not then leave the Camp Nou outfit out of the consideration of whether a comparison can be made between the managers of the two teams?
[Pep's fans may loathe to read this, but,] As far as Guardiola is concerned, who many claim took Barcelona to the heights they have now scaled, he is undoubtedly a genius, but his mettle is untested in England so far, and as far as his success with his second club Bayern in concerned, his predecessor won the Champions League, whereas that trophy is elusive for him since he has taken charge!
Real Madrid: The most decorated team in Europe
They have won the La Liga just once since 2008 and changed their manager six time in that period!
Atletico Madrid: The team to be beaten in Spain besides the top 2 given above.
they may have won the La Liga just once since 1996. but their consistency in the last few seasons is definitely down to the fine line of managers. First Quique Sánchez Flores and then Diego Simeone. Simeone is one of the few managers highly coveted across Europe, and the one who landed that La Liga trophy after ages, and at a time when Messi & his charges looked unstoppable.
So a fair comparison to be pitted against Arsene Wenger.
Bayern Munich: The Bundesliga Champions for the last three seasons on the trot.
They may reign supreme in Germany, but then it is said that they wield so much monetary power in the league that they weaken their competitors by buying out their best players!
Now would we want to consider such a team for comparing their managers' skills?
Brussia Dormund: Another team to beat in Germany.
This is probably the only team in Europe that has consistently performed without:
(1) Monetary power OR (2) Changing their manager OR (3) Reliance on a single star player
So Jurgen Klopp, who led Dortmund to much of the glory it tasted, is by far one of the very few who can be pitted against Arsene.
Juventus: Current Champions of Serie A
They may have won four consecutive titles in Italy, but then it is said that the quality of Italian football cannot be compared with Spain, England and Germany - no reason Italy's UEFA co-efficient is lowest amongst the four. Also, when it comes to competing at the big stage, Juventus have not won in Europe since 1996!
But due credit to Antonio Conte, who led the charge in lifting Juventus to such glories, he can be a decent comparison for Mr. Wenger.
The Milan Duo - Inter & AC Milan: Both teams have failed to beat Juventus for the last five years!
Besides, both teams have had their fair share of managerial changes too!
PSG: The last top league in Europe, the french league dominated by PSG over the last few years, is probably down to the investment by their owners, who chalked up a team miles ahead of any other team in France. So do we need to talk about Managerial competency?
The above analysis makes it pretty clear so far that most top clubs that have thrived have had reasons beyond the managerial capabilities to lift them high and the only decent comparisons are:
(1) Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid,
(2) Jurgen Klopp of Brussia Dortmund, and
(3) Antonio Conte of Juventus.
But a closer look will suggest that these three also are far away from Wenger in terms of quality.
Tenure Served - The first and foremost point of comparison, Arsene has led the charge for the longest tenure and been consistent throughout - nearly two decades now!
The other three have had stints of around five years, which makes the comparison extremely difficult.
Competition in England - Most successful managers who have come to England have found it difficult - Take Jose Murinho or Jurgen Klopp for example, and you will see that even the best face heat to keep their team ticking high.
None of the three have experience in England, and any suggestion that they can fare well would only be a long short.
Is the League Win or staying in Champions League places important? - Ask Liverpool, then Manchester United and then Chelsea, how it feels to have managerial problems and also to not play in the Champions League! Not only is it a huge dent in the reputation, its a huge monetary loss too!
Agreed a League Trophy is a big prize, but then one year with trophy and the fear to live with 5 years thereafter without Champions league is a nightmare - getting the goosebumps already?
Splurging on players vs growing them and earning money for the club - Many would say, there is nothing wrong in buying players and there is no need to make money in football, its a game not a business. But then don't you think consistently competing at the topmost level and at the same time making money rather than splurging it is something that will earn you more goodwill in the long run?
Don't the Gunners' fans get to hold their heads high when talking to a Manchester City fan about winning without splurging and rather grooming world Stars? Think about it!
Play the beautiful game - Arsenal are known for their flowing football. Can this along with trophies and consistency be guaranteed by any other coach? Arsenal play a better brand of football than Simeone's rough Atletico, Klopp's counter attacking Dortmund or Conte's boring Juve!
The above descriptions of the other managers' styles may be stretched too far, but don't you agree Arsenal play one of the most attractive football, probably second only to Barcelona?
There are many more soft points, but the above I believe suffice to justify that Arsene is the right man for Arsenal and a true Arsenal fan would still say:
If you still don't agree, it is sad in my opinion.
Or should I say I am happy, for United, the club I support, should embrace the opportunity with open arms!
Many Arsenal fans have off late suggested that it is time for Arsene Wenger to step down.
Why?
They feel that he is only so good as to land Arsenal in the top four but not good enough for them to land a trophy.
At the outset it may seems as they have a very valid reason for frustration, but dig deeper and you will see that this man has the pedigree which hardly any (currently serving) coach has exhibited in the modern era of the game.
His Track Record at Arsenal:
- FA Premier League (3): 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04
- FA Cup (6): 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2014–15
- FA Community Shield (6): 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2015
The above statistics may throw light on why the french-man is been criticized - No League Trophy for more than a decade now!
But what they does not say is how has he compared to his counterparts across the world in the modern era of the game.
Lets sample a few clubs to get the point:
Manchester United: The most decorated club in the English top flight.
They probably had the best manager the game has seen, but he serves as a manager no more. So lets fast forward to the years post SAF.
David Moyes took charge from SAF and inherited a team that won the League the previous season. But before he could end a full season in charge, the results had taken a toll and United languished in mid table.
