august 30th
10.46 – So Arsenal take on Man City tomorrow and it’s going to be strange seeing David Seaman in goal for another team. Arsene Wenger is worried that Arsenal’s players might get confused and think ‘I can’t shoot at our goalkeeper.’
He spoke about Seaman’s decision to move on this summer saying, “I wanted David to become our new goalkeeping coach and stay as back-up. I was disappointed when he decided to leave but completely understood his decision to play on.”
Still, there’s no room for sentiment in this game. As much as the players will enjoy meeting up with a team-mate and a good friend tomorrow, they’ve got a job to do. As with any game we play, I hope the opposition keeper has a nightmare and lets in 5 or 6. Sorry Seamo, the rest of your season can go swimmingly, just not tomorrow.
So far Seaman’s replacement Jens Lehmann has gone pretty well, without having had too much to do at any time. There’s a pretty good interview with him in the Telegraph and he seems to have settled in well. He did have a reputation for being a bit of a spikey character, but he’s found peace and love with his fellow goalkeepers at Arsenal. He says “It’s very nice here with the other goalkeepers. In Germany, I didn’t talk for half a year with the other goalkeeper because he attacked me in the newspaper after one game and said nasty things about me. Here it is a very good atmosphere with Stuart, Stacky and Rami.”
Kevin Keegan on Arsenal – “They are arguably the most exciting team next to Brazil.”
David Lacey – The best player in the world is wearing Arsenal’s colours. Arsenal yesterday announced the signing of two young strikers. American Daniel Karbassiyoon joins on a permanent deal, while Czech Michal Popadopulos joins on loan. Check out Karbassiyoon’s hair. Mental.
The lovely people at Shortbooks, publishers of the new Arsene Wenger biography by Jasper Rees, sent me some copies of the book, so I’m reading one which I’ll review as soon as I’m finished. I’ll also have 2 copies to give away in some kind of competition, so watch out for that next week.
You’ll notice that the ‘arses’ aren’t working today, due to a server failure at YACCS. Beyond my control I’m afraid, hopefully it’ll be sorted out soon. Of course, you know who’s really to blame, don’t you?
Till tomorrow.
