Some very strange comments from Alexander Hleb to kick the day off. The Belarussian has been linked with a move away from the club all summer and stories this morning suggest he’s not going to be the most popular man in town.
My view of how I should be playing didn’t coincide with the manager’s. I told him last season I wanted to leave and think he was quite upset about it. I don’t know where I’ll be next season but I’d prefer Barcelona. It is being negotiated and, hopefully, will be decided soon.
Now, from what I’m told these quotes are simply a rehash of ones that were around a couple of weeks back. What’s happened is they were picked up by a Moscow agency yesterday, rejigged and sent to the papers. As for Barcelona there has hardly been a word about him in the Spanish press for ages and given the money Barcelona have already spent this summer I’d say there’s no chance of him going there now. Then, apparently, he’s had a go at Cesc, saying:
When we get scoring opportunities, Fabregas is much more selfish than me. Given a chance to shoot, he always goes for it — unlike me.
Now, I’m no big fan of Hleb but it’s easy to read that quote and take the negative view of it. We all love Cesc and anyone saying anything ‘bad’ about him makes us all protective. The fact is though that quote is absolutely right. Cesc is a bit more ‘selfish’ in front of goal, like any player who scores goals is, and to me it’s more to do with Hleb’s completely inadequate goalscoring record. Cesc’s ‘selfishness’ is productive. If he was saying ‘I don’t score as many goals because Fabregas never passes to me because he’s selfish’ then we’d have a problem. As it is it’s almost complimentary.
Anyway, I think it’s well known that Cesc and Hleb are good friends. Less than two weeks ago Cesc was talking about how incredible Hleb was as a footballer and that he hoped he’d stay at Arsenal so while it’s easy to interpret what Hleb reportedly said in a bad way I wouldn’t get too stressed by it because it seems to be media shit-stirring more than anything. But we do love a good drama, eh?!
As for Hleb leaving I think, if he really wants to leave, he’s going to have to accept that none of the big clubs really want him. As I said there’s no real interest from Barcelona any more, no Real Madrid, no Inter Milan, nobody. It was always a surprise to me that someone like Barcelona was interested in a player who is so unproductive and unless he cuts his cloth accordingly he may find himself in red and white next season. Sunderland!
Moving on to something more positive and Aaron Ramsey is an ambitious young man. His aim is to be part of the first team squad for the opening game against West Brom. The Welshling says:
I will try my best to get in the starting line-up at the beginning of the season against West Brom. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, one which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level. I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes there.
What’s interesting is that he admits to being a United fan when younger so to turn down the team you support to join a big rival is a good indiction of a young man with intelligence. You think about what you’d be like if United and Arsenal were after you. Would you be able to put aside the emotional attachment you had to the Gunners if United’s offer was the best one for you as a player? Good man, Aaron.
Not much else happening so how about a bit of a competition? The London Masters 6-a-side competition takes place on Saturday July 19th at Wembley Arena. Arsenal are obviously one of the teams involved and players confirmed so far are Ray Parlour, Gilles Grimandi and Vince Bartram. Others on the waiting to confirm list include Paul Merson, Perry Groves and Nigel Winterburn.
I’ve got 5 pairs of tickets to give away and all you have to do is answer the following question.
Under Arsene Wenger’s reign only two players have scored on their league debuts. Who are they?
Hah, not such an easy one this time around. As a clue one was in 1998, the other more recent. Answers via email please to [email protected]. The winners will be announced on Thursday morning. For more info visit the Masters Website.
Update: I shouldn’t have to add this but please make sure if you enter you can actually go to the tournament!
And there you go. Don’t forget the competition in this week’s Arsecast to win a copy of the Arsenal Stadium Mystery book as well. More tomorrow.
