It was 10 years ago today that Arsene Who took over at Arsenal. We are all expecting Cruyff and then AW was announced. I’d wager 99.9% of us were scratching our heads wondering exactly who he was. ‘Blimey!’, I thought, ‘this is a right flipping turn up for the books!’. I was not as sweary back then, you see.
European coaches in England were non-existent and without wuch widespread coverage of European football on TV and internet the rofile of foreign coaches was not as high as it is now when every Tom, Dick and Harry knows about your Capellos, Hiddinks and Swedish conmen.
There’s not much point in me listing the things he’s done for the club. You all know as well as I do what he’s achieved and the things he’s changed. You just have to read what the players say about him to appreciate his impact:
Lee Dixon – Arsene has undoubtedly been one of the biggest influences on the modern-day Premiership. It was an absolute pleasure to play under him.
Freddie Ljungberg – He is a great coach, that is the best way to describe him.
Cesc Fabregas – I will always say nice and positive things about Arsene Wenger because he has been the most important and influential person in my career.
Thierry Henry – He is unique. Arsene has changed the view people have of the club.
And how can you argue with them? Happy anniversary, Arsene. Thanks for everything.
In a quick round up of the other stories Cesc feels the way we play football is suited to Europe and that he feels more comfortable playing in a 4-3-3 formation.
Bob Wilson feels Jens Lehmann should get more protection from referees and Theo Walcott’s agent said they turned down more money from Chelsea so that Theo could join Arsenal and play under Arsene Wenger, saying:
We chose Arsenal because I’ve never met a more genuine and decent man than Arsene.
See, even agents like him!
Right, that’s that for today. Till tomorrow.