Liverpool: Rank 2- Total no of League Trophies won in England.
In the last six years they have changed their coach four times! And even then they have managed to break into the top four only once!
Chelsea: One of the 4 big daddies besides United, Liverpool & Arsenal - In terms of Trophies won.
Have won the Premier League just once in the last Six years and changed their manager Six times in as many years!
Manchester City: One of the current Top Dogs in English football.
Have won the League twice since 1968 - and that too mainly after their new & rich owners splurged extraordinary sums of money on top players.
But that is a comparison only restricted to England.
How about rest of Europe, where other big clubs ply their trade?
Lets sample some biggies across the continent.
Barcelona: A household name in the modern era.
They have undoubtedly won left right and center over the last few years, but would anyone question that Messi has been the bedrock of the success? Sure may will fume at the suggestion that Messi has single-handedly won it all for the Blaugrana, but there is no denying that his individual genius may dwarf the collective genius of many many teams!
So should wen not then leave the Camp Nou outfit out of the consideration of whether a comparison can be made between the managers of the two teams?
[Pep's fans may loathe to read this, but,] As far as Guardiola is concerned, who many claim took Barcelona to the heights they have now scaled, he is undoubtedly a genius, but his mettle is untested in England so far, and as far as his success with his second club Bayern in concerned, his predecessor won the Champions League, whereas that trophy is elusive for him since he has taken charge!
Real Madrid: The most decorated team in Europe
They have won the La Liga just once since 2008 and changed their manager six time in that period!
Atletico Madrid: The team to be beaten in Spain besides the top 2 given above.
they may have won the La Liga just once since 1996. but their consistency in the last few seasons is definitely down to the fine line of managers. First Quique Sánchez Flores and then Diego Simeone. Simeone is one of the few managers highly coveted across Europe, and the one who landed that La Liga trophy after ages, and at a time when Messi & his charges looked unstoppable.
So a fair comparison to be pitted against Arsene Wenger.
Bayern Munich: The Bundesliga Champions for the last three seasons on the trot.
They may reign supreme in Germany, but then it is said that they wield so much monetary power in the league that they weaken their competitors by buying out their best players!
Now would we want to consider such a team for comparing their managers' skills?
Brussia Dormund: Another team to beat in Germany.
This is probably the only team in Europe that has consistently performed without:
(1) Monetary power OR (2) Changing their manager OR (3) Reliance on a single star player
So Jurgen Klopp, who led Dortmund to much of the glory it tasted, is by far one of the very few who can be pitted against Arsene.
Juventus: Current Champions of Serie A
They may have won four consecutive titles in Italy, but then it is said that the quality of Italian football cannot be compared with Spain, England and Germany - no reason Italy's UEFA co-efficient is lowest amongst the four. Also, when it comes to competing at the big stage, Juventus have not won in Europe since 1996!
But due credit to Antonio Conte, who led the charge in lifting Juventus to such glories, he can be a decent comparison for Mr. Wenger.
The Milan Duo - Inter & AC Milan: Both teams have failed to beat Juventus for the last five years!
Besides, both teams have had their fair share of managerial changes too!
PSG: The last top league in Europe, the french league dominated by PSG over the last few years, is probably down to the investment by their owners, who chalked up a team miles ahead of any other team in France. So do we need to talk about Managerial competency?
The above analysis makes it pretty clear so far that most top clubs that have thrived have had reasons beyond the managerial capabilities to lift them high and the only decent comparisons are:
(1) Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid,
(2) Jurgen Klopp of Brussia Dortmund, and
(3) Antonio Conte of Juventus.
But a closer look will suggest that these three also are far away from Wenger in terms of quality.
Tenure Served - The first and foremost point of comparison, Arsene has led the charge for the longest tenure and been consistent throughout - nearly two decades now!
The other three have had stints of around five years, which makes the comparison extremely difficult.
Competition in England - Most successful managers who have come to England have found it difficult - Take Jose Murinho or Jurgen Klopp for example, and you will see that even the best face heat to keep their team ticking high.
None of the three have experience in England, and any suggestion that they can fare well would only be a long short.
Is the League Win or staying in Champions League places important? - Ask Liverpool, then Manchester United and then Chelsea, how it feels to have managerial problems and also to not play in the Champions League! Not only is it a huge dent in the reputation, its a huge monetary loss too!
Agreed a League Trophy is a big prize, but then one year with trophy and the fear to live with 5 years thereafter without Champions league is a nightmare - getting the goosebumps already?
Splurging on players vs growing them and earning money for the club - Many would say, there is nothing wrong in buying players and there is no need to make money in football, its a game not a business. But then don't you think consistently competing at the topmost level and at the same time making money rather than splurging it is something that will earn you more goodwill in the long run?
Don't the Gunners' fans get to hold their heads high when talking to a Manchester City fan about winning without splurging and rather grooming world Stars? Think about it!
Play the beautiful game - Arsenal are known for their flowing football. Can this along with trophies and consistency be guaranteed by any other coach? Arsenal play a better brand of football than Simeone's rough Atletico, Klopp's counter attacking Dortmund or Conte's boring Juve!
The above descriptions of the other managers' styles may be stretched too far, but don't you agree Arsenal play one of the most attractive football, probably second only to Barcelona?
There are many more soft points, but the above I believe suffice to justify that Arsene is the right man for Arsenal and a true Arsenal fan would still say:
If you still don't agree, it is sad in my opinion.
Or should I say I am happy, for United, the club I support, should embrace the opportunity with open arms!
